This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On a recent visit to Nairobi, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in the heart of the city - Valley Arcade. This bustling neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, but one spot that truly stands out is La Salumeria.
Located in Valley Arcade, along Gitanga Road, La Salumeria has been a favorite of mine for 20 years. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, and its Italian cuisine is simply excellent.
According to owner and manager Davide Buranello, a salumeria is a place that sells salumi - especially Italian cold cuts of meat and other deli products. I was impressed by the taste and softness of the Parma ham served in the antipasto, and I asked Davide where he gets it from.
He told me that it is from Flavio Trali, who has the New Italycor shop just round the corner of the Dhanjay Apartments. I decided to visit Flavio's shop and was impressed by the variety of Italian goodies on offer, including cold cuts, cheeses, pasta, and fine Italian wines.
After visiting Flavio's shop, I headed to ArenaOne, a popular spot for five-a-side football and outdoor climbing. The rules are clear: no fighting, no alcohol, no smoking, and no drugs. ArenaOne promises a family-friendly environment, and its website is a great resource for information on prices and schedules.
Prices for five-a-side football are Sh4,000 per hour per group, or Sh2,500 at weekends. The climbing tower costs Sh700. After a game of football, I stopped for a cappuccino at Gyros 2 Go, a little cafe alongside ArenaOne. Its specialty is a wide variety of wraps, including gluten-free options.
La Salumeria's menu is much more eclectic than a deli, with imaginatively topped pizzas, beef steaks, lamb chops, chicken breasts, and many vegetarian specialities. The desserts are tempting, too, with yummy reviewers speaking well of the Tiramisu.
La Salumeria is not just a restaurant - it's a destination. In a few months, Davide will be opening a wine bar next door in the Dhanjay Apartments, making the backyard of Valley Arcade an even more attractive spot.
