Being the land of a thousand hills, it’s not the most difficult thing in the world to find a restaurant with a view, at least over a couple of hills. For the ultimate Kigali view, however, there are a few places that will satisfy even the pickiest customer and New Cactus is definitely one of them. One of the oldest restaurants in Kigali, this charming place also offers a relaxed atmosphere, and a sensibly priced and tasteful menu.
Yes, I was confused as well, the first time I set foot in this restaurant (both named after and decorated with cactus) I expected to find nachos and burritos on the menu, but instead found Italian dishes. Despite the initial confusion, however, the menu turned out to be both original and tasty, so I soon forgave the misleading name. In addition to pizza and pasta (of which the lasagna is a must-try!), they also have several fish and meat dishes, as well as really awesome desserts. Yummy!
Another strong point on the menu is the choice of salads – albeit completely misleading as well! The Cæsar salad, for instance, has neither parmesan nor the authentic dressing, but instead a bunch of blue cheese, boiled egg and bacon bits.
Though at times slow, the service is generally good, with an attentive and smiling staff (especially one waitress who I always am lucky enough to get assigned to my table.) It also seems they have learned the menu, and can in most cases answer your questions about the dishes.
As mentioned above, the view alone is reason enough visit New Cactus. I highly recommend coming here for brunch/lunch, find a spot in one of the cushioned chairs in the garden, and enjoy a glass of rosé wine. The half carafes here are only Rwf 5,800 (disputably the cheapest in Kigali) so it wont cost you too much either. Not that price should be an issue when tending to your soul’s needs…
All in all New Cactus is a tranquil place with cute surroundings and magnificent views. While some of the food dishes still have room for improvement, I’m totally in love with this place and hope ‘rosé brunch’ becomes a point on everyone’s schedule before too long.
Hours: 12 noon – 2pm & 6pm – 10:30pm, Daily
Phone: (+250) 572 572 / (+250) 0867 8798
two words . . . rose brunch
I agree… this place makes a fantastic spot to enjoy the view with an affordable glass of wine in hand. The pizzas are good (but not as good as my beloved Sol e Luna) but they’re a bit expensive when compared to other Italian places.
I disagree… my homemade lasagna is much better than the one I had there recently. Don’t get me wrong I love this place, probably my favourite in Kigali. The pizzas are ok, the meat dishes are very good although expensive when you see the portions you actually get. They do some nice fried puff pastry filled with goat cheese and lardons drizzled with honey, very good! Service is good when you manage to get the attention of the waiters. They also do some fondue which I have yet to try.
Very dissapointed with New Cactus last night. They had more guests than usual but thats not an excuse. I probably had the most tasteless pizza ever and the fish dish was a joke too.
I’ve been to New Cactus two times now. The penne with ham and cream was not what I expected. The sauce was runny and there was no flavor except for saltiness. My boyfriend and his friend got a steak (grilled) and both were overjoyed! We shared two plates of the garlic baguette and I have to say – it’s one of the best I’ve tasted so far!
The second time, I ordered the Feta Pizza with the addition of hot sausage, which turned out to be great! Though next time I am going to omit the meat. For the price, it was not huge, but enough for me to take back left overs for a pizza breakfast! Dessert was Vanilla and Chocolate ice-cream with chocolate sauce. The chocolate ice-cream was divine, the vanilla flavor not up my alley.
But both the times, we had very attentive and friendly waitstaff. The place looks cozy in the night (I am yet to try it for brunch) and it is definitely my #1 place to go for dinner.
Do your best to get there on a sunny afternoon as the view over the city is fantastic. I think they close at about 2:30pm for a few hours though so be sure to get there early.
Their chocolate mousse is seriously yummy too.
I made it for the first time today. The food was good. I enjoyed the caprese salad. The mozzarella tasted Italian, but the carrot shavings were a surprise. The main was a beef brochette that had big juicy pieces and was cooked exactly “a point” as requested.
The atmosphere is good, but I don’t agree with Inga about the view. I didn’t think that it was anything special.