Jifora restaurant: The secret luxury spot transforming Eastleigh's dining scene

If you had told me a few months ago that I would find a slice of Dubai luxury tucked away inside Eastleigh’s BBS Mall, I might have laughed it off. But that is exactly what I stumbled upon at Jifora.

Located on the lower ground floor, Jifora feels like a portal to another world – one where elegance, comfort, and hospitality blend effortlessly. From the moment I was welcomed by the two charming owners, it became clear this was no ordinary Eastleigh eatery.

Imagine this, a restaurant of such scale and sophistication, situated in the heart of BBS Mall, not owned by a powerful family business or spearheaded by a prominent male entrepreneur, but envisioned and run by two women.

In Eastleigh, where most upscale restaurants are family-owned or male-dominated, Jifora stands out, not just in its elegance, but in its leadership. Co-founders Fawzia and Jiko have not just opened a dining space; they have built a statement. A bold one.

“When we started, some people told us it wouldn’t work, ‘Eastleigh isn’t ready for this kind of restaurant, especially not led by women,’ they said,” recalls Jiko.

“But we believed in our vision. We knew what we wanted to create: something elegant, peaceful, and intentional.”

Every detail, from the plush pink velvet benches to the gentle soundtrack of flowing water, has been carefully curated. There is no noise, no clutter, just calm, soft lighting, and the feeling that you have entered a world designed to breathe life into you.

“This is not just about food. It’s about how you feel when you walk in,” says Jiko.

“We wanted people, especially women, to have a place where they feel seen, safe, and respected. But it’s not only for women. Jifora is for everyone. Look around. Men, families, professionals, and even visitors from outside the community are here. We wanted to create something that belongs to Eastleigh, but also speaks beyond it.”

Indeed, the energy inside Jifora is different. It’s feminine, but not fragile. It’s soft, yet assertive. And you can feel it, in the graceful layout, the quality of service, and in the subtle strength of its design.

Jifora is more than a restaurant. It is a quiet revolution.

A woman-led space that shifts the narrative in Eastleigh’s male-driven hospitality scene, while embracing everyone who walks through its arched golden doors.

Dubai-inspired luxury, Nairobi grounded

As Jiko revealed during our private tour, Jifora officially opened its doors in November 2023 with a clear and unapologetic ambition: to bring Dubai-style luxury to Nairobi. And not just in name, but in feel, finish, and finesse.

From the moment you step off the escalator and descend into the lower ground floor of BBS Mall, reality begins to melt away, the chaos of the city fades. The lighting softens, and then, like a well-kept secret, Jifora reveals itself, a gleaming oasis carved with intention and care.



Here, luxury is not loud; it is layered.

The first thing that greets you is a striking black metallic wall, curving into a grand archway that frames the entrance like the gateway to the centre of the show, the open lounge.

The space opens up slowly, like a reveal, not rushed, but deliberate. Every curve of the architecture flows seamlessly into the next, guiding your eyes across a room designed to be both opulent and calming.

Inside, it is a symphony of textures: white walls, plush seating in blush pink velvet, deep emerald green, and rich brown leather wrap around you like a gentle embrace, inviting you to sink in and stay.

Overhead, golden light spills softly across the space, glinting off marble tabletops so flawlessly polished they catch reflections like still water.

Around you, cascading greenery drapes from above, weaving a sense of serenity into the air, fresh, alive, and grounding amid the elegance.

And that lights, oh, the lights are not just functional, they are sculpted.

Strategically placed fixtures bathe the space in a soft, amber glow, casting elegant shadows that dance gently.

It feels like twilight indoors, romantic, intimate, otherworldly.

No element is accidental; each papyrus wall hanging, the Ethiopian/ Somali bun station, each carved wooden accent, each vase, each glinting gold detail speaks to a wider story, one that blends Somali heritage with global sophistication.

The centrepiece? A magnificent circular bench upholstered in emerald-green velvet, poised like a sculptural gem at the heart of the room. Elegantly segmented into three arcs, it offers intimate nooks of privacy while still embracing a sense of togetherness, each curve framed with additional chairs that encourage conversation and connection.

The floors gleam underfoot, and the air hums with the soothing sound of water, a subtle fountain tucked discreetly in a corner, calming the senses like a whisper in a five-star spa. The scent of fresh cardamom tea floats lightly in the air.

Even the chairs, and yes, at Jifora, the chairs deserve a paragraph, are designed for both elegance and posture. No creaky plastics or utilitarian seating here!

These are statement pieces: rich in texture, heavy in structure, designed to cradle you as you dine, lounge or linger.

Whether you have come for a long, leisurely lunch, a quiet moment in the serene women-only lounge, or a private dinner in their VIP glass-enclosed room, Jifora does not simply serve food.

It serves atmosphere. Mood. Memory.

It is not just Eastleigh’s answer to Dubai. It is a love letter to what happens when women reimagine space with power, purpose and polish.

At the heart of it all stands the signature Jifora signage in bold black and gold, with a glowing flame motif embedded in the letter “i”. It is more than branding – it is a declaration of identity, luxury, and intent.



Dining with dignitaries

It is easy to imagine high-profile guests relaxing in such a setting.

Indeed, Jifora has already hosted esteemed figures such as the French Ambassador to Kenya, the Prime Minister of Somalia, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan, and the Eastleigh Business Community Chairman, Haji Ahmed Yare.

"The name Jifora was inspired by someone special to us," Fawzia explained warmly.

"But beyond the name, we wanted Jifora to fill a gap – a place where everyone, from business leaders to families, could experience comfort and luxury."

Quiet luxury, defined

Luxury at Jifora is understated. It hums quietly in the background. It is not just in the gold accents or marble tables but in the seamless layout, hidden kitchen, and meticulous hygiene standards.

The staff, a diverse team of Somali and Kenyan men and women, exemplify professionalism.

Waiters don crisp uniforms, hairnets, and aprons, each role clearly defined.

During my visit, I was warmly attended to by Millicent, a Kenyan waitress fluent in Somali, and later by Ahmed, who effortlessly switched between Somali and Swahili.

Their presence added to the restaurant’s unique sense of inclusivity and high service standards.

Fawzia is unwavering when it comes to authenticity. She proudly shared that every member of the Jifora team speaks at least three languages, a reflection not just of Eastleigh’s diversity, but of the restaurant’s intentional inclusivity.

“When you dine here, it should feel like home, not like you’re eating generic restaurant food,” she said.

“That’s why we hire chefs who understand the dishes on a deeper level, not just the recipes, but the heritage. They, plus the waiters and waitresses, also need to communicate with guests from all backgrounds.”

Take their Ethiopian offerings, for instance. They are crafted by a chef who was raised on those very flavours, someone who does not just cook the food but carries its story.

This commitment to cultural integrity means every plate served at Jifora is not just delicious, but meaningful.

Food review: A symphony of flavours

Jifora’s menu reads like a global culinary passport.

While the Somali Corner honours traditional favourites such as camel and goat meat, the wider menu ventures confidently into Swahili, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Arabian, and continental dishes.

I settled on the Aroosto, a signature Somali dish that arrived as a visual feast before I even took a bite.

Presented in a graceful boat-shaped platter, the meal was a carefully composed display of colour, texture, and aroma. At the heart of it, the goat meat stood out, deep, caramelised brown, glistening in the warm golden light.

Each piece looked fall-apart tender, and the sweet, slow-cooked onions wrapped around it like silk. Vibrant slices of green hoho added a fresh pop of colour, their brightness playing beautifully against the rich tones of the meat.

The goat soup, served in a separate bowl, was thick and deeply aromatic, with cumin weaving through every spoonful. It was not just hearty, it was comforting in a way that lingered.

On the side, masala fries brought a satisfying crunch and a playful kick of spice, while a mound of soft, fluffy rice helped mellow and balance the stronger flavours.

But it was the kachumbari and salad salad that truly lifted the dish, a bright, refreshing mix of finely shredded purple and green cabbage, carrot, cucumber, and coriander, all lightly tossed and topped with a creamy mayonnaise drizzle. It added both texture and freshness, cutting through the richness of the platter and bringing everything together.

Every element felt intentional, bold, yet balanced, and served not just to satisfy, but to delight.

To accompany the meal, I went with a Blueberry Colada, a choice I had not planned on, but one that Ahmed, the barista, passionately recommended. I’m glad he did.



When Millicent brought it over, I was momentarily stunned. Everyone from the restaurant looked at the drink as it landed on my table. It was served in an elegantly ribbed glass, and the drink looked like a tropical work of art.

A lime carved into the shape of a flower perched on the rim, flanked by two neatly quartered pineapple slices, a strawberry and a grape were delicately skewered on top, crowning the drink with a pop of colour and charm.

Inside, soft layers of creamy white and dusky blueberry swirled together like a sunset at sea.

The first sip was electric, light, tropical, and indulgently smooth.

The fusion of blueberry, pineapple, and coconut was bright and refreshing, with just enough creaminess to feel luxurious without being heavy. It danced beautifully with the bold, spiced warmth of the Aroosto, lifting the palate and rounding out the entire experience.

Together, they did not just complement each other; they elevated each other.

The Aroosto was priced at Sh3,500, and rightfully so. From the generous portions to the thoughtful layering of flavour and texture, every element felt intentional and indulgent.

I could not finish it all, so I carried some home.

When my friends tasted it later, their reaction said it all; they were floored.

“Where is this place again?” one of them asked between bites.

This was not just leftovers. It was a dish that held its magic long after the meal, a true symphony of flavour.

Inclusive spaces: Female-only and VIP areas

I had sat in the newly opened female-only section, just below the escalator, when I enjoyed my meal at Jifora.

The space exuded a unique charm, with soft pink velvet seating that embraced you in warmth and intimacy. The atmosphere was both playful and serene, perfect for families, but also catering to anyone seeking a private, calm dining experience.

“We designed this space to offer women, particularly Muslim women, a place of comfort and privacy, but it’s not exclusive. We welcome everyone, and that’s why we’ve made sure to have different seating options to cater to all guests.” Fawzia explained.

As I sat in this intimate yet inviting section, I noticed how it felt like a cosy sanctuary, an escape from the busy world outside. Though it was designed with women in mind, a few men also sat in the area, appreciating the peaceful environment.

“It’s a versatile space,” Fawzia continued.

“We wanted to offer something special for those who value privacy and comfort, but it’s for everyone to enjoy.”

It was the perfect setting to enjoy my meal, adding to the overall experience. The soft, glowing lighting around the restaurant, combined with the subtle hum of the mall, created a serene ambience that made me feel like I was in a world of my own.

Whether you are here for the food, the ambience, or the exceptional service, Jifora redefines luxury dining in Eastleigh.

For those seeking even more exclusivity, Jifora offers a glass-enclosed VIP room, an opulent space designed for intimate gatherings or high-profile business meetings. The room is plush and sophisticated, offering a level of privacy that elevates the dining experience.



Fawzia shared, “The VIP room was designed for those who want a more tailored, private experience. It’s a space for important conversations, celebrations, or anyone who just wants to enjoy their meal in a more secluded, luxurious environment.” She added,

“This is also where dignitaries sit when they visit, like I mentioned, it’s a space that offers both comfort and discretion.”

When you step into this space, the world outside feels distant, and the soft, golden glow of the room creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and calm. It has doors for added privacy, and it is the kind of setting where you could host a private event or enjoy a quiet meal away from the main dining area, all while being surrounded by impeccable style and comfort.

As night falls, the restaurant transforms once again.

The soft mall lighting mixed with Jifora’s warm glow creates a dreamlike environment, where greenery and polished marble catch the light in ways that make you forget you are even inside a mall.

The umbrella shades above some tables, the cascading plants, the wooden wall art, and the papyrus décor it is a photographer's dream, and indeed, many diners could not help but snap a few selfies.



The road ahead

Fawzia and Jiko’s ambitions do not stop in Eastleigh.

Their vision for Jifora is bold and expansive, aiming to bring this luxurious dining experience to all corners of East Africa and beyond.

“Our dream,” Fawzia shared, her voice full of determination, “is to open more Jifora branches across East Africa — and even beyond.”

The excitement in her eyes was palpable as she spoke of the future.

“We want to create a space that not only offers exceptional food and service but also fosters community, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. Jifora is more than just a restaurant; it’s a lifestyle.”



“We’re looking at more locations in Kenya, and we have two upcoming branches coming in this year. Beyond Kenya, we hope to reach Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda... and even beyond.”

The vision is not just about expansion; it is about spreading a culture of refined dining, where guests can immerse themselves in luxury while feeling at home, wherever they may be.

If the flagship location at BBS Mall is anything to go by, it is clear that Jifora is on a remarkable trajectory.

The level of attention to detail, the exceptional service, and the carefully curated dining experience are all markers of a brand that is ready to make its mark on the region.

Fawzia’s confidence is infectious: “We’re just getting started. Jifora is going to be a household name in luxury dining, and we’re here to stay.”

With such an ambitious roadmap, it is only a matter of time before Jifora becomes a beloved name, not just in Eastleigh but across East Africa and beyond.