Reviewed by The Eye

In the heart of Jinja town, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria is a quaint little Tex-Mex (Mexican) Restaurant called Orilla del Lago and I am told by the Owner Surjit Bharj that it is one of the few Mexican Restaurant in East Africa.

I was in Jinja with my son and my husband’s cousin for a few hours while my husband attended a work function so we stopped in at Orilla del Lago to sample their Mexican cuisine. I’m pleased we did as the entire eating experience was an absolute pleasure.

Orilla Del Lago is located at the Palm Tree Guesthouse so there is a very homely feel to the place. We were warmly greeted by the staff of Orilla Del Lago on arrival and shown to our table. We ordered our drinks and while we waited we had a look at the menu which has been written down on a black board which is conveniently placed so that you can see it from all angles in the restaurant.

We ordered from the al la carte menu as Siza, our waiter, informed us that we would be served tortillas chips and salsa to start the meal. You can order a starter of your own choice if you feel the need but we found the tortillas chips and salsa to be plentiful and really tasty.
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Our second course consisted of beef nachos, vegetable fajita’s and beef fajitas respectively. Each meal comes with refried beans, rice, salsa and a plate of either vegetables or beef and the average main meal will set you back a mere 10,000 – 13,000/=. Orilla Del Lago uses only the freshest ingredients in all of its dishes. As well as the Mexican cuisine you have the option of ordering the lemon butter fish which is perennial favourite and a dish that will have you wanting to return to Jinja for more.

We didn’t think we would have enough space left for desserts as the portions that you get at Orilla Del Lago are big, but somehow we found the space and ordered two desserts from the menu. The one dessert order was the sopapillas (pancakes) with cinnamon and dripping in honey which arrived at the table hot – they were absolutely delicious and we devoured them as quick as a flash. The other dessert was the banana crepes with ice cream and I am told that they were mouth-wateringly delicious.

The service at Orilla del Lago is outstanding so you never feel like you have to summon the waiter over as they are always nearby and eager to serve at a moments notice. The whole experience was fantastic and the next time we’re in Jinja Orilla del Lago is where we’ll be heading.

For more info contact:
Orilla del Lago at the Palm Tree Guesthouse
Tel: +256 (0)772 500400. Tel: +256 (0) 772 544199.
Email: palmtreejinja@yahoo.com
Address: Plot 24 Kisinja Road, Jinja - Uganda