We were shown to our table which was positioned in the corner of the restaurant where we had a lovely evening view of the hotel gardens and water feature below. There is a gorgeous open air terrace with panoramic views of the city centre but we chose to sit inside instead - we decided to dine on the terrace on another occasion.

Seated, we were presented with hot pleasantly smelling towels to freshen up along with the Pearl of Africa’s extensive wine list (it’s hard to decide which wine to drink with so much of a choice). We ordered a bottle of Turning Leaf (Gallo Family) dry red wine (110,000/=). There is a choice of around twenty red and twenty white wines from German, French, South African, Chilean, New Zealand, Spanish, American and Italian cellars along with a selection of rose, sparkling dessert and champagne wines. There is also a wide selection of wines by the glass which are served from your own carafe. Wines at the Pearl of Africa are priced on the high side and start at 70,000/= UGX per bottle.

The Menu is presented in black and pearl white and has a choice of mouth watering meals from start to finish. Ordinarily we would not have ordered any starters but since we were fine dining, we decided to have the lot and sample one of each of the three course mouth-watering dishes on offer. As a courtesy from the Chef we were presented with smoked salmon rolls with capers which we ate with relish shortly after placing our orders.

Our orders for starters were the Baked Burgundy Escargots which sizzled in garlic and lemon thyme butter (20,000/=) and the Seared Sea Scallops with ketta caviar and black risotto chardonnay foam (21,000/=). I was keen on sticking with seafood and for my main meal I ordered the Poppy-seed crusted Norwegian Salmon which was embedded on young braised leeks in a mussel chive cream (33,000/=). My husband is a red meat eater and he chose the Rack of Lamb which was roasted and served sliced with a blend of mint and pan juices ( 38,000/=) – both the seared salmon and the rack of Lamb were exceptionally tender.

The timing between our meals was perfect and once our bellies had settled our desserts arrived. I ordered the Chocolate Gateaux and Cappuccino with berries compote (20,000/=) and my husband ordered the Farandole of Sorbets and Ice creams - this is a choice of sorbets and ice cream flavours (18,500/=). A selection of local and International cheeses with breads, crackers, grapes and crudités are available at 25,000/=. A wide selection of brandy’s, ports, whiskies and cognacs are all available as after dinner aperitifs and it is a fine way to end a superb evening of fine dining.

Throughout the evening we were entertained by the sounds of a piano which was played with passion by the pianist who played music we recognised immediately.
The waiters are well trained, pleasant and knowledgeable and they take care of you from the moment you walk into the restaurant until you walk out. You really do feel special and the treatment is what one can expect from a restaurant of this calibre.
Our evening at the Pearl of Africa really was a 5 star evening and it is well worth paying them a visit.

Our meal and wine were complimentary of the Kampala Serena Hotel.

For more information, please contact:
Pearl of Africa, Kampala Serena Hotel
Tel: (041) 4309000 / (0312) 309000
Email: kampala@serena.co.ug. url: www.serenahotels.com