The Hut, located a stone’s throw away from the Kigali Convention Centre is one of those places that you just like.

Afrocentric décor and a majorly expatriate or tourist clientele, The Hut provides just more than a restaurant experience. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a nice young lady who ushered me into a curio shop. Tempting but not what I was here for.

Not expensively furnished and with a very visible show kitchen and adjacent swimming pool, The Hut provides a ’la carte environment that almost feels al fresco.

The table was full of information regarding the availability of rooms and the other amenities available to guests. The Hut is also a boutique hotel.

Moving on. The service is good. Not excellent but well trained and attentive. My only concern was if they are able to take multiple orders at once as my waitress first run off to place my drinks order while I was mid-sentence making food order as well.

I was craving a cocktail and indeed, The Hut has an expansive menu. My true test, as has been the case in other places, was to request for something which was off the menu. A bloody Mary. And true to form, the response a few minutes later was the unavailability of tomato juice. I make My Bloody Mary’s at home as requesting for them in bars and restaurants is proving to be an exercise in futility.

A T-bone steak later, I was sufficiently satisfied with the food. My steak was made to perfection and just as I had ordered. I loved the presentation which was unique and a novel idea in the industry these days. I think plates are becoming overrated.

The Hut has a good menu with a good selection. They have also had the presence of mind to cater to the needs of minors. A bit pricey but I think worth every Franc.

This is definitely one of the better places I have visited in Kigali. For a new place, they seem to be pulling in a crowd. I want to believe that this is just more than the fickle crowd syndrome of Kigali that throng new places and move on easily to the next new thing. I think the Hut will be with us for a while to come if they can remain relevant and be consistent with the good service and the good food. I certainly hope that next time I visit, I can find a Bloody Mary.

The Hut has ample and very secure parking although the access road leaves a lot to be desired. Also, not very visible, I was left wondering how they make themselves known to the general public.

Located on KG 646 St, Kigali, The Hut is easily accessible from the Convention Centre and provides alternative dining and accommodation options form the likes of the Radisson.

Check local listings for meal times.