If you plan to visit CJ’s Restaurant, I highly recommend going on a weekday. The service is impeccable, and it’s far less crowded compared to the weekends.
Today, I was craving CJ’s quesadillas and decided to treat myself after a meeting in Karen. Killing two birds with one stone, I thought! The meeting wrapped up earlier than expected, and by noon, I was free. I debated whether to get a takeaway or sit down for an early lunch. Well, early lunch won!
I walked into CJ’s at 12:30 PM and was pleasantly surprised to find many empty seats—a rare sight at this branch. My excitement was evident as I scanned the restaurant, finally choosing a cozy cushioned spot outside.
Within moments, a friendly server was at my table, ready to take my order. I went for my beloved quesadillas and decided to try their mocha for the first time. Fingers crossed it was as good as I hoped!
In less than five minutes, my mocha arrived, served by a charming waitress. However, as I took my first sip, I realized the cool afternoon breeze was getting the best of me. I regretted not sitting inside or bringing a sweater. I considered running to my car for it, but I worried it might look like I was skipping the bill. Leaving my bag behind wasn’t an option either—given today’s economy, one can never be too careful. I chose to tough it out, and thankfully, my hot mocha helped warm me up.
While waiting for my meal, I couldn’t help but overhear a group of beautiful women seated close by discussing marriage troubles—rather loudly! Though unintentional, I (and likely the couple next to them) absorbed every word of their conversation. A little restaurant etiquette tip: Avoid shouting in public places. You never know who’s listening, and in some cases, you might unknowingly expose confidential information to the wrong ears. Loud conversations belong in bars or clubs, not intimate dining spots. In restaurants where people are seated in close proximity it is more appropriate to avoid shouting.
Back to my food! Ten minutes later, my quesadillas arrived, and just from the presentation (see pic), my mouth started watering. The plating was beautifully done, setting the tone for what I knew would be a delicious meal. I took a bite of the quesadilla, it was flavorful, cheesy, and generously stuffed with chicken. However, as someone who loves spicy food, I wished it had a bit more kick. I would also prefer less cheese than what was offered, so if you do not like a lot of cheese it would be best to let them know when placing your order. That said, the portion was huge, as is typical at CJ’s, and I knew I wouldn’t finish more than half.
I requested the waitress to pack the remainder, and I loved how professional and accommodating she was. She packed it right at my table without hesitation, ensuring I was comfortable. Another thing I appreciated was how she checked in on me after a few bites, asking if I was enjoying my meal. Customer service like this is rare! Some restaurants only offer top-tier service to celebrities, foreigners, or regulars—but at CJ’s, every customer is treated with care. This is why I love dining here—you truly get your money’s worth!
I highly recommend CJ’s Restaurant Karen for family outings, business meetings, solo dates, and friendly get-togethers. The minimum budget per person is around Ksh 2,000 for food and a drink. As I write this, I am still full two hours later! Can’t wait for my next eat-out adventure—see you then!
