CJ’s Restaurant: Where Family Days Felt Complete

Some places stay with you not because of luxury, but because of how they made your family feel.

For me, CJ’s Restaurant — the one in Kilimani and the Waterfront Mall branch — is one of those places.

On school holidays or a free day from Quran classes, CJ’s was our small family tradition. It was where I took my kids when I wanted them to relax, laugh, and enjoy good food without rushing.

The first thing you notice when you enter is the clean, fresh scent. It doesn’t smell like oil or heavy cooking — it smells welcoming. The interior is beautiful, modern but warm, with comfortable chairs that make you want to sit longer, not just eat and leave.

And the food — generous, delicious, and satisfying.

The portions are big, perfect for sharing, especially when you have a big family. You don’t leave feeling like you paid too much for too little. Every plate feels like it was made with care.

What made it even more special was the location. At Waterfront Mall, the day didn’t end at the table. After the kids played and enjoyed activities in the mall, we would walk into CJ’s for lunch. By the time food arrived, they were hungry, happy, and tired in the best way. Those are the moments that stay in your heart.

CJ’s also understood families. It wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a place where parents could breathe and children felt welcome. And on days we couldn’t go out, their delivery service made it possible to still enjoy that same taste at home.What also stood out every time was the service. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed warmly at the door — smiling faces, kind greetings, and staff who guided us to our seats with genuine care. The attitude and vibe were always positive, never rushed, never cold. On one occasion, my sisters and I had a girls’ day out, and the staff prepared a corner for us that offered a bit more privacy while still feeling connected to the restaurant. It was semi-open, comfortable, and just right. We enjoyed lunch and sweet treats, talked for hours, laughed at funny situations we had all experienced, and shared advice like sisters do. It felt safe, relaxed, and full of joy — the kind of moment you don’t plan, but later remember with a smile. What also stood out every time was the service. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed warmly at the door — smiling faces, kind greetings, and staff who guided us to our seats with genuine care. The attitude and vibe were always positive, never rushed, never cold. It felt safe, relaxed, and full of joy — the kind of moment you don’t plan, but later remember with a smile. Today, I miss those days. I miss home. I miss the simplicity of planning a family outing and knowing exactly where to go for good food, comfort, and peace of mind.

One day, I hope this story comes full circle.

I would love to franchise CJ’s Restaurant and open a branch in Somalia — a place where families can gather, children can laugh, and meals are shared without hurry. Somalia needs more spaces like that. Places that feel safe, clean, welcoming, and full of life. Places like CJ’s remind me that food is more than a meal — it is connection. It is where children feel included, where parents can relax, and where time slows down just enough for conversations to happen. These small moments, shared around a table, quietly become memories that stay with us long after the day is over.

Some dreams begin as memories.

CJ’s is one of mine.