The Ranch Grill, located in upmarket Kibagabaga on the main road just a few minutes’ drive from Kibagabaga hospital, is the ideal hangout for meat lovers.

With idyllic views of the garden and ample space to hold small parties, the grill house is fast becoming popular for those seeking a home away from home.

The Ranch is a two-storied bungalow turned eatery. One can opt to sit by the bar inside and listen to music, or in one of the two private upstairs rooms complete with a mini-bar, couches and a waiter at your beck and call.

The patrons are mostly local residents, acquaintances of the owners — Dorah Kirezi Ngarambe and Brice Ngarambe — and people who got to hear of the place by word of mouth.

Four grill corners offer various kinds of meat in the grill house. The selection of meats varies depending on the chef’s and proprietors’ choice.

Chef King from Burundi uses his best recipes for meat dishes and the results are finger-licking good.

The food is priced from Rwf2,000 ($2) upwards.

I tried their grilled chicken with a side of vegetables and chips, accompanied by a glass of wine recommended by Ms Ngarambe.

She formerly worked with RwandAir and is well trained in hospitality.

“It’s been said Rwandese don’t eat out a lot, but I see it differently. We have discounted our meals and now people order second helpings,” said Ms Ngarambe.

Mr Ngarambe is a cook and helps to come up with food ideas to cater for their patrons’ taste buds.

Friday evenings and Sundays draw the most patrons.

On the interior décor, Ms Ngarambe explained, “My sister Molly Uwera has an amazing sense of style. She helped me with the ideas and executed the design. Each room has its own unique style.”

The private lounges with balconies cost $50 per person for the one in which meetings can be held, and $100 for the second one which is a wine and cigar lounge.