Dinners enhanced by live music in a relaxed, informal and timeless atmosphere in the garden of Karen's Matteo's restaurant. This is what the Italian restaurant in Nairobi offers on Thursday and Friday evenings, to add to Italian and international dishes and impeccable service the pleasure of good music and a sound that is never intrusive.

The weekly offer of Matteo's, which stands in an old estate that made history in colonial Kenya and is still a green corner of one of the most fascinating areas of the capital, always features interesting local artists and bands that range from soul to pop, to the best Kenyan jazz.

Such is the case with the artist who will perform this Thursday, 20 October, on the restaurant's new stage. He is Mackinlay Mutsembi, one of the most nationally acclaimed trumpet players and a key player on the Nairobi scene, thanks to extensive international collaborations. Having for years participated in the prestigious Safaricom Jazz Festival, Mackinlay was the founder and soul of the Nairobi Horns Project, a flexible jazz band that over time has also brought together talented New York artists and session men. On Thursday evening Mackinlay will be on stage at Matteo's with a quartet playing timeless swing and be-bop standards, as well as original compositions.

A pleasure within a pleasure, in an Italian venue that is now recognised as a reference point for those who enjoy Italian dishes, good pizza (try the amazing 'pugliese') and fine meats from the Kenyan highlands. Appointment every Thursday and Friday evening at Karen.