First at central London, ‘Ikoyi’, a Nigerian restaurant now open at St.James market in London. Founded by school friends Iré Hassan-Odukale and Jeremy Chan. The restaurant aims to put a unique spin on traditional West African cuisine by combining Jeremy’s years of fine dining experience with some of the familiar flavours of Nigerian cooking.
Dubbed, the most Modern and Stylish Nigerian restaurant in London, the interior has lots of natural materials, including beautiful handcrafted ceramics and wood. There’s an open kitchen where you can see all the magic taking place to prepare your delicious meal, first of its kind. Of course it wouldn’t be Nigerian if you don’t see Jollof rice and suya in the menu, with ‘Suya’, a Nigerian street food slowly becoming popular in African restaurants in the UK.
They also serve Alligator Pepper, which is like black cardamom but hotter. In fact, the menu reads like a roller coaster of great african cuisines. Lamb served with ‘asun relish’, cassava and sorghum tahini and wild Nigerian tiger prawn with banga bisque among others.
Situated in central London, what are their prices like? Snacks are around the £5, and yes, you can get caviar, 20g for £39 or 30g for £59. Starters are just over a tenner and mains from £22-29. With such prices, no doubt is for the rich and classy lovers of Nigerian food.
Majority of African diners in London are mostly takeaway, with the population of mostly Nigerians in the UK, we will rather just say it’s about time. Forigners are curious and excited to try African food, Ikoyi might just be the answer. This is very exciting as this is first of its kind. A great place to go for a classy African meal. We hope its here to say, and we expect more of its kind within the next 5 years.
FOLLOW US Twitter: @African_Glitz Facebook: @AfricanGlitz Instagram: @AfricanGlitz
This is lovely, Afrcian fine dining in Greater London, hubby and I won’t be waiting for Valentines day this time.