Reviews of Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's. (Restaurant) in London (London).

Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's

541 Reviews

360 Comments

Restaurant

Restaurant

1 St James's Market, St. James's, London SW1Y 4AH, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's, Restaurant in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of Ikoyi Restaurant St. James's

A.

Lunch tasting was phenomenal. Great service, presentation, taste, variety & ambiance. Everything was top notch. They are serving novel yet approachable concepts that are executed perfectly. I can’t say enough good things about it. If you have the opportunity to eat here do so!

H.

We love everything we ate there! The food was so delicious and we also ordered the green tea, oolong tea and puerth tea, which were very authentic! And this restaurant did provide a covid safe environment. The staffs wore masks too. Highly recommended! Def will come visit again!

P. A.

Interesting west African food at this (now) 2 michie restaurant. Overall some innovative dishes and flavours but ultimately wasn’t blown away by any particular dishes. Also the decor and atmosphere just felt a bit strange - not sure what feel they are shooting for. For the premium price tag I would say there are other places to spend that kind of money. If you fancy west African though I would highly recommend akoko which I love. Very possible the food went over my head as such as I don’t profess to be a west African food expert. 15/20

O.

I’ve never had any west African food before, so really didn’t know what to expect with Ikoyi. The dinner tasting menu was definitely unique and delicious. A lot of surprising combinations and the food always seem to have a bit of a heat of spice which I appreciate . My favorite is definitely the Jollof rice with beef, and the fish with the brioche. The service was also excellent. I do think the price is a bit high considering some of the dishes are just cabbage and plantain ( they both taste excellent though) Will definitely recommend this to my adventurous foodie friends

K. S.

Good execution of food. The menu is heavy on fish. Not sure if cuisine could be called African. Timing of wine pairing could be improved (too sparse or too close). The rice side was spicy and overpowered the main dish. Wouldn't come back because the restaurant doesn't match other similarly priced alternatives

J.

We came here about 3 months ago and we’ve had experiences at other Michelin restaurants since, but none has compared with Ikoyi. It’s been 3 months and I can still remember a good number of their dishes. Definitely memorable and unique, we will be coming back very soon.

M. L. C.

My 3rd visit to Ikoyi and they never fail to surprise me! The night began with an explosion of flavours by the amuse bouche that woke up my taste buds. My favourite is the octopus fried in wild rice with yeasted béarnaise. . Beef is perfectly cooked and the maitake mushroom is just amazing! Sorghum pancake with cuttlefish and trompette make such an interesting combination. . Aged turbot is good especially with the miso and caramelised chicken sauce. Just that the honey brioche on the side doesn’t really go along well… . The only dish that let me down was the clam dumpling. It is a new dish so I guess more work is needed. Caviar already gives a good saltiness but the broth is way too salty that I can’t taste any of the pork, apple or peppercorn they mentioned… . Pistachio ice-cream is really nice! So creamy and buttery yet refreshing with a hint of fruitiness from pear. Oh and yes the plantain is back on the menu!! Definitely will visit again!

J. C.

Absolutely loved the whole experience here. Really interesting tasting menu, cooked with incredible skill and beautifully presented. The flavours were spectacular, with really creative use of spices. The service was impeccable, and although there were only a few wines available by the glass, they perfectly complimented the food. Definitely worth a visit, but prepare to pay! The selection of teas at the end are all really interesting and worth tasting, even if you're not normally a tea person.

N. N.

Amazing AMAZING food, music, and service! Impeccable finishing touches. Don't eat before you come here because you will be very VERY full. As a West-African, I'm so glad this restaurant exists. Truly a hidden gem!

k. D.

A wonderful experience of bold flavours and delicious food! The menu was so inspiring pairing spices and herbs with food that I would never imagined would go together. I would highly recommend! The whole experience from start to finish was flawless.

J.

Charming staff serving unusual and unfamiliar flavours, expertly prepared, in a lovely, convivial atmosphere. Four instead of five stars as I personally miss the a la carte menu - we would love to visit more often if it didn't require such a huge outlay both in terms of money and time.

J. W.

If you are looking for a unique menu and experience, look no further. You must try Ikoyi. I recommend doing the wine pairing with the blind tasting menu. The wine pairing truly enhances the flavor of the small bites. Cozy, simple, trendy atmosphere with a African flair. Go with an open mind and adventurous spirit and you will have a great time experiencing out-of-the-ordinary flavors.

M. I.

Visited Ikoyi during the London Restaurant Festival. Small restaurant, but it’s got plenty to offer. Staff and service was excellent, everyone knew what and how to do to make people have a flawless experience. The restaurant dining area is somewhat below the pavement outside, people can see what you eat very smart move. The food was exceptional, one of the starters was plantain. I’d have never thought someone can creat such a tasty dish out it. My favourite was the smokey rice, best rice I’ve ever had. Brilliant. On the day the founder of London Restaurant Festival, Simon Davis said a few words during lunch and asked the Chef Jeremy Chan to say a few words. At first Jeremy looked a bit “shy” but as soon as he got to talk about his food and his methods, he was in his own place. It was quite inspirational, and it lifted his dishes to another level, seeing his passion and thoughts he put in creating them. It was an amazing experience and I’m sure I’ll be back here.

G. Y. T.

first time trying west african cuisine. burst of flavours in each dish. the beef mains was definitely the highlight. will have to say the other dishes were flavourful as well. worth a try.

E.

Very cool, imaginative dishes. Their staff spoke about the produce and wine with such passion too! Loved the inventive use of the plantain and, not usually my favourite, the pork was divine. Worth trying their very rare, extremely top end tea and coffee selection too. The best decaf I've ever had by far.

V. z.

Modern & Innovative GASTRONOMY, that would be the right words to describe my experience at IKOYI. Never been a big fan of Gastronomic food, but the journey across the unknown flavours still has me reconsidering my previous ideas about “innovative” Gastronomic food. The Service was Excellent ***** Friendly and we’ll trained staff. YES FOR THE SECOND MICHELIN STAR

I. K.

One of the best vegan tasting menus I have been lucky to try! Every single dish out of the 13 presented was perfectly balanced in both flavour and texture. The chef has refrained from just deleting the non vegan bits from the vegetarian menu (which I’ve seen done in other Michelin star restaurants and the result is disappointing) but recreated full wholesome savours. The service was excellent and the place feels intimate.

A.

One of absolute favourites in London, a true passion for taste and an incredible talent creating food combinations throw an unforgettable party on your palate. Food experience at its best.

N. N.

Beautifully deconstructed and reimaginings of West African dishes cooked to perfection. You can taste the the preparation, the attention to detail in every plate served. I appreciated the creativity and risks they took pushing spices to their limit without completely overwhelming the natural flavor of the high quality ingredients. Excellent service, clean tasteful interior, extra comfy seating. Best meal I had in London, not really close.

M. M. D. C.

I loved everything of this African restaurant! From the informal setting to the extraordinary flavors to the bar seating. I can't wait to come back with my partner to taste some gourmet African cousine. Don't absolutely skip the desserts as they are the perfect closer to the experience. If you are looking for a calm and quiet place, this is not it.

J. J.

The chef tasting was very good - lots of savory offerings. Am disappointed with the wine pairing. Did not feel received 95 pounds worth of wine. Also, the serving of bourbon and glass of wine were extremely light. Hope they reconsider their alcohol policy. Nonethesless, food was great.

J. L.

I had been curious about Ikoyi for quite some time so when I planned a trip to London I made sure to reserve a table. Getting to Ikoyi is fairly easy, and seeing the restaurant I was pleasantly surprised to see that the place didn’t look pretentious at all. It’s a cozy space with large windows. When I walked in the vibe was really warm and relaxed. Our server was really friendly and explained everything very clearly. We did the blind tasting of 7 courses. This is my first time tasting West African cuisine and I found the flavours surprisingly familiar (I’m Indonesian). My favourite dish was the John Dory fish, the skin was perfectly crisp and the meat so tender...the sauce was creamy but not heavy. It was a perfect balance. But for me the clear winner was the dessert of wild rice ice cream...it had this sesame crisp that was sooooo good! I want it in a large container! I had such a pleasant experience at Ikoyi. I recommend it. Almost all the dish have quite a kick of heat to them but everything was very balanced...so for those who aren’t used to spicy/hot stuff...no need to fear.

I. L.

I was back at Ikoyi for a blind lunch menu experience with some friends, and they didn't disappoint as usual. In every dish, I could savour the burst of flavours. What even made me happier was the reaction from my guests... Thanks for making our evening. Would definitely drop by, again. What I like a lot was the vegan and non dairy options that were available for my friends who could eat meat, egg and dairy. Thanks for making them feel accommodated. Excellent service all round.

N. G.

One of the best vegan tasting menus I have been lucky to try! Every single dish out of the 13 presented was perfectly balanced in both flavour and texture. The chef has refrained from just deleting the non vegan bits from the vegetarian menu (which I’ve seen done in other Michelin star restaurants and the result is disappointing) but recreated full wholesome savours. The service was excellent and the place feels intimate.

D. P.

The atmosphere is very intimate and unpretentious. The food was very good and interesting. The wine selection was excellent, it goes well with all the dishes. The reason for the 4 stars is that I contacted the staff beforehand to check regarding food intolerance and they were quite rude. They weren’t helpful or understanding of the issue and said that they can’t make any alterations. For a meal which costs £400+ I think they can at the very least be polite and try to be helpful.

K. T.

This was the most exciting blind tasting I’ve had. So many interesting flavors and the different sauces with each dish was delicious and left you wondering what you’ve just had. The service was perfect and I loved that different people served and presented different dishes. The orange wine was also 👌 Will happily come again!

H. K.

Visited in May 2018 Amazing and innovative lunch. Super interesting and a new experience I believe for most people. Everything was delicious but my most memorable and favorite dish of the meal was actually the gizzards-superb! The plantain, raspberry and smoked scotch bonnet, which was their signature dish was just too spicy for me

L. M.

We had dinner and tried the tasting menu, the food was good but not as expected. The first 3 dishes were too spicy. The spices covered all the flauvors. The staff was very prepared and professional. I probably would rate the restaurant 4 stars but the bill was definetly too high!!! We paid the price of a 3 Michelin stars restaurant!!!

K. P.

My second visit to Ikoyi and it was equally as fantastic as the first. Interesting and subtle dishes mixed with some BIG flavours, but never too overpowering. I did the tasting menu with wine pairing. The menu was thought out well with no dishes clashing, however the wine pairing could have been slightly better. Not the best wines, but they did match the dishes reasonably well.

N. S.

An outstanding tasting seven course meal with African ingredients - each of the courses tastes really good and also looks the part. The course has ingredients across several food items and is definitely worth the wait. You can also ask the restaurant for suggestions for drinks to pair with the respective course.

D. T.

The fare is a rare combination of inventive and delicious at the same time. Truly in awe of what Jeremy Chan (and Ire Hassan-Odukale) are doing. Do yourself a favour and come in with your mind open and your bellies empty, and you’ll thank yourself later. It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried west African food before; the flavours are dynamic and powerful. For those who prefer not to eat offal or variety meats, I suggest you let the team know in advance (when making your reservation, not when you come in to dine.) Though I have to say that the sweetbreads and cassava terrine (with a cow brain emulsion) are must tries. It was a true pleasure to dine with them. I personally enjoy dining here solo on a weekday night, preferably an early seating when it’s less crowded and you can take your time to savour your meal. The hospitality here is slightly clinical, and I would consider this wonderful service as opposed to hospitality. However, the team was very knowledgeable about the ingredients and food sources. I prodded them with additional questions and they were more than happy to share.

C. S.

We felt a bit disappointed by our meal, particularly given the price tag(£600 for the wine pairing / tasting menu for two). It was my husbands birthday, which I noted at the time of my reservation, and there was no acknowledgment of the occasion by any of the staff. Not a huge deal, but most fine dining restaurants that we have visited at this price point make a point to really remember the little things to make the meal special. The food was very good - lots of great sauces and unique flavors with some real showstopper dishes. Again, we felt like there was a little lack of attention to detail - when we were served multiple small dishes, we’d ask what order to eat them and the response was “whatever way you want”, which is a little irritating because I assume at this price point that there’s more intentionality behind the meal. Really beautiful plates / bowls but some were odd choices - like a gorgeous bowl that was so tall that it was awkward to eat out of or a dish with a delicious sauce that was served with just a fork and nothing to soak up the sauce with. But what we really left a bad taste in our mouth was the wine pairing. At £95 for five glasses of wine, we felt really underwhelmed. Several wines tasted flat and quite one note and did very little to complement the food. It did not feel like a thoughtful or interesting pairing. We asked to speak to the sommelier or the director of the beverage programme and was told that there wasn’t one and everyone on staff knew bits and pieces about the wine. I’m not sure how you can justify charging £95/person for what was served and without having anyone on staff who really knows and values this crucial portion of the meal. Overall, a very tasty meal but the level of service and the beverage program do not match the price tag.

y. m.

Opened up a new taste bud. Cocktail/food/service were all excellent. Did not know African food can be on the spicy side. Would definitely come back for a special occasion.

D. C.

I applaud Ikoyi for its concept and execution. With its Nigerian-inspired cocktails and food, I hope it brings increased interest and appreciation for West African cuisine to a larger audience. Each dish was delicious, but the jollof rice and the dessert were especially tasty. I really enjoyed my cocktail (the punch) and think the servers should continue to offer them after the first drink and put less emphasis on the wine pairing.

M. R. d. R.

We had the blind tasting menu for dinner, based on the best products on the day. Plantain, Raspberry & Smoked Scotch Bonnet, Pork Jowl & Agege, Mackerel & Banga, Egusi, Duck and Smoked Jollof Rice and Papaya & Yam as dessert. Everything was amazing, great flavour and presentation. The service was also very good, attentive without being pushy. The quality price was also very good for such a great tasting menu. Recommended for special occasions.

G. T.

Great dining experience. High quality ingredients, decor and atmosphere. The jollof rice was very generous in serving size, and the other dishes we had were flavourful but not overpowering to accompany the rice. Good attentive service.

A. L.

One of my favourite restaurants in London! Every dish in the blind tasting menu was excellent, and they catered to my lactose intolerance as well. I particularly enjoyed the main course, octopus and truffle, and plantain waffle with beef tartare!

R. S.

It deserves its Michelin star. The food is very good, the cuisine comes from places you are not used to eat (African). The staff could be a bit better at their job. It was not always very clear when presenting the dishes. But a part from that 👌

K. L.

An interesting modern interpretation of West African ingredients. One of my favourites of the day was definitely the Cassava, Calf’s Brain, Beef Tartar & Truffle. Really, really smart combination and first time I've had brain in the UK actually! Very delicious part of the animal that is very much under utilised in this country. I blame the consumers, not the chefs. Most of the other dishes were delicious too, and the main, sheep served with egusi, rice was to die for. Very tasty food and great modernisation. Don't think it is directly linked to its origins, but great interpretation. Go with an open mind, and douse the spice with Nigerian beer! Worth a visit.

m. b.

A very satisfying experience. The food was delicious, full of aroma and flavor. Good combinations of sweet, sour and chilli. Duck and smoked crab rice were the highlights. Main courses seems expensive but the portions are big enough to share. For two, i would suggest you share 1 snack, 1 first course, 1 main and the rice. More than enough!

Y. C.

The food is average consider michelin standard...lack of character. Sandwich : the crab meat got several small pieces of shell in it, need improvement. It's a competitive world, 頑張って

A. A.

Was ok, very artistic take on Nigerian food. Beautiful restaurant, and great location. Portion sizes could be better. It’s the sort of place that’s nice for a business meal, a date, or a meal with the Mrs. Wouldn’t go for a birthday dinner or anything of that sort though.

M. P.

Every dish contains a perfect balance of flavours, fresh and fiery, and most of all, surprising. I am not well-versed in West African food I couldn't have hoped for a better restaurant for my first time.

O. M.

The taste magic is beyond anything. You meet sophistication several times in a lifetime, not every year. Big advice: come with a generous wallet. You'll spend the money, and it be worth it. Don't try to save. Ikoyi food speaks to you, and the language is memories. I've never been to Nigeria, but it brought me vague re-memories still. Maybe you're meant to analyse that stuff, but it works on sensory level for me. The tastes jump on you front sides and everywhere, just catch them. Ikoyi style in both food, attitude and decor is stripped of ostentatious posh and full of solid real and bold expensive. They don't dazzle you, they give you light. They are gentle with an uneducated visitor, giving small advice, offering sorely familiar intermingling with unexpected and creative. You try a waffle, and it's like you meet your brother who've been living in Lyon many years, and now you can finally talk. Schools, kids, films, whims of the languages and shared childhood. And I've never had a brother in Lyon, but I feel their awesome storymaking on the scene of couple square inches of human tongue. I'm gonna say all the stuff is delight. For me the biggest revelation was Jollof rice. It's not even spicy as such, nor overly salty or umami — such a fine balance of gentle, but bringing strong strong sum total. And filling too. The place is gooooood. Get some money, and treat one you desire. Give em some surprise and education. You won't have lived in vain.

W.

Really nice to have an African michelin in London. The plantain was a bit hard - should be softer and more flavoursome but everything else was delicious especially the crab jollof rice. Tastes better than any other jollof rice I've had in Africa!

P. B.

Had lunch, had combinations of ingredients I wasn’t aware about before. Some where excellent, most were very good others were fine but not for me really. Stand outs were definitely the cows foot snack, the octopus and shrimp rice. They’ve taken the time to cure the shrimp in sugar which gives them a great flavour and texture. The cows foot was excellent, a ragu like broken down texture. The pork steak also worth a mention as was the relish with the pork chop The soso would be the chip snack, monkfish . They were fine nothing wrong but didn’t do I for me. Felt the lamb chop was a bit on the small side. Portuguese wine went well and reasonably price. Our waitress knew the menu inside out and all about the dishes. Was really fairly educational to hear about them. Also get a sofa seat. I’d go again, £86 a head, one of every snack and first course, one main each and two bottles of red.

K. A.

One of the best meals ive had in ages! Amazing options, and everything my friend and I had was so delicious. Staff were lovely too! Will definitely be back again and recommending to others 😊

L. S.

I’m not sure what most of the ingredients were, but everything was creative and delicious. Undoubtedly the best plantain with raspberry salt and cauliflower purée that I’ve ever had!

H. D.

We had the blind tasting menu with the wine flight and the whole meal was phenomenal. Flavours I’ve never tasted before which was a really exciting experience. Everything was delicious and the staff were really welcoming too.

N. H.

Can see why this restaurant is very highly rated. Team members generally very polished, quality of dishes high level with interesting and unusual West African flavours.

A. B.

Because of the tasting menu style, It was pricy; £60. The jollof and the plantatin was very good. The meat course was amazing but we had to ask them to make it more well done. I wish they had an a la carte menu. Great mixture of flavors and textures. I'd go back if it was a regular menu. Below are pictures of the courses as January 2019.

K. S.

I enjoyed my evening at Ikoyi. The 9 plate chefs selection tasting menu is very good with great flavours and spice to most dishes. The wine pairing is ok, although being someone who enjoys my reds i thought their actual wine selection was quite limited. The service is excellent with detailed explanations per course and wine pairing. Although i left thinking that the tasting menu at £150 per person is overpriced, i do think this restaurant offers a good different experience worth the visit for in quite a casual fine dining setting

B.

I love the ambience and the vibe of the restaurant. Really cozy and warm. Great food with a simply menu. Would recommend the crab rice but do note that it may be a little too spicy for some! Also try the cow skin sandwich, it’s really quite special.

P. C.

Loved loved loved the blind tasting menu we had at Ikoyi. We experienced new flavours and dishes. Cosy restaurant with great service. Do yourself a favour and check it out!

S. V.

Great experience. First time for me trying African Fusion. Very elegant dishes, strong flavours and textures. We will be back for the 9 courses!

K. T.

Such an incredible experience over at Ikoyi. The staff are lovely, the man behind the bar knows his stuff!!! Amazing cocktails with 'guava and apricot' and his ' cassava sour'. Every course was delicious which is a rarity these days. My friend and I went for the pre theatre menu which is an excellent price for value at 4 courses for £35. Every dish, every! Rare indeed. A must go and certainly a for sure return. See you soon team and thank you!

C.

Amazing west African fusion cuisine. They only serve a blind menu and you can choose between 4 courses (pre-theatre), 7 or 9 courses. We did 7 courses which we thought was enough. The highlights of the meal were the plantain and the jollof rice. The prices for food are reasonable although the wine is on the pricier side. Would definitely come here again for a special occasion

K. E.

Exquisite Food - Original Recipes based on Traditional Nigerian Dishes - Great Service - Worth every penny - The Cocktails were also Delish & Strong

J. R.

Attracted by the modern look and original statement of Moderm West African fusion, we were not disappointed. It was a great experience with flavoured and medium spicy food. We could have all dishes for share, that's great to discover all flavours. The picture shows a Buttermilk Plantain & Smoked Scotch Bonnet to snack. The cocktails are very good. Nice Bar and Drink menu. This is not a cheap place, but it worth the experience. The staff is very nice.

B. M. E.

Friendly staff, intimate setting. Not overpowering smart casual felt good. Great to try fusion Nigerian with Asian/Japanese feel. The cocktails were ok not earth shattering. I loved my visit not pretentious, good food, nice vibe, would recommend and will visit again.

A. G.

Exceptional food Very relaxed atmosphere Creative cuisine with African references Something different for the London scene Top quality ingredients Friendly staff A bit pricey

R. O.

Consistent experience. They seriously need to open a restaurant in NYC

う. N.

When I was eating out in Tokyo at Florilege a few weeks before I visited London, I met the head Chef of Ikoyi and told him I would go to his restaurant when I was in London. Sadly on the day I went to Ikoyi he was off sick, but the food was incredibly unique and interesting. It was a completely new style of food to anything I have had before. I would highly reckoned a visit to anyone who is looking for a new and unique food experience Instagram : eunji4861

A. A.

Excellent services and food was very nice. However, we were seated in the courtyard which lack atmosphere.

T. M.

Beautifully presented food, with a vast array of different flavours and ingredients. Caution - prepared for some very spicy dishes, although this does not ruin the incredible flavour of the food. Service was flawless and as you would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Small, quite tightly packed contemporary space, but certainly adds to the atmosphere.

N.

Beautiful restaurant with just delightful dishes. Love the West African flavours and fresh ingredients. Will definitely be back to try everything else!

L.

Not my favourite Michelin starred restaurant but interesting dishes and flavours. Good atmosphere and Staff were very attentive.

S. T.

Probably the best restaurant I've been to this year! Amazing food - well balanced in mouth feel, flavour and colour. Loved the use of spices and hint of heat. Excellent service - knowledgeable and attentive staff. Very cosy deco but place can be a bit too small for big group.

嘤.

Wonderful and exotic lunch. Only set lunch menu and tasting menu available. The set menu changes each day with one course and keeps the signature plantain which was delicious!

D. Z.

We have visited the place for my birthday and since the menu is fairly small, managed to try almost everything they currently have on it. The place indeed is small but cosy. Probably not too good for large groups and more suited for a romantic dinner...however there was a group of about 10 celebrating someone’s birthday next to us. The service is definitely very friendly, warm if a little bit hectic. We had 2 or 3 people helping us with different levels of knowledge of their dishes and a wine list but always with smiles. The food is surely original, 2/3 of the ingredients you may not have even heard of until the visit. Being original, the dishes inevitably split the crowd. We’ve had a couple of snacks that were delicious (cassava and pig trotter). This was followed by 2 starters (octopus and lamb) which, opposed to the snacks, didn’t have a very pronounced range of flavours and seemed almost bland. For the mains we took chicken and a prawn. The chicken was lovely, moist, accompanied by beautiful sauces which made the dish unique. However the prawn didn’t meet the expectations: it was tough, hard to chew, accompanied by something that tasted and felt like gloopy Popcorn but, most importantly had pronounced chilli heat which effectively ruined the delicate prawn. 2 desserts at the end were sublime, I highly recommend both of them! I won’t comment on the cocktails as tastes really differ on alcoholic drinks. But if you are into sour ones, try cassava sour - fabulous! £200 for 2 people with enough drinks and tips.

N. P.

Who knew you could take something as simple as plantain (which I used to eat simply roasted with lemon, salt and chilli) and turn it into a complex, flavour packed, easy on the eye dish and also use it to flavour a rum old fashioned?? All the dishes on the tasting menu are exceptional and I would gladly book in another date night here. We didn't know it was a 1 Michelin start restaurant when we booked, but it was really obvious after the meal why Ikoyi is so highly rated.

K. M.

One of the best tasting menus I've been to in London! Highly recommend!!! Different and delicious. Service amazing as well.

J. L.

Very good experience Nice food good service Very worthy

P. J.

I find the place is rather overrated. The food was not as great as I thought it would be. Overall was a good experience.

C. W.

Bold flavours, lovely venue, very interesting ingredients and combinations. It might be a bit too spicy but I very much liked it :)

J. D.

Great experience in this West African restaurant located in a nice modern setting. Really enjoyed the starters, the squid and scallops were very balanced. The pork as main was also delicious, although to much curry spices in the rise brought the dish out of balance for me. Very friendly and helpful staff. Absolutely loved the branding!

J. B.

Incredible. The tasting menu was absolutely divine. This venue will not disappoint!

J. F.

As the most sophisticated west African cuisine in town, all the dishes incorporated traditional west African spices as well as some Chinese elements, thanks to the head chef’s half-Chinese roots! Some of the dishes we had were: makerel & bisque, ube & corn, squash & egusi, denver & efo, smoked jollof, buttermilk plantain, iberico pork suya, special signature chocolate and raspberry dessert, and cashew & corn ice cream. All dishes have to be thought of as a part of the holistic experience, composed of multiple flavors, textures, and ingredients as well as the most relaxing and chic atmosphere. 100% recommend having a chilled but pampered special date or celebration here!

W. P.

Hearty and yummy. Interesting fusion food. Better than mummy’s. Is a haiku good enough for a review? Is Ikoyi good enough for a Michelin star? I thought not, setting yes, food just about, cocktails no, service no. What? I thought Michelin was meant to be picky? I would go again though, just for the Iberico Pork and Jollof rice!

R. B.

I’d already had Ikoyi on our list, so when Michelin awarded them a first star, we booked our visit. St James Place, despite being near Piccadilly, is a refreshing development and the restaurant is modern and inviting. Better yet, it’s actually fairly spacious and comfortable inside. We settled into a corner table and took a look at the drinks menu. Our waiter was energetic and encouraged us to sample an interesting named Spirit from Copenhagen and we requested to split a single pairing of the wines chosen for the 9 course tasting menu. The 9 course tasting comes actually in 8 servings so less alcohol was better as there was some simple math to absorb. After the Spirits woke up our taste buds we were further jolted into a ready state by the first of the three bites or appetizers. Actually they counted as one course/serving each of the 8 servings 9 courses....Darn Math getting in the way again. First up.....a slice of Plantain with raspberry powder atop and a side of spicy Scotch Bonnet Pepoer.....What followed were Jerusalem Artichoke and Chicken Skin, Tigernut Beet and Caviar, Pollock in a veloute of interesting herbs, fried chicken, January Cabbage and groundnuts, Aged beef with carrot maafe served at the same time as sugar cured prawn rice and finishing with a dessert of over-ripe plantain ice cream and rhubarb. The wine pairing split was just enough and the style of wines mostly complimented the platings. Overall, it was an enjoyable tasting menu. The flavors and textures were interesting, if at times a bit too unrefined. The fried chicken might made a smalker portion and better combined with the Jerusalem artichoke dish. Then fill that spot on the tasting with another protein to accent further the interesting spices being applied. I think a second dessert would also have been welcomed given the pricing.

D. O.

Cuisine is bold and daring. It is incredibly courageous to attempt to re-imagine and reinvent Nigerian classics like suya, jollof rice and pepper soup. But I erased preconceptions from my mind and judged each dish on its merits. I loved the octopus pepper soup even though its volume and delicate flavours were minuscule and subtle compared to the thousand bowls of pepper soup I'd previously consumed. I ordered the suya medium rare - its texture and taste at that level of doneness was right at my limits of acceptability. Next visit, I'll have the chef flame it for another couple of minutes. The jollof rice was brilliant. Its flavour was outstanding on its own but livened by the scoop of beef marrow served in its own bony bed ? Masterful. That alone was worth the (fairly steep) price of admission. The ambiance is cosy, intimate. I imagine it getting a tad stuffy on busy nights. The wait staff were patient and efficient; I imagine that these virtues will be vigorously tested as this new establishment attempts to meet the expectations of diners who expect to be served meals substantially similar to those which they've previously eaten at home and at other establishments. I can see this restaurant becoming a 'must visit' stop each time I make a trip to the UK

e. p.

Food was good and interesting, quite a little bit too spicy for my taste. I didn’t enjoy the wine pairing and the service was too fast!

Z.

Tasty indeed but nothing spectacular. Very pricey but I guess it comes with the location. They've packed the restaurant quite densely too, so be prepared for that.

J. P. B. W.

Very interesting flavours, so different from the usual London restaurant. We had the 7 course menu and we liked every single one of the courses (except maybe for the dessert, but that's a bonus).

S. C.

Amazing food by amazing chefs. Every dish is delicately prepared with delicious drinks to pair. The types of food you get here you won't be able to find anywhere else. As a cherry on top, the setting is very cozy and very comfortable for a night out on a date or with a group of friends.

J. W.

I loved how the food were prepared and served! They were really so tasty and I super liked them. This place is perfect for intimate or small group dates and celebrations. Highly recommended!

X. W.

Pretty decent food. Good service. The ambience doesn’t really go with the food though.

娄.

Authentic and absolutely wonderful fish ion restaurant

J. M. C.

A very special please like no other. Really different experience Great food and professional service, not cheap though, but worth it

L. “. C.

Something new for me that excite my palate. Surprised on the very good fusion of flavors in this African restaurant

B. C.

Beautiful restaurant, nicely designed and – particularly in Covid times – really well spaced. The service was impeccable and the food was even better. The waiter was really helpful with pairing wines and it felt like a really fun and open place, rather than stuffy or 'fine dining'. Highly, highly recommend for an evening of culinary exploration in lovely settings.

F. D. P.

Simply perfect Service very friendly, absolutely recommended. Please check the website first so you know how the experience will be

M. K.

Wonderful food and outstanding friendly service. Relaxed atmosphere and the staff makes you feel welcomed

A. R.

Fantastic. Very original flavours. Best new restaurant I have been to in some time. For those who want something different and tolerate a bit of spice.

G. C.

I went here twice and I am looking forward to eat here again. One of my favorite restaurants in London!

A. E. D.

Great meal at Ikowi. Dishes are full of flavour

E. P.

Food was fab, cocktails were out of this world, big ups my man behind the bar xx

M. L.

Very impressed with the food- innovative and nicely curated menu, amazing flavours, lovely ambiance. One minor negative point is that the tables are a bit too close together.

C. A.

Amazing and inventive menu in a minimalist space. Everything we tried was delicious!

D. G.

I did like both service and food

G.

I dont have the vocabulary to describe how amazing this meal was. Absolutely first class from start to finish. Thank you for an amazing experience

O. O.

A true pioneer with Western African flavours. Excellent service and quality of food - highly recommend especially if you don’t know the flavours

F. F.

Very good food, not Michelin level though

R. A.

Fantastic food, fantastic customer service. Fantastic experience altogether. I couldn’t give a rating any less of 5 star. I will be going back there again in the near future!

K. M.

Great new restaurant. The dishes are innovative and delicious. Service was excellent.

O. B.

Very small, tight space. Cuisine felt experimental. Fun but don't go hungry.

o. w.

The food is in my mind, highly innovative and joyous, an unusual mix in a michelin place of high end and extremely comforting filling cuisine. We left full and content with the beautiful food. The skill on show really is something else. However, the place desperately needs some acoustic treatments. One of the loudest spaces I've ever been in, I left with my ears ringing with the noise reverberating around the space and frankly was a bit put off going back as it became a bit of an uncomfortable experience due to that. (I'm not an old person who would be more susceptible to noise) Need to get some curtains, acoustic ceiling panels....something!

S. N.

Cosy and clean restaurant space, our server was a bit patronising she squatted next to our table to talk to us but not for any others. I like the concept of Nigerian and Japanese flavours fusing but it didn't quite hit for all our dishes. The plantain was nice but an establishment such as this couldn't possibly mess up plantain, pairing it with ginger is classic and works very well together. My octopus was delicious, so tender and cooked to perfection the chard and red pepper emulsion were great accompaniments. The fried chicken - served complete with the entire foot and claw was not very flavourful and pink inside. I'm no stranger to 'chicken foot' but the claws are always removed prior to cooking, each to their own I'm not knocking a different culture or person's presentation it was just interesting. The chocolate, miso and sesame cookie had a chewy, sticky and moist texture. I prefer a caramelised crunch around the circumference of my cookies but this cookie was the same soft, wettish texture throughout, it was unusual but I enjoyed it. The mango ice cream was sublime. The menu changes often so I would return to try a fish dish, the mackerel had run out the day I visited.

E. A.

I love food and discovering new flavors and Ikoyi did not disappoint. It was a unique experience in the 7 years I've lived in London. The spices used are strong but fit well with the dishes. I also enjoyed the wine pairings.

D. A.

This is an upscale west African vibe and themed restaurant. It’s a bit pricey but worth the money. Dinner is a fixed menu and reservations a must if you want to be sure and guaranteed entry. Love the staff’s attention to detail. Chef obvious loves what he does as evident by his personal touch to every dish. Bar area okay for the small chops. Lunch has a restricted small menu option. Try the palm wine cocktail while there. The Ikoyi Chapman is okay if alcohol is not your thing. This is a small restaurant with space for only about 50 guests so book in advance!!!!

a. t.

Top 3 restaurant in London. African fusion modern restaurant

M. L. V.

My Ikoyi experience was fabulous, from the warm welcoming when we entered the restaurant to the attention to detail within the design. The table tops, handmade lampshades, textured paper menu, plate and cutlery design... It was all complementing beautifully the food. All the dishes we tried retained the Nigerian essence. They were cooked and presented in a very elegant and sophisticated way. Bold flavors, interesting mix of texture and color. And the service was very good too. The waiter was very attentive to our table without disrupting our diner. "Less is more", not pretentious but all in the details and quality.

C. W.

What a wonderfully unique place! We had the 8 course tasting menu last weekend, full of beautifully presented and delicious food with attentive, non-overbearing service throughout. Dining here feels like a special occasion but also with a relaxed vibe - perfect balance. Our favourites were the plantain with raspberry dust and scoth bonnet sauce, the fish, the lamb and rice and the impressive dessert (full of textures and unusual flavours). We originally chose the 6 course option but after being blown away by the first course we changed our minds and asked if we could switch to the 8 course instead, which the lovely staff kindly helped facilitate. Thank you so much for a memorable evening!

E. J.

Really nice concept, bringing creative West African flavors together. The highlights of the 7-course blind tasting menu were the black bean cake, cabbage with kumquat, smoked monkfish, and the beef filet with coconut prawn rice. The plantain with raspberry salt and scotch bonnet emulsion had great flavors but the plantain was a bit dry. The dessert (walnut ice cream with coffee and nuts) also could have been a bit more adventurous. Cocktails looked interesting but presentation and taste were underwhelming. I’m not a fan of the trend to offer caviar and truffle for the sole reason of making dishes “fancier”. The dishes were delicious as they were and I doubt they needed a 40£ addition of truffles. Nevertheless the presentation, atmosphere, and combinations of ingredients overall were unique and delicious. Overall a nice place with a lot of potential. Worth a visit.

R. F.

From the minute I walked in I knew I would like this restaurant. Staff are very attentive and friendly and the decor is incredibly sleek and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious. There was not one dish I didn't love. We had to order another round of the plantain snacks to share at the beginning because we devoured them instantaneously! The lamb rib, pork chop, octopus and jollof rice were all delicious and beautifully presented too. The desserts were a perfect round off to a very enjoyable meal. I highly recommend the new pumpkin dessert!!!! Very much looking forward to my next visit and have already recommended it to my friends and family!

A. ..

Fantastic experience! Interesting and lovely mix of flavors, every dish made a difference and we enjoyed all of them. Modern cozy restaurant and great service, although the quality is amazing the quantity could be more generous. And loved the wine!

M. M. A. K.

Excellent service. I have too many food intolerances because of a temporary medical issue. But they managed to change the tasting menu for me. And didn’t forget that we are celebrating our anniversary. Finally, they printed out the menu for us per our request and on a beautiful paper too, which was a nice touch. If you like spicy and exotic food, this is the place worth coming.

T. M. K.

There is an ever going race for renewing fine dining and Ikoyi is doing very well in this race. What you find here is very original and special. It is a very trendi one Michelin starred restaurant, with creative simple design. Almost all dishes are hot spicy and they are mostly super simple looking, like minimalist art. I rather call it fine art than culinary. As they say West African ingredients are used. I like very much the creativity but the food quality is hard to judge. Plantain and yam is not what you eat daily. There were two things I could easily judge. One was mackerel which was great the other was beef and that was poorly done. It does not look like but food is rather heavy for the stomach. The wine list is quite poor for a Michelin starred restaurant but in London it seems to be alright. Anyway it is very special and it is must for food lovers.

B. G.

Excellent food with big, spicy flavors of west Africa. Highly recommended!

E. R.

Thoughtful, creative food that has an underlying sophistication. The flavors are complex, yet familiar, but equally surprising. The craft and consideration of these dishes is stunning. Amazing atmosphere and warm staff. London now has a gem burrowed in the heart of St. James Market. And I mustn't forget to mention the drinks: they're as considered as the food, and the Paradise Martini is the best way to kick off any evening.

C. E.

A unique experience you won't forget. Every course was very good, the best ones were among the best dishes I've ever tried. Inventive and delicious. The cocktails were amazing as well.

G. A.

Great Nigerian inspired food. By no means authentic very westernized but done so tastefully. Cocktails were great food was well cooked and even better presented. Thoroughly recommend.

C. M.

Incredible meal. The food was highly memorable -- both creative and delicious (fried plantain with dehydrated raspberry powder, mackerel with tiger nut milk, some of the best lamb and chicken I've ever had) -- and the service and ambience were casual and comfortable. I had high expectations going in and they were easily exceeded. Get in before this place gets discovered and it becomes truly impossible!

A. M.

Refined ingredients and totally excellent combinations in a truly extraordinary experience. A west african cuisine like I never tasted before, the chicken oyster and the octopus are particular stunners and the quality of the cocktails (I highly recommend the Roast Plantation Old Fashioned) are the other highlight of this place. One of the best meal I ever had in ages, I definitely wholeheartedly recommend.

l. a.

There was not one dish I didn't love. We had to order another round of the plantain snacks to share at the beginning because we devoured them instantaneously! The lamb rib, pork chop, octopus and jollof rice were all delicious and beautifully presented too. The staff - are very attentive and friendly and the decor is incredibly sleek and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious.

S. T.

Totally original and fascinating dining experience, but managed to still be hugely enjoyable and not too challenging. The food clearly has immense levels of care, attention and technique poured into it. Also a truly brilliant cocktail (plantain old fashioned) and a great bottle of wine (the Aglianico) to boot. Nowhere else you can eat like this right now. If you like food, go! Genuinely can't recommend highly enough

A. R.

Beautiful, insane flavours and quite unique in London restaurants. Plus it just feels really good to be in the space. Some dishes are very spicy so be sure and ask before you order if you can't deal with too hot! Definitely try the plantain old-fashioned to drink as well

A. B.

I am part of a Grub Club that does monthly dinners at high quality restaurants from the Fat Duck, Diner and Coya to Roasts in Kilburn. I had high hopes for Ikoyi but they were smashed earlier. Pros Beautiful flavours Amazing presentation Blind Tasting interesting concept Jollof rice and Beef was amazing Cons Evenings only the tasting menu and no a la carte this was not explained until after drinks. Some of the food was lacking flavour which was surprising and others were too spicy (trust me I like my spicy food) Fish was presented in an amazing bowl but it made it too hard to eat with a fork. Overall I don't like to give ratings but Google make you do so. I will not be coming back the price was too much and I can get better quality to money ratio at other venues.

P. C.

I was at this restaurant last night with a friend for my 50th birthday dinner. Overall I really wanted to be more impressed. First the negatives: 1. Service- the waiter of African origin behaved inappropriately. He served me sloppily (spilling my wine and trying to engage in inappropriate conversation) and with a cocky boys locker room attitude that spoilt my overall experience. Obviously if you’re black in Europe, and you experience a rude attitude, it’s not unreasonable that you attribute that rudeness to discrimination like the clearly upset guest did a few reviews before this one. 2 - The policy of taking credit card details to charge the full amount for the booking if you are a no show. When I arrived there were lots of empty tables. The table next to me was a walk in. So you’re better off not booking. Positives : 1 - the food was good enough to warrant the charge. The wine selection is also very good but on the pricey side. Dining in London is pricey. My advice - provide good food and polite professional service. I worked hard to give 3 stars and wish them well.

N. O.

Good introduction to Nigerian food. Really spicy food!

Y. X.

Amazing food with great presentation. Modern and simplistic restaurant deco. Staff well trained. My Nigerian friend thinks it is not traditional Nigerian food, but it does not bother me. It TASTES GOOD! Recommend Roasted Squid and Jollof Rice

C. W.

The standard of the food is exquisite; fine dining experience, however the portions are all quite small for how much they cost. I do think it's a bit overpriced, but it's a good experience with cosy settings. Be aware that only blind menu is available during dinner.

J. C.

Great decor, cool logo, good service but the food portions are just too small for the price with wine 100 quid a head. There wasn't a menu just a tasting menu.no jollof rice more of a biryani. Not bad but for me it is just one visit. Lovely staff, nice presentation but if you are not nuts about hot pepper then this isn't for you.

T. H.

Great food, social distancing in force but didn't feel oppressive nor abnormal. Top night!

C. C.

Cool setting and interesting food but whilst I love spice and chilli, I felt it was too spicy for some of the delicate and expensive ingredients that they used in the menu. I also felt the cocktails were a bit edgy compared to how they could be. But the menu changes a lot so I'd love to go back in a few months and see how things have changed!

O. E.

Lovely restaurant, great staff. Really interesting things on the menu, I love what they've done with ingredients I'm familiar with, seeing my mother use. The best way to enjoy this restaurant is to think solely about the ingredients and not about the "dish" as that could allow for nostalgia to cloud one's judgement. All in all, I'll be back and back again.

M. A.

First thing to note. If you want Nigerian food, this is not for you. This restaurant serves an eclectic menu with hints, yes, just hints of Nigerian flavours that will appeal to a European clientele seeking new and exciting flavours for their adventurous palates...such as the deliciously quirky iru-flavoured sauce and the crab-paste covered, brown smoky jollof rice with a risotto-like texture. Second, the mid price range indicated by Google is totally wrong. This is a Michelin starred restaurant. Our dinner cost us 250 pounds for two of us, and we had only one drink each. That IMHO requires at least 4, not 2 pound signs. Do not be deceived. Third, We had the blind tasting menu, which means everyone in the restaurant is served the same 8 or 9 course meal without knowing what you will be served until it arrives at your table. One course was the fermented plantain waffle the size of a hashbrown, which we quite liked. Another was a mini mars bar sized sweetbread, and no, it's not bread but cow innards, pancreas specifically, which we decidedly did not like, another course was a strip of moin moin the size and shape of a fish finger, and another course was some red mullet which was ok. You catch my drift...it was a series of appetizer sized plates. All in all, the food was clearly prepared with a lot of attention to detail and flavour. We quite liked the flavours, but if you were really hungry going in, you'll likely be almost as hungry coming out. Fourth, restaurants, IMHO, should not make political statements. There was an item on the drinks menu called, and I quote, F... Trump and his Stupid F..ing Wall. Whatever you may think of Trump or other world leader, this is not in good taste. Fifth, the moinmoin and langoustine strip was served without cutlery, as you are expected to use your fingers. This was ok, but it would have been helpful for diners to have hot towels to wipe their hands. Just for hygeine...coming off the underground or wherever in London, your hands are not exactly sterile. Last, the staff were extremely professional, courteous and attentive. 5 stars for the staff.

S. P.

I admit the food is good. More a fusion with a Nigerian influence than authentic Nigerian but definitely a good introduction for someone used to a European palette. For Nigerians great to taste the food with a twist. I tried the Wagu beef option, medium rare, this was honestly very tasty and would highly recommend. The plaintain with scotch bonnet source was awesome! Drinks were good although portions were a little stingy. Service was great and waiters were nice. Menu is limited though, with only 3 mains I think more thought could go into this. Decor and ambience was a huge let down for me which almost made me rate this place a 3 star. Considering the price of the food, ambience should be factored into the experience however with bland walls, unimaginative art, feels like the creators ran out of cash and decided magnolia and blandness was the order of the day. Altogether would go again, defo recommend however decor needs work. Maybe some Nigerian artistry

B. R.

Loved this restaurant! Will definitely be back! Favourite courses were the mackerel (caught and cooked the same day and it showed) and the crab jollof (delicious). However, everything was yummy. Expensive, but worth every penny. Well done.

S. E.

Fantastic - from beginning to end! The quality of the food was excellent and the creativity of the dishes was memorable. The service was first class and the price point reasonable. It’s also very convenient located for theater goers - our reservation was at 6pm and we comfortably made our 7:30pm show.

D. W.

Three stars for a beautifully decorated restaurant but the food was very disappointing. Overpriced. Powdered seasoning (residue sticks at back of throat). Small portions. I know they see themselves as upscale but they lose the essence of Nigeria in the process. So if you want a hint of Nigerian food but designed for a western bland pallet then fine. I'm not Nigerian but have been to better Nigerian restaurants.

C. B.

I went on the official opening night but I am aware that there were early bird opportunities which I was given the opportunity to book, the times just didn't work for our entire collection of friends. The service was polite and we actually enjoyed cracking jokes with our waiter and the chefs. The food was great. I wouldn't call it a Nigerian classic with a London twist but nonetheless the quality was up there with any other great restaurant in central London.

C. E.

High end African dining. Delicious set menu, definitely "Nigerian-inspired" rather than authentic Nigerian cuisine but that is probably why it has been so successful in attracting a very diverse clientele. Particular delights were the buttermilk plantain (flavoured with raspberry salt) and the pumpkin & groundnut serving.

S. B. G.

Ikoyi creates delight, it’s magic and west African ingredients capsulated in a dish. Everything served here is innovative, the ingredients are invigorating, refreshing and spicy, yes they are spicy but they are original, creative, exotic and different. The chef is in love with his job, so it shows in his food, it’s amazing to see someone so mesmerised and proud of what they do, I’d like to see more west African food out there and for more people to try it. I have developed new taste buds for things I had never tried before and I’d definitely go back for more. The Palm wine cocktail, the jollof rice, the yams, plantains, the mackerel and beef all served here in this small restaurant, It needs more glory!!!

G. A.

Wow.wow.wow great food. Dont go expecting what u normally are accustomed to. You will enjoy this place if u go to be intrigued and experience delicious moorish food. Absolutely loved it. We had the 6 course blind menu and it was a fantastic absolutely great service and great food. Going again in the summer holidays (7 weeks)

Z. W.

A wonderful new restaurant with a chef who balances his own innovative vision with exceptional execution and satisfying flavors. From the moment you walk in, the thoughtfulness at all levels of detail is clear. A wonderful space that’s warm and intimate, though also sleek and modern. A staff that’s friendly but respectful. And the food is obviously the highlight. These aren’t just new, well-executed takes on standard dishes – though obviously steeped in a lot of technique and traditional flavors, they’re more like new creations that manage to be both surprising/exciting while also deeply satisfying. Highlights were a perfectly fried plantain with raspberry salt and a wonderful scotch bonnet aioli, a succulent pork chop with a hibiscus miso and a chicken with benne sauce both as tender as anything I’ve eaten (I don’t think I’ve had a dish elsewhere that could be described more aptly as “melt in your mouth” than these two). Overall an extraordinary experience and quite an achievement by this chef to have created a menu of dishes that felt both super refined and surprising but also simultaneously like eating a comfort food. I came with a large group and we all ended up sharing everything because we didn’t want anyone to miss out! And the cocktails we had reflect the same level of creativity and thoughtful execution. Highly recommended.

A. R.

5/5 great establishment with great variety and high quality food really enjoyed the experience

V. T.

Very interesting and delicious food, worthy of the hype. Service, however, was rushed and clumsy. Clearly they needed to turn the table - the economics of a small place with a lot of staff in Central London. An overall awkward experience.

U. L.

Dynamic, measured, inspired, fearless - some of the thoughts which come to mind upon mentioning Ikoyi. Subtle yet blistering in the same mouthful, Chef Jeremy Chan has beautifully united the perfect blend of West African flavours, paying careful attention to the quality of his produce. Every ingredient has a story at Ikoyi - a fine touch I greatly enjoyed was the waiters being able to explain the source of each ingredient on the plate. I dined with a friend on the mandatory tasting menu, we enjoyed a "plantain-roasted" old-fashioned brimming with cool, earthy flavour, and a fine Zinfandel with our food. Dishes which stood out include the grilled octopus wrapped in (soro) leaves, and the tender lamb loin accompanied by a crab-meat jollof rice. Had the pleasure of meeting Chef Jeremy during our dining experience, we will be glad to come back again and try a a totally new set of plates (revolving tasting menu adjusted for the seasons). Wonderful dining experience, highly recommend to anyone who has an taste for adventure.

K. W.

Interesting flavours. Some smoky and peppery themes throughout the tasting. Favourite is the signature Plantain and the Jollof rice. The decor doesn't scream much personality but it's clean and uncluttered.

A. H.

The most desirable and delicious delivery of West African fine dining available, probably, in London. Great service with the right level of attention. An interesting way to dine, with blind tasting menus.

P. B. I.

Unique tasting menu. Nice selection of cocktails. Wonderful staff. Very special and different flavors featuring West African cuisine.

T. T.

This is good place with a common simple entrance, you enter and face a common ambiance. Dining extends into kitchen. Dishes are more to African and South African style. Has fair range of wine, but expensive. So is the food, one must allow the chef to help you chose if u are not familiar WITH the cuisine.

J. O.

I came here to try something different, and highly recommend it to anyone who is a foodie and is ready to try something different. The meals were amazing which implemented classics flavours with an aromatic twist. The service was outstanding, with friendly staff who engaged in geniuine conversations. Nigerian classic with a London twist.

A. I.

Amazing and interesting food! Authentic flavours! Pleasant and attentive staff. I truly enjoyed my experience. Clean bathrooms :) Thumbs all the way up for me. I will be visiting again.

P. M.

Delicious food better than fresh. Flavor jumps off plate. Cozy place our third visit. West African food done well even our Kenyan friends impressed

P. C.

Everything about this restaurant is good. The menu is limited, but the food is amazing with blends of spices that I've not tasted before. Most new restaurants in St James's Market are in huge echoey spaces where you have to shout at the person opposite you, but Ikoyi has created a lovely, intemate space, where you can have a quiet conversation.

C. O.

Pretty much one word can summarise it: awesome! Amazing creative food. Perfect portions, interesting blends of African Nigerian influence & French cuisine, top of the game staff. Great evening will go back and recommend!

a. o.

The restaurant itself is perfect for lunch time dining, a small but open space with lots of natural light coming in. The first time I visited Ikoyi we ordered from the al la carte menu and the bill came up to over £130 for the two of us and we weren't full by the end of the meal. The portion of the pepper soup was especially tiny which was disappointing because it was my favourite dish. I gave ikoyi a second chance recently and the food was better this time and so we're the portions. We played it safe and orders from the lunch time menu and it was far better value. I don't know how they do it but the chicken dishes here are all beautifuly cooked, really tender and moist. Unfortunately, I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars because the service was so poor on our second visit. One of our guests spilled their drink and our waiter didn't offer to replace it, we had to ask for our water to be topped up for the table, we had to chase our waiter down to order and again for our bill. For a restaurant that charges as much as it does we expected more. We also didn't appreciate the sudden music change when we arrived. Elevator music > trap. Nigerian music/Afrobeats would of been more appropriate.

T. E.

Delicious food using ingredients of Nigeria to inspire the menu. Don't go if you are expecting typical Nigerian mum's cooking and portions sizes. Reservation highly recommended.

M. f.

Big flavours, service and atmosphere was not quite what i normally expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Had the 7 course tasting menu and a drink each at £170. I don't think it was worth the money.

R. H.

Ikoyi is unlike any other restaurant I have tried in London. The food is fresh and spicy and vibrant, beautifully presented. The atmosphere in the restaurant is great, made by the friendly and efficient staff. I recommend Ikoyi to anyone looking for something special in the West End - just seconds from Piccadilly Circus.

M. F.

Amazing food and warm service.

K. V.

This review is long overdue! Dined in Nov’19 during the mashup between Chef Jeremy Chan and Chef Mingoo Kang (from Mingles Seoul). What a delight - still remember the amazing experience of West Africa and South Korean cuisines coming together seamlessly!

F. G.

Unique experience. Went for the soft launch pre-opening and service was already spot on. It was great to explore flavours entirely new to me. The mackerel dish was beautifully delicate and every spoon of the ocra sauce left me wanting more. Cassava cocktail is a must try.

S. E.

Love the concept, love the food. Atmosphere leaves you craving a little and you may need to bring a side of milk with you because most dishes are very spicy. I’m not one for too much spice, but the others with me love it and they even found it too much. Almost takes away from the flavour of the food. Lots of potential in this place and would definitely come back (as long as all dishes were available during prime hours). The cuttlefish miyan tausche- wow, the flavours keep hitting you later after layer, and I wish they would give you unlimited amounts of the pancake. Other must tries are the wagyu (flawless), jollof rice (a staple) and the avocado baobab dessert - very creating, super refreshing and delicious.

E. Q.

Absolutely outstanding restaurant .. innovative, exciting and clean, strong flavours - I will be back! Many thanks to all the front and back of house staff for their hard work and dedication - particular thanks go to Clemelle who looked after us with style, panache and flair - a sterling job well done

S. D.

Excellent, interesting food - a great pre-theatre option. The plantain starter is unique and delicious. Several good options but the Jollof rice is my favorite.

D. L.

Where do I start?. Been planning to visit for a really long time and It was worth the wait. You have to book ahead and as with any decent place there are peak periods (7pm - 930pm during the tail of the week being one). I had to call in 36hrs before to increase our party size by one, which was confirmed again. Within 10minutes of arriving I could see we were verrry lucky, every seat for the next 2.5hrs was taken (and refilled) I was expecting a funky fusion of The "traditional" West African ingredients, I looked forward to those I loved ( Plantain, Okra, Mango, Banga), those i was hesitant about (Ogbono, Zobo, Cassava,Buttermilk) and hoped I would enjoy it. They surpassed my expectations. To begin with the service was excellent (warm and welcoming), Buttermilk Plantain & Smoked Scotch Bonnet was definitely a crowd pleaser. I could taste why. Plantain and raspberry? Who would have thought? Dambu Nama & Whipped Bone Marrow Tart was just unexpected (shredded dehydrated beef on whipped bone marrow mousse/cream (???) a macaroon like base, peculiar but tasty! Never had Octopus before, tried it for the first time Octopus, Ndolé & Calçot. Enjoyed the twist on jollof, reminded me of Nok @ Alara. My favourite main this night was the Monkfish, Banga & Citrus Asaro, tasted such rich, subtle notes the flavours were sublime!! The Kent Mango, Ogbono and Buttermilk I dreaded was what I loved the most, sublime flavours, I ate this verrry slowly, savouring every morsel. I had a Cassava Sour , I just need to see and taste what they could with cassava in a drink?..I had another. A fusillade of flavours and distinct textures!. Did I mention the super clean conveniences and warm service? Yes they are a tad pricey but it's a high end restaurant in a prime location, so it's expected. Worth another visit !!!

C. J.

The food is inventive with an African twist. The service ambiance though detract a lot from it and the price point is simply a bit too high for what it is. Standout is their chicken, which is amazing!

D. U.

Very good restaurant with tasty food, a subtle spiciness throughout all dishes which is fabulous. Great flavour combinations and presentation. The restaurant is very small and cozy.

O. K.

Small hidden restaurant serving contemporary Nigerian food that Nigerians sometimes find hard to identify. The unusual range of taste combinations are amazing, just be adventurous and try as many as you can., which is easy with them serving many small dishes.

A. A. M.

Fantastic Nordic-Nigerian cuisine A gem

A. O.

Good 121 service but menu and content is very limited. You can have it all in one sitting then wonder why you want to go back? The corner seats are good but those in centre looked as if they are arranged for speed dating exercise. Parking was a nightmare..be warned.

M. M.

An incredible journey of magnificent tastes. Highly recommend it to all the foodies out there. Every dish is highly sophisticated with loads of research and experimentation done to create something really unique.

T. B.

Great experience trying our first modern west African cusine. Food, cocktails and wine were uniquely delicious. Like nothing else i have tried before.

J. H.

Went with a group of friends last night and these guys are doing a great job - the food is authentic and beautifully presented, I particularly enjoyed the starters. Not for the faint hearted though as everything was very spicy!

A. S.

A fusion of Nigerian spices with the influence of world flavours. The smoked jolly rice (not pictured) is to die for.

J. L.

Great food. Great service.

A. A.

U need to book at least 6 hrs in advance to get a table. Be sure ur card is loaded b4 booking. Hmm mm!! Delicious, highly appetizing meals. Trully a blend of Ikoyi & Yorkshire delicacies. Bon appetite

C. B.

So pleased that I chose this restaurant. I ate vegan and was impressed by the flavours that were served.

P. P.

Vegan blind menu was splendid. Just wish we knew we were being put on the blind menu before hand.

O. S.

Extremely nice experience, surprising food, tasty drinks and friendly Staff :) (and that smell of smoked rice!) worth every penny. Hope to be back there as soon as possible :)

A. D.

Very interesting food, I'm not sure there is anywhere else in London where you can try these flavour combinations. The quality of the ingredients and the use of spice was excellent.

J. H.

Great experience. The tasting menu was perfectly matched to the wines. A great treat and something different for London.

m.

Food is nice but portions are small and price is too high. I'd rather go to my Aunty's house and get the real deal, but it's good that this place exists to put more Nigerian food places on the map.

L. M.

The food here is simply outstanding. We tried almost every dish on the menu and each was as good as the next - Looking forward to making this a regular.

O. A.

Had a lovely lunch with an old friend. The food was delicious and the staff were very helpful. Nice to see this kind of cuisine being represented in Central London.

C. H.

Superb food, African prepared with real chef expertise. Friendly staff. Popular with Ghanaians and Nigerians, which has to say something about the quality.

A. B.

It’s not a Nigerian restaurant oh. Pls if you are expecting Naija food don’t go there. Since the restaurant has admitted not being a Nigeria restaurant and only influenced by Nigeria. I have changed my rating to 5 star.

C. B.

Visited as part of London Restaurant Festival. A decent small course with a tasty cocktail to match. Intriguing flavours and I hope to return at some point soon.

W. L. J. J.

Absolutely Stunning 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿

E. Z.

Excellent service, environment, and food. An innovative and exciting dining establishment that provided a memorable culinary experience. The prawn was especially notable.

O. N.

The service was really great as was the atmosphere. Food was interesting but I guess it did not fully meet the expectations.

s. o.

Lovely ambience. Stingy with the food and cocktails portions. Not sure about the blind menu concept. Bit of a novelty that soon wears off.

J. B.

Euro_African cuisine excellently delivered in an intimate setting and at a reasonable price. Great service - and I look forward to returning back

J. H.

Good tasting menu but overpriced

P. s.

So obsessed with how good the food is here!! Definitely go here if you’re in London!!

T. D.

Oh wow. Yes, it was a super treat, and not cheap, but what a treat! I hope to go back!!

A. W.

Best food i've ever eaten, with an amazing atmosphere and incredible staff. The only place in London that feels like coming home.

A. H.

I had a good experience Food was good Nice atmosphere It is a bit small At the time I went the food selections were not that many. Overall, it was a good place to go to 👍🏾

S. S.

Very good service. Owners and staff were friendly. The food was tasty and a good - sized portion. Good vibes. Would recommend it to others!!!

F. A.

Enjoyed all the dishes at Ikoyi didn't disappoint... The rice was exceptional and glad I ordered the dessert... Something different

B. K.

Outstanding food, taste and presentation. Staff super friendly! Atmosphere and ambient also very good! Go if you get the chance!

N. R.

I’ve been there twice in 2 months and I can say this restaurant is indeed one of my favourite new discoveries! Friendly, knowledgeable and attentive staff.

C. Q.

Excellent tasting lunch

L. A.

It was bloody expensive & the portions were experimental. Worth every mouthful. A place for foodies & special occasions.

M. W.

The food is exemplary and as is the service. The wines are heavily marked up, hence 4* instead of 5. #jollof

F. W.

Great atmosphere and the food was delicious. A bit over priced but still worth going if you have a few extra pounds to spare!

A. J.

South American fusion experienced. Great fish dishes. Set menu is the best part.

K. H.

Innovative and great food; lovely decor and fantastic service. The location of the restaurant is a bit drab, but definitely worth visiting this spot.

J. W.

Incredible dinner, one of the most unique culinary experiences I've had. Great service as well.

B. A.

Excellent service and food. One of the waiters has a lisp which makes it hard to hear what you are eating.

D. M.

Heehee I’m still hiding under the table Cheryl come find me teehtrr 🐈🇫🇷🧀

A. B.

Liked it, good service and interesting options. A bit spicy for my taste. But worth trying

A. M.

Somewhat underwhelming although I can't quite say why

J. W.

Very unique food. Starter was far too spicy but otherwise incredible

K. V.

The best african restaurant in London. Perfect Service, good food and Nice place. All is perfect just the price is more expenseve 🙄

H. G.

Incredible flavours and perfectly cooked red meat and octopus. Thank you to the chefs for giving us something different; I'll be back

N. Y.

Food quality is amazing! Can improve on wine list

A. A.

The best Nigerian fusion food!

A. Y.

Pretty decent food. Good service. The ambience doesn’t really go with the food though.

L. O.

Key to appreciating the food. "Nigerian inspired" not actually full blown Nigerian cuisine.

B. A.

Authentic very westernized but done so tastefully. Cocktails were great.

S. B.

Amazing food. Great representation of West African flavours in a creative and modern style. Keep it up guys!

M. C. C.

Awesome food and steep price

N. B.

Wow, what a super delicious food experience! I can't wait to go again. An adventure for your taste buds.

J. V.

Great Nigeria-Europe cross cooking, fine cocktails and wines in a Scandinavian inspired interior.

A. D.

Very good food but the portions were too small for what we paid

E.

Excellent food, very original, interesting texture and amazing deserts: must try!

G. H.

Incredibly delicious food. So unique and I plan to return again soon. Highly recommended

V. S.

Would thoroughly recommend

D. V.

Greeted by a smiling host, served great good by truly friendly wait staff, well done.

G. B.

Great service, really experimental food that tasted fantastic. Awesome experience.

K. A.

Fantastic experience, exceptional food and service. Looking forward to visiting again!

J. K. M.

Their service was excellent and the food was amazing. I would definitely go again!

a. c.

The food is absolutely fabulous, especially the slow cooked chicken. I definitely recommend it!

L. A.

Really great food. Was a delightful experience! Worth every penny!

k. y.

nice food

M. S.

Unique food that satisfies (but never transcends), a cozy refined ambiance, impeccable service

C. A.

will be back again they had some amazing food and the atmosphere was brilliant.

E. F.

Very unique and delicious dining experience. Worth the high price.

T. O.

Cool and amazing place.

O. O.

Fantastic! Nigerian Food at its finest! Great service from the waiters aswell!

M. H.

What a great experience The food was amazing Staff are brilliant Can’t wait to go back 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

M. N.

The taste menu is amazing... Authentic and original at the same time

J. G.

Food was delicious! Portions were a bit small for the price.

P. R.

Great service! The food was good, but I expected better for the price

I.

Love your Platano dish. Top experience, super place.

J. T. A.

Genuinely incredible food. Unbelievable flavours, done in the best way!

H. T.

Food was nice but a little expensive. No menu (only course)

B. F.

Great food, great atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff.

M. D.

Very interesting food, nice place, too expensive for what you get.

F. C.

A very special dinner. Just make sure you love spicy food

N. B.

Expensive, but not experience/food you'll be able to get elsewhere. Great service.

P. G.

A very nice restaurant with friendly staff. I love it.

T. M.

Food and service is brilliant!! Space slightly tight, need less tables

A. M.

Amazing!!! If you love food you'll love this place!

S. F.

Unique take on high-end Nigerian food. The starters are amazing!

D. W. M. C.

Always love visiting Ikoyi, lovely flavour profile!

P. Z.

Incredible and unique food, great ambience, wonderful staff

J. R.

Highly recommended Very nice restaurant to enjoy your evening

S. T.

Great food. Great service. Very enjoyable!

M. P.

Good but Not a Michelin star restaurant

D. M.

Africa comes to London, short simple menu, plenty of pepper

D. B.

Absolutely delicious. Wonderful flavour!

N. H.

This restaurant was absolutely perfect. I love this.

O. W.

Very nice lunch, recommended.

L. P.

Cosy place, decor is tasteful and has a welcoming environment

A. D.

Mind blowing combination of flavors. A must try restaurant!

S. B.

Gorgeous food, wonderful service

B. J.

As you would expect, the food is just out of this world. Thank you!

L. H.

Great breakfast setting. I advise.

T. Z. O.

Amazing. Fantastic. A worthwhile food experience

G. B.

Good food and place for relaxation in the heart of central London.

S. P.

Interesting, but not a Nigerian experience

C. B.

Can't tell how great this was. Definitely worth the money

O. U.

Great ambience and décor. Interesting food, too.

J. F.

Great food. Great service and atmosphere.

o. f.

Nice spin on good 'ole jollof...moin moin too...premium pricing too

#. #.

A place you must visit!

J. P.

Super good food!

K. w.

Amazing Experience with very interesting flavours !!!!

N. U.

My new favourite lunch gateway!

N. A.

Very good place. Impressed!

D. G.

Food is excellent, invovative dishes.

D. C.

Very delicious and interesting food.

G. S.

One word describes this place: wow

P. W.

😍 food was excellent and service was fantastic!!!!!

B. S.

Great flavors in a relaxed setting

N. R.

Cannot get enough of that amazing rice!!!

M. F.

A new sensory experience. You pay for it, though.

p. c.

Excellent food and friendly staff

d. e.

Excellent food, friendly service

N. F.

Food here is absolutely delicious.

D. S.

Superb dinner experience

T. O.

Interesting fusion

P. A.

Explosion of taste. Good service.

T. B.

Fantastic Nigerian fusion. Just delightful. 👌👌

P. P.

Fantastic!

E. O.

Well deserved Michelin star

L. M.

Extraordinary. Wonderful. Unique. Try it.

S. S.

Fantastic food experience in London

i.

Great food and ambience.

S. D.

Keeps getting better with every visit

M. N.

after 2 weeks, still overwhelmed

T. V.

Wonderful food and ambiance. Not an authentic Nigerian restaurant and making no claim to be such -- simply delicious, inventive, and impeccably-cooked food.

H. G. V. M. P.

Just wanted test it something new

E. I.

Top

S. T.

Simple amazing

C. M.

Super flavours and service !

J. H.

Savage food, epic drinks.x

A. H.

Amazing food and service

J. M. S.

Great

D. W.

Food was spectacular !!

B. H.

Amazing food!

A. A.

Interesting dishes and nice twist on traditional African dishes

J. A.

Terrific

O. O.

Good food.

G. S.

Perfect

H. O.

Just fabulous. Go!

H. L.

Very interesting place

N. A.

Was great service great

P. B.

Amazing food

R. A.

Excellent.

A. S.

Simply the best

Y.

(Translated) As it is a dish that includes West African elements, there are a few words that are unfamiliar to the menu (you should ask the shop! The condition of the fire is perfect! The staff also cares about the condition of the food, and the explanation is also polite, so it feels good. (Original) 西アフリカの要素を入れた料理ということで、メニューにも見慣れない単語がちらほら (お店の人に訊くべき！) なかなか辛いというかスパイシーな料理が多いですが、どれもおいしい上、魚やタコなどの火の通し具合も申し分なし◎ スタッフも料理の具合を気にしてくれて説明も丁寧にしてくれて感じがする良いです。

Z. J. W.

(Translated) Very nice service, however, the food was so spicy that I personally could not enjoy it (Original) Sehr netter Service jedoch war das Essen so scharf dass ich es persönlich nicht mehr geniessen konnte

a. g.

(Translated) Wow - this restaurant's exceptional discovery - a Michelin star 2020 - truly a surprise. The environment is nice, with a few tables and an open kitchen. The welcome is super nice. A good cocktail to start, while wondering what will come with the surprise menu (there is no à la carte menu): nine courses to discover; and it starts with original dishes, first quality raw materials, beautiful preparations, defined flavors, with a slightly spicy touch that will characterize the whole dinner, perfect textures. Behind all this there is study, technique, imagination, competence as a great chef. A very good sommelier suggests excellent accompanying wines (a little short but well made list). Very professional and courteous service throughout the evening. Account with fair value for money. A dinner to remember in a 100% suggested restaurant where I will definitely return. (Original) Wow - scoperta eccezionale questo ristorante - una stella Michelin 2020 - veramente una sorpresa. L’ambiente è carino, con pochi tavoli e una cucina a vista. L’accoglienza è super gentile. Un buon cocktail per iniziare, mentre ci si chiede che cosa arriverà con il menù a sorpresa (non c’è un menù alla carta): nove portate da scoprire; e si inizia con piatti originalissimi, materie prime di prima qualità, preparazioni belle da vedere, sapori definiti, con un tocco leggermente piccante che caratterizzerà tutta la cena, consistenze perfette. Dietro a tutto ciò c’è studio, tecnica, fantasia, competenza da grande chef. Una bravissima sommelier suggerisce degli ottimi vini in accompagnamento (lista un po’ corta ma ben fatta). Servizio per tutta la sera molto professionale e cortese. Conto con giusto rapporto qualità prezzo. Una cena da ricordare in un ristorante suggerito al 100% dove tornerò sicuramente.

I. O.

(Translated) Amazing chef let us in just before closing up and we had some really delicious jollof rice. Fantastic, warm and welcoming staff took great care of us, and gave us a taste of home. It was an unforgettable experience in a fancy restaurant that offers unique flavors and I recommend it out loud! (Original) Amazing chef let us in just before closing up and we had some really delicious jollof rice. Fantastic, warm and welcoming staff took great care of us, and gave us a taste of home. C'était une expérience inoubliable dans un restaurant chic qui propose des saveurs uniques et je le recommande à vive voix !

J. G.

S. S.

(Translated) The first time I tried West African restaurants, the flavor was unique and the ingredients were fresh. like very much. (Original) 第一次尝试西非餐厅，风味独特，食材新鲜。很喜欢。

d. s.

(Translated) Quality dishes and honest prices (Original) Pietanze di qualità e prezzi onesti

m. t.

A. H. M.

D. C.

U. B.

(Translated) Extravagant, unusual and the star is cooked. Hats off. (Original) Extravagant, ungewöhnlich und der Stern ist erkocht. Hut ab.

I. Z.

N. F.

J. C.

E. B. (.

R. L.

B. B.

T. S.

(Translated) Good food (Original) God mat

Z. S.

B. S.

C. S.

A. P.

B. T.

T. d. F.

M.

S. L.

H. A.

C. W.

A. T.

M. G.

I. M.

W. T.

S. P.

A. I.

Contact

Photos