180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom
Ikoyi is a restaurant in central London, St James's and it is founded by friends Iré Hassan-Odukale and Chef Jeremy Chan. We combine bold heat and umami to create our own perspective on seasonality. Ikoyi builds its own spice-based cuisine around British micro-seasonality: vegetables slowly grown for flavour, sustainable, line-caught fish and aged native beef. Our kitchen aims to serve produce in its optimal state, harnessing as much flavour as possible while respecting the true nature of the ingredient.The foundation for our menu is a vast collection of spices with a focus on sub-Saharan West Africa, which we have meticulously sourced over the past few years.
I wasn’t particularly impressed by the food. While some ingredients were exceptional—such as the 4-month dry-aged steak—the mediocre sauce unfortunately overpowered the overall taste. That said, it was still an interesting dining experience. One point of feedback: I hope they consider allowing foldable bikes to be brought in, especially after paying a service charge of £50 per person. Encouraging sustainable transport should align with their ethos. I was told over the phone that the space was too small to accommodate a foldable bike, but we were seated in a semi-private room that was quite spacious.
This is I believe my favorite restaurant I’ve ever eaten at. It’s definitely on the pricier side but the wait staff is unbelievably attentive. The food was all amazing. There wasn’t a single dish that I didn’t like. Every dish had its own unique flavor but somehow as a whole it was cohesive. Each dish was clearly its own dish and not an interaction on a previous course, but they were all clearly part of the same meal. The presentation and complexity of each dish were unparalleled. All of the wait staff is constantly keeping an eye out to make sure your table is clean and drinks are full. Julie (sorry if I spelled it wrong!) even noticed that I was left handed when she brought out the silverware which is an insane level of detail. I had to actually stop and think about if I’m actually eat left handed or not. They also paid a lot of attention to dietary restrictions and allergies which I love to see. The waitress knew me better than I knew myself! 10/10 would come back.
Loved the flavour and ingredient combinations, lots of things I'd never tried before. Fascinating to see the chefs plating up in the open kitchen, service was impeccable, especially the sommelier.
Incredible experience all in all. I heard plenty about "Ikoyi" and upon visiting, wasn't disappointed one bit. The only possible let down was the entree "soup", which for me was tame compared to the explosions of flavours that followed in the dishes after but I would definitely come here again.
First time dining at this fine establishment and enjoyed every moment. The atmosphere was perfect, the staff attentive and polite and there are no words to describe the flavors, presentations and delicate combos of each of the 11 courses. To add icing to the cake, we got to meet Jeremy Chan! Highly recommended.
Unique flavours from all around the globe. The finest produce from the UK and Europe. An Intimate and stylish restaurant that feels like a decadent experience as soon as you walk in. Personal service that made the experience even more special. Some of the best food I have ever eaten - Ikoyi doesn't disappoint. 5 stars
Oh Wow oh wow! In Jun 24 my son treated me to the 14 course sample menu at Ikoyi for my 60th birthday. It did not disappoint. Absolutely blown away with the flavours, the techniques used, the plating, the service - Everything! Absolutely wonderful meal. Everyone did their utmost. I cannot recommend enough..... My son is a chef, to Rosette level, and he is in absolute awe of their unique flavour combinations.
I first visited Ikoyi in 2020. Back then, they were located in St James and it was a fairly “normal” restaurant in terms of decor, serving an a la carte menu which was reasonably priced. What was not normal though was the food. It was an outstanding meal and I knew it wouldn’t be my last visit. Fast forward 4 years and they’ve really grown up to become a serious fine dining destination in London, and one that can somehow get away with charging far more money than the likes of Core, The Ledbury, etc. The high prices definitely pushed it into special occasion territory for me, and ultimately we decided to visited when my wife was celebrating a milestone birthday. The current location is a bit random, but once you step inside it has been really nicely set up with dark, earthy tones and a fully open kitchen that faces the dining room. There are only 10 tables in the restaurant and we were lucky to get one of the 3 tables in the “front row”, giving us a great view of Jeremy and his team in the kitchen. No menu was presented until the end of the meal, but there were roughly 4 snacks, 4 starters, a main course and then 2 desserts plus the petit fours which turned out to be another individual dessert. The food was excellent, an almost entirely different menu versus my prior visit, but the unusual flavours and combinations had been maintained and there were some nice hits of spice in a few dishes, which we really enjoyed. Since I raised the topic of value for money, I now have to backtrack a bit as the quantity of food served was far higher than typical fine dining venues, perhaps even 50% more, which basically explains away the price differential. I have a big appetite and I was quite full up by the end of the meal. No bread was on offer, and it definitely wasn’t needed either! Service was another stand out aspect of the meal. Staff were so genuine and friendly, it made for a very relaxed experience. But best of all, we were served perhaps half of our courses by Jeremy Chan himself! He was such a lovely, down to earth guy and we really enjoyed our interactions with him. The bill for our meal was a punchy £986, which comprised the 2 tasting menus (£320 each), a single wine pairing (priced at £180), a couple of extra drinks and a coffee, plus service. No doubt a very expensive meal but as mentioned the portions were generous, and combining this with the differentiated menu, excellent service and comfortable setting, it did add up to be one of my favourite fine dining experiences in London, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
ikoyi is a new concept unique to London, word can hardly describe the only way to know is to eat there and experiment it. Dishes that transcend region and cruising dishes that crossed flavourful profiles and boarder with a unique approach to ingredients with an opening mind.
Ikoyi Restaurant The 35th most Michelin-starred London restaurant in the world There is too much time between each dish The manager saw that I was really bored and took me to the kitchen for a walk. Ikoyi is one of the most difficult-to-reserve restaurants in London. The two-star female chef is full of gimmicks. I really like the taste of West Africa, but I was really not full at this restaurant and the long intervals between each dish made me dizzy.
Overall, its very good. The first tuna & aged beef at the beginning are the most delicious. I personally dont like the desserts. Considering the price of 400pp, I cant give full marks, but its worth a try.
Was my first time dining in Ikoyi today and it will certainly not be my last. WOW!! A truly unique dining experience with the variety and quality of the dishes. I had a blind tasting menu for lunch today, 12 dishes all masterfully prepared and created in front of me with the open kitchen design of the restaurant another huge positive. The food was unique , the invention and creation of these dishes is different level I am willing to bet there is no where else in London or the UK serving dishes like the ones I had today. Bringing together incredible flavours in delicious dishes. The Sweetbread with Radicchio and Merguez was stunning as was the Turbut with Miso as was Sea bass. Not forgetting the signature smoked jollof rice . Incredible. Chef Chan and his team deserve great credit for delivering exceptional quality at a ridiculously high standard. I would so far as to say thst this restaurant, Chef and whole team both kitchen and front are revolutionary in their outlook , dishes and delivery. I for one will always be going back every time I visit London.
It s hard to find fault with this restaurant. From the handmade plates to the inspired combinations of flavours and ingredients, it offers a singular, unforgettable experience. But once the fantasy becomes reality, the spell is broken. The desire fades as swiftly as the bill is settled. As to be expected my Italian guests were impressed by the hype and aesthetics, not so much the kitchen.
Fantastic experience. Must try!
Single handedly the best dining experience I ve ever had, 100/10 would recommend. I took my husband for his birthday and it blew his mind. Thanks for an absolutely incredible tasting journey
Had a nice dinner there with a group. Service was impeccable and experience really memorable. Had the tasting menu that was definitely a journey. I can see them climb to 3-star at some point with a few adjustments to the menu
It was the best tasting menu of the year! I have been to several 2/3 star Michelin restaurants and Jeremy Chan and his team deserve the 3rd star. Incredible and complex dishes.
Great ambiance and lighting. The food is unique, bold and perfectly executed.
Went there for a special occasion and boy did Ikoyi meet and exceed our expectations. The dinner was incredible, daring, and sophisticated in the best way, west African spices and influence were unlike anything I had before. They also accommodated my partners food intolerances perfectly and without her feeling like she was getting a worse plate. Lastly, shout out to Sommelier Fabrizio for elevating the night, he listened to us and made some cool and experimental substitutions and genuinely seemed to be having fun himself curating our wine and sake pairings. Was highly knowledgeable, attentive, but also humourous. Unforgettable experience.
Unique experience, a sublime and extrasensory journey
One of the absolute best food experiences Ive ever had. Innovative, rich, unique flavours. The way they use smoke and heat is indescribable. Amazing attention to detail and ingredient. The midweek lunch menu almost feels like good value from that perspective. Loved the atmosphere too, very intimate yet modern. Front of house was very good too. The same cant be said of the wine pairing. The pairing is great, its just a massive rip-off. At 130 pounds a pairing for five thimble-full glasses, Ive never experienced cheapness like it. My girlfriend got a full by the glass pour of one of the wines in my 130 pound pairing and paid 21 pounds for it. The math doesnt check out. Its quite a blemish on an otherwise invigorating and unique restaurant experience.
Been to few michelin restaurant is London and Ikoyi is a memorable one. Highly recommended and must try once in a lifetime.
One of our friends got food poisoning and was unable to make it to dinner, yet they refused to accommodate and will still charge you full price. I understand cancellation policies for no-shows or people without ample reason, but if someone physically CANNOT eat, some hospitality is expected. Reading the other negative reviews, the poor service and attitude seems to be consistent. Regardless, myself and my other two friends still went with high expectations and ready to enjoy the night but it fell flat pretty much immediately and continued that theme throughout the meal. Service is terrible; no one explains the dishes in detail or they mumble and you have to ask them to repeat things over and over again. No insight is given on the ingredients or culture they are supposedly pulling from; you have to ask for clarification and the servers wont know the answer anyways so they have to leave to ask the kitchen for every basic question. On top of this, 90% of the staff here are unfriendly and have pompous attitudes about them. We went to Restaurant Story a few days before and the staff there was INCREDIBLE! Super accommodating and friendly, very personable and they really went the extra mile to make us feel welcomed. At Ikoyi, everyone has this aura about them like THEY are doing YOU a favor by letting you eat there. It was really weird and uncomfortable. Even with all that, I was expecting the food to make it worth it since they have 2 stars, but unfortunately that too ended up being the worst Michelin meal Ive eaten, Bib Gourmand included. I did not finish many of my dishes, and the only one I was legitimately impressed by for the flavor and execution was a simple one bite dry aged salmon with ikura appetizer. I have absolutely no idea how this place has managed to get 2 stars; its a ridiculous establishment with subpar food and rude staff. Even the kitchen seemed unserious and like there was no passion; just a bunch of 20 year olds laughing with each other and trying to get their check and clock out, uncaring of the reputation they are feeding into. 2/3rds of the way through the meal they even started soaping and hosing down all the kitchen walls, climbing on top of the counters, and breaking it all down despite the dining room being full. All I could smell were the cleaning products for the last few courses. Save yourself the headache and the money and go to any of the other countless Michelin restaurants in London.
Hospitality piece is near non-existent. Cold service from the front door to the end. No enthusiasm or interest was expressed by the wait staff. No sommelier or any recommendations even offered by the team. Course descriptions just a list of ingredients and even then sometimes unsure about it making it difficult to tie into the West African theme. Cooks dropping pots and utinsils on the floor during service. Scrubbing down open kitchen with chemical smells wafting into the dining room during final courses. At the end of the day, service is more than moving a plate from the pass to the table. The food is good, but not good enough to make the guest feel like they are being a burden to the people working there.
Nice two resturand
Amazing lifetime dining experience I ve been to many Michelin star restaurants but never had this kind of dining experience and the mind blowing dishes Highly highly recommend
Amazing experience; must get the wine pairing!
First time Ive been back to Ikoyi since they moved to their new location on the Strand, and it was an absolutely astounding experience. Starting with the fabulous reservation team (thank you, Arezu!) to the gorgeous interior space and impeccable service and finishing with the unbelievably delicious and beautiful food (Chef Jeremy Chan is 10-star worthy). I cant wait to return, and Im already dreaming of the experience. If you are looking for a great dining experience in London, this is it!
Extraordinary food from start to finish. Definitely punching in the 3-star category but with a very unique play on spices, textures and innovation that make Jeremy and Ikoyi stand out. My only feedback would be to improve the wine pairing (both quality & quantity). We will undoubtedly come back here!
Good Nice Excellent Food : 5/5
I was charged £320 after I notified the restaurant 48 hours before our reservation, that my husband was not able to join us. Apparently they have a 72 hour policy that they didn t let me know until I arrived at the restaurant. I was scrambling to get someone to join us but was unable to. Killed the vibe, there was no goodwill at all. I am amazed because for the sake of one meal I m super angry and not going back, even though my husband asked if I wanted to go with some friends who will be travelling from Sydney. No way! I think k it was short sighted and hard up to make me pay for a meal that no one was able to eat, especially as I called 48 hours before. The food was very beautiful, and I enjoyed the music. Such a shame that I wasn t hosted nicely. Killed any joy, and ruined my time with a friend I hadn t seen in years. It could have been a great experience :( My bill was over £640 - not worth it
Lovely food, clean, great service
Fantastic
Amazing technique and flavors!
The most excellent restaurant weve been to together. The food was amazing - a 10 course menu plus petit fours. There were so many flavours and textures. Service was impeccable, such attentive staff. From start to finish, the lunch experience was so smooth. Thank you very much to the whole team for making it such a special birthday occasion
Im not sure why it costs £200 per person. The food didnt fill me up. The wait time between each plate got longer incrementally. I like the pre desert and the very first plate (drunken squid with Truffle, I think). Every plate looked nice, but the portions were very underwhelming. The restaurant failed to fill me up, which is the point of going to a restaurant to fill one up. The waiting time between each plate is excessively long. If you are hungry, this feeling will be even worse for you. If you are willing to spend that much to check in on your IG, post some pictures or whatnot, then this place offers you good-looking plates and an atmosphere. If you are looking for food that is worth the money and actually fills you up, look elsewhere. Preferbably, somewhere far from Central London, because things are mostly overpriced here. Bring a jacket or maybe a blanket because it is quite cold inside.
DISAPPOINTING food
Ixcilance good
Extraordinary culinary performance! Fine dining at its best. Jeremy Chan, head chef, leads the team through the performance of the open kitchen concept, channeling all positive tension into the restaurant itself. The interior is simple and serene, perfect for focusing on the eclectic gastronomic concept, a fusion of African-Asian cuisine with intense spice usage and unique ingredients that set this restaurant apart. A unique aspect is that the signature dishes arent the strongest ones, but two exceptional dishes preceding them (scallops and suya with creamed beans), offering a rhapsody of unexpected umami explosions. The service is exceptionally friendly. However, the atmosphere was disrupted by a table of overly loud guests, to the point where their noise drowned out the waiters explanations of the dishes. This detracted from the overall impression as I couldnt hear information about the ingredients used in the dishes due to the noise. Since its a blind tasting and the menu received at the end provides extremely limited information, unfortunately, the impression remains incomplete. Excellent cocktails.
My brother actually lied to me and told me this was a Japanese restaurant haha but anyway it was a really wonderful experience. I ve never had west African food before but Ikoyi s rendition of it is delicious.
OMG! words simply can t describe how good Ikoyi is, you just have to save the money and go for it. We have been to many Michelin star restaurants, have tried all the 3 stars in London, Ikoyi is simply on another level, I am certain they would have had the third star if Jeremy Chan is in the Michelin star inner circle. Flavor just simply exploded in your mouth layer after layer, we regretted that we didn t come here sooner. I had tried African cuisine before but didn t really enjoy it, but this is nothing like African cuisine, the use of spices are very subtle and everything is beautifully executed. If you are visiting London and want to treat yourself to a nice meal, look no more please, those overly hyped restaurants (e.g. most difficult to book) are not worth your money nor time. They serve a shorter lunch menu Tuesday to Thursday if you don t want to break the bank.
AMAZEBALLS, first time having African food in such a luxurious atmosphere
A wonderful experience - the food was fantastic and it was coupled with excellent service.
Outstanding, fabulous and wonderful. I went for lunch with an old friend and colleague as a real treat for ourselves. A perfect greeting on arrival. It s gorgeous on the way in and as you turn the corner into the main room you see the open kitchen, with the charismatic chef on the pass. So many dishes were fantastic, service also stood out. I had mentioned to my friend during one of the courses that I had seen a video where one of the chefs, from Jersey, was taking great care with the fish each day but he was very talented as he had grown up working at the fish monger. I didn t notice anyone close enough to hear. However he then appeared to present the next course which was a really nice touch and the kind of thing you see on tv (reminds me of The Bear). I felt special, it s the kind of memory that I will remember forever.
Best restaurant in the world.
Ikoyi had excellent food and a great ambience but at a decidedly steep price point. The tasting menu had some excellent dishes, especially when it came to the sauces and wringing flavour from vegetables in creative ways. Both the rib and the octopus were incredible. Unfortunately, especially the West African elements that Ikoyi likes to advertise, like the Jollof rice, underdeliver relative to everything else and relative to the fine dining expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the innovative dessert dishes which often fall flat in fine dining. All that being said, I would not call the experience twice as good as the average 150£ 1-star restaurant. To make matters worse, when we went we ended up being overcharged by about 210£ due to waitstaff errors. The mistake ended up being resolved but left a bitter after-taste given that we were paying a premium for excellent and attentive service.
Wonderful
Excellent!
Nice
Lovely dining experience. Well attended to and food was delicious. Apparently the menu changes a lot due to seasonality and availability. Would happily go for a return visit. Food
Thoroughly enjoyed the use of ingredients!
Had an unbelievably memorable experience at Ikoyi. Everything was orchestrated beautifully. Special commendation to TOBY for the final touch at the end! Magical evening with otherworldly dining
A special experience. Jeremy & Team have built something very special and its something that has to be sampled. Flavours on Flavours with flawless service & hospitality! Just go
A modern restaurant with a new feel that combines West African spices and ingredients with Japanese elements. Each course was a small portion, but there were 14 dishes, and after three hours of savoring them, I was full. All of them were a series of surprises, and the stimulation and flavor of the spices went well with both the wine and the sake. The sake pairing was also wonderful. This is a restaurant you want to visit on a special day.
I did not think it was possible to love a meal this much. Gorgeous setting, incredible staff, inventive food pairings with every mouthful somehow better than the last. A special thank you to our Sommelier who suggested beautiful wines, including my first taste of orange wine! I cannot wait to return to such a special place.
All was perfect about this dinner. Most expensive ever but worth every penny.
Absolutely brilliant! We went for the tasting menu at lunch time. We were very impressed by this place. The food was outstanding and service friendly and very professional. The attention to detail was exemplary - no doubt due to the fact we could see the owner checking every dish before it went out. The Michelin stars are well-deserved.
Ikoyi is almost certainly unlike any restaurant you ve been to before. The food is creative, original and makes exceptional use of warming spice. One or two dishes will live long in the memory and the aroma from the jollof rice was out of this world. The sommelier did a great job being patient with us making our choice and pouring in perfect time with the meal. But We found it really hard to hear the dish descriptions which when a menu is blind and using novel ingredients is especially important. This was a consistent issue and it felt rude to pick it up every time. When we were given the menu we were disappointed we didn t know more about the dishes we ate. The price is also too high. It just wasn t clear why it justified being so much more expensive than its peer restaurants. So the missing star relates to the value for money and lost aspects of enjoyment from the service/acoustics. I d still recommend a trip but brace yourself for the bill or make sure someone else is paying.
By far the best restaurent I have been to. Service - incredible. Food - incredible. Atmosphere - Incredible. You come to Ikoyi for a reason. That reason should only be food. The attention to detail is so specific, you will never experience it anywhere else. You do not need to be on your phone or take pictures, enjoy every moment. The pigeon was by far the highlight. We love a fine dining restaurent and this by far is the best we have been to, to date. I am very much looking forward to returning for my birthday. Thank you for such a wonderful evening.
Prepared dishes were pleasant, but not wowed. Its a missed opportunity that the service team didnt spend time to engage and explain the matching of ingredients and design that goes into the dish. The tea pairing was enjoyable. My usual habit when dining at a Michelin restaurant is to place order for sparking water with a few ask with it. It will show how much the staff is paying attention, and if they considered the customer experience; as these will give a preview of what I am going to get for my entire evening. On this regards, the house has failed to impress.
Our return to Ikoyi, following its relocation, was marked by a sense of anticipation, but unfortunately, our lunch experience fell short of expectations. Nearly every dish presented an issue with excessive saltiness, casting a shadow over the meal. The redeeming factor was found in the desserts, which showcased a degree of innovation. Regrettably, it appears that the restaurant has lost the distinctive touch that once made it stand out. This is particularly disheartening given the uptick in prices, creating a dissonance between value and experience. Adding to the disappointment was the wine pairing, which, at £100 for four glasses, felt disproportionately expensive. A quick search revealed individual bottle prices ranging from £25 to £45, raising questions about the justification for such a high pairing cost. In light of these factors, it is with a sense of sadness that weve decided not to return to Ikoyi. The overall experience failed to align with our expectations, making it difficult to justify a revisit, especially considering the current price.
Exceptional experience, Exceptional staff, worth every penny
Absolutely fantastic experience. Had Lunch tasting menu. The food was so good i recommend it to everyone. The staff were knowlwdgeable, friendly. Superb!
Came here on a Friday in January while on a trip for my husband s birthday. It was an incredible experience, the food was delicious and intricate and left us very full. We had a blind tasting that included dover, turbot, and pigeon. The pigeon was delicious but the veal sweetbread was out of this world. The wine pairing was a bit too steep for us so we decided to go with a bottle. Federico the Somm was patient and super knowledgeable and helped us select the perfect wine. He was amazing and we enjoyed talking to him about the various wine profiles, kudos to him for having a variety of prices on the menu. The service all around was impeccable, they are so stealth in their napkin folding and water pouring. Bravo ! The last thing I ll praise is the playlist. We went from dope lemon to mob deep. Absolutely electric playlist straight from my Spotify ? My only knock and this is small and nitpicky but we came there for my husbands 30th birthday and they didn t acknowledge that. Otherwise absolutely stellar.
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 didnt require such a huge outlay both in terms of money and time. Update: I ve been a few times since this review and Ikoyi just seems to get better and better. Upping to full five stars without reservation as London has changed a lot in the last few years, and marking a restaurant of Ikoyi s calibre down nowadays for not offering a la Carte just doesn t make any sense. One of the absolute best in the city.
Excellent food with a twist at this luxury restaurant. Set behind a non-descript door on the corner of The Strand and Surrey Street. It is easy to walk past, we did twice. There is only the brown door with the name on it in mid-size script. Once inside it is a very Scandinavian with clean lines and muted lighting. The first thing to notice is the food store with turbot and meat hung to age to perfection. That sets the tone for the evening, discrete but with attention to detail and to providing good quality. There Is no menu to choose from, a seven course blind tasting menu is the standard offering, or rather the exceptional only offering. All tables start service between 18:00 and 19:00 to allow for dedicated service to the table and exacting preparation in the kitchen. The tastes seemed to me to be mainly Nigerian influenced with quite a lot of spices I didnt recognise. I found all the dishes interesting in a very good way. There was one dish where the parts seemed to me not to fit together, even though they were individually very good. Definitely a worthwhile dining experience and one I would be happy to go through again. I just need to save some money for it.
Continuing my conquest of London, I wanted to explore great food that was well-rewarded, and not just the same old boring fancy food that you find everywhere. So I found Ikoyi, a Two Michelin Starred joint that specialized is sub-Saharan, West African food. Um, easiest decision ever. The restaurant I went to was very small and intimate. Room for maybe a dozen parties, so it was very nice, and you felt very well taken care of. They have since moved to a new location, since my time, so Im not sure what it looks like now, but it has to be an improvement. Anywho, so you get a tasting menu. Thats your only option, which I love. Just tell me what to eat, and Ill eat it. I couldnt find a menu online, so I dont have any accurate description of what I ate, but I can give you high points and low points. But, there were no low points. The first course was three small plates, and youre already deep in the thick of things. A black rice encrusted, fried octopus tentacle was Amazing. Not chewy, crispy from the crust, served with a nice sauce. A couple other small bites take with it, not sure what they were, but one of them was definitely slathered in caviar, a nice treat. This was also one of the two or three places in London that served me sweetbread. If you dont know what that is, go look it up, be surprised, and then take my word for it that it is delicious. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. You can tell that this is a true delicacy. Their mascot is obviously a fried plantain that is coated in a blueberry salt. That big red smear looking thing you see in all the pictures, thats it. Its a nice plantain thats cooked all the way through, and coated in a coating that would be way overpowering on its own, but its served with a side of some yellow sauce, I forgot was it was, but I know it was necessary and created a very nice balance. Scrolling through my pictures. There was a very nice fish, an squid omelet with some truffle, an amazing rice dish with some sort of deep, earthy sauce. Gosh, it was all just so good. We finished up with three dessert courses. A matcha ice cream with some black garlic sauce. Black garlic does Amazing things to ice cream, and I recommend you play around with it. The very last plate was a trio of single bites that were fun. There was a jelly; a burnt once that was bitter on the outside and sweet on the inside. Overall, this place definitely earned its two stars. It was quite a ride. It was a lot of food. A lot of things I havent ever eaten before. Yes. Just yes. Come here.
Thank you for a wonderful evening.
On my personal podium of London Michelin-starred restaurants. Finally something exciting! Completely different from the usual, boring white-fish-with-foam stuff most fine-dining places offer. Ikoyi has character, a surprising menu, great decor and truly lovely, smart staff. The spring tasting menu, the sweetbread was incredible as well as the rice. Absolutely recommend.
Ikoyi does not seat single diners - whether you are traveling for business, are a solo traveler, widowed, etc, they will not even let you make a reservation if you are a party of one. I have never been refused service, especially at a fine dining restaurant, for being a solo diner. Very disappointing.
If you love sushi you cant miss coming here!
Its definitely an experience that you have to try once ! Its something different a d completely new,far from every other restaurant Ive tried (Michelin stars and not ). The place is austere ..but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Staff and service excellent!!!! Food is from another country ..an unknown one !!!its complex, spicy, bitter and soft... theres definitely love for food. Well done
Ikoyi is a West African restaurant located in St. Jamess that offers a unique and exciting dining experience. The menu features dishes that are inspired by West African ingredients and flavors, but presented in a modern and creative way. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, with options like plantain and suya tartare, and jollof rice with smoked bone marrow. The atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
A great menu. Unusual. A wonderful evening. Very polite service.
It is difficult to put 5 stars or any other. It was a set menu and it took 4 hours. I think that it is too much. But the food, wine cart, tee, coffee - all unique. It is the most sofisticated vine selection I ever seen. The food flavors, tastes and combinations are absolutely tremendous. Surprisingly you do not feel the heavy stomach after dozens of dishes. Also - the food was quite spicy that is not topical for 2 Michelin stars. So if you are ready for a long distance - do not hesitate! But you have to book 2 months in advance!
Beautifully designed and comfortable space with tables enjoying views of the prep area. Discrete and attentive service. Exceptionally good marrying of unique flavors around a West African bent. Delightful. Recommend the wine pairing too.
Very nice!
Very cool, chic fine-dining restaurant with a very interesting tasting menu. Fine dining West African makes for an unusual and interesting eating experience. The service is impeccable and some of the wines are stunning. Very simple, paired back, elegant design. A good place to go to impress, of you have the budget.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at there, and it was truly an exceptional experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for an unforgettable culinary journey.
I loved it. I enjoyed watching the skilled chefs and the dishes were mainly seafood with a little bit of beef and chicken - the guiding principle seemed to be a mix of savory/warm and citrusy spices. I never had a tea pairing - it was fun to put into practice a skill I didnt know I had from my tea hobby. Even if you arent into tea, take it from me that there were a handful of dishes where the tea pairing made the course for me!
Highly unique cuisine from a talented young chef. Some of the spices used are quite outside the normal realm, and Im still making up my mind on a few of the dishes. Overall though, an excellent meal that will surprise, delight and challenge. I also really enjoyed their tea pairing - a great (and lighter) alternative to the normal non-alcoholic juice/kombucha pairings.
A phenomenal experience!! Incredible food and fantastic staff! An amazing evening
Superb lunch at Ikoyi, I just wish we had longer to enjoy it.
One of the few rare cases where each and every dish exceptionally delivered. In a world where even Michelin vetted restaurants are getting sloppy, service was most likely the best I ve experienced in a long time. Easily one of my most enjoyable meals.
My recent dining experience at Ikoyi surpassed all expectations and left an indelible impression. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for an evening of culinary delights. With its exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and an impressive drink selection, Ikoyi undeniably deserves its well-deserved five-star rating. The true highlight of my evening was the extraordinary cuisine that Ikoyi offers. Showcasing a harmonious fusion of bold flavors and tantalizing heat, their culinary creations took me on an unforgettable journey. Every dish on the menu was a masterpiece, demonstrating the chefs unmatched creativity and culinary prowess. From the very first bite to the final morsel, my taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors that left me spellbound. Ikoyis commitment to delivering bold and distinctive taste experiences truly sets it apart. The service at Ikoyi was nothing short of exceptional. The staff members, in addition to being incredibly kind, were attentive and knowledgeable. They expertly guided me through the menu, providing insightful recommendations that enhanced my dining experience. Their genuine passion for the cuisine shone through, creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere throughout the evening. To complement the remarkable food, Ikoyi offers a diverse and impressive drink selection. The talented mixologists behind the bar skillfully crafted cocktails that perfectly complemented the bold flavors of the cuisine. Whether it was a signature creation or a classic libation, each sip was a delightful accompaniment to the exceptional dishes on offer. Ikoyis attention to detail extended to its well-curated wine list, providing an array of options to suit every palate. During my visit, I was pleasantly surprised when the staff presented me with a signed copy of Chef Jeremy Chans Ikoyi: A Journey Through Bold Heat with Recipes. This captivating picture book not only showcases the artistry of the restaurant but also provides a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind their innovative cuisine. It was a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch to an already extraordinary evening. I wholeheartedly recommend Ikoyi to anyone seeking an unparalleled dining experience. The cuisine celebrates bold flavors and spices, taking guests on an exquisite culinary adventure. With impeccable service, a superb drink selection, and dishes that leave a lasting impression, Ikoyi stands out as a true culinary gem. Lastly, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the entire staff at Ikoyi. Thank you for providing me with a culinary journey that will be cherished for years to come. Your unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional experience and bringing the bold flavors of Ikoyis cuisine to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to explore further culinary wonders that await at Ikoyi. In conclusion, Ikoyi is an absolute gem that unquestionably deserves its five-star rating. With its extraordinary cuisine, impeccable service, and impressive drink selection, all rooted in the distinctive flavors they offer, Ikoyi delivers an unforgettable and exquisite dining experience.
I did the lunch tasting menu, which was very tasty. However, for £202.50 (after mandatory service), a broth + 2 snacks + 2 mains + 1 dessert + petits fours (effectively a 3 course tasting menu in the world of Michelin) is really quite light for the price of what would be a full tasting menu elsewhere. This is not including any drinks, etc. Its crazy to hear that only a year ago the same offering was less than £100! I think that speaks for itself. I will say that the service was fantastic. You can see why it has 2 stars.
Booked this two months out for my vacation, I got several confirmations on reservation and then 3 days before they called me to cancel it, then could not get me in on the other days i was there. Really bad way to do business.
Rich taste buds experience
Best meal of my life, and best fine dining experience I have ever had
The food is not bad I have to say. But unfortunately their service made it unbearable. As I started eating probably my second course, the general manager approached me and asked me about the details of my reservation. I made my reservation over the phone and emails the night before and I showed him the confirmation. He went back and forth to confront me, accusing me that I had made a cancellation the night before, which unfortunately there was no way for me to do since the reservation wasnt made through one of those platforms. As you can imagine how this would sour my experience here. I am also not sure where the confrontation would lead to, would you have wanted me to leave, as I was already in the middle of a meal?
very nice, very tasty
The only thing Michelin worthy about this restaurant is the price. We spent more than $300/person for the short lunch tasting course and wine pairing. Going to a Michelin 2-star restaurant is as much about the food as it is about the experience and the experience here was one of the worst I ve ever had. First, they sat us in a room behind the reception desk, so you can t see the open kitchen area (which is apparently where the experience lies). As a Michelin restaurant, I m surprised that they even take reservations for this table. If they want to seat it, it could be a table for walk-in customers or for large parties that want privacy, but to have guests that made reservations sit there is unheard of, or at least let us know that this table has no view of the open kitchen area at the time of reservation. Next, the food was so salty that you couldn t taste the flavors of the ingredients. I didn t finish a single dish. The only positive was the wine pairing, as the sommelier was knowledgeable. Do not go here with the expectation of a 2-star Michelin restaurant or you will be greatly disappointed. There are so many 1-star and even Bib Gourmand restaurants that deserve your money more. I m so disappointed in this restaurant.
i made the reservations with no expectations, but the west african influenced cuisine and lovely tea pairing blew me away. service was impeccable - they had the right balance of professional & friendly. we had a lunch tasting menu that was paced well. i think the non-meat dishes definitely shined more than the meat dishes, which was really surprising in a good way. the restaurant also emailed me shortly after i made my reservation to confirm & ask about dietary restrictions, which was appreciated. would love to be back someday!
After Brussels, back to London to my favourite restaurant.
Fantastic food and place
A pleasant experience at Ikoyi in general. The first course Kombucha was quite harsh to take on. Then things get eased a lot. Really enjoyed the lobster and the turbot. The rice is a bit raw/undercooked. When the quenelle ice cream was served with Kaluga, I was quite suspicious. It actually turn out to be quite OK, especially how its sweet and salty flavour was created and combined with the quality of the Kaluga from N25. Although it tastes good, this course should really be overripe plantain according to the menu, I felt a little disappointed when looking at the menu at the end as plantain was a signature African cuisine. I certainly felt service has fallen a bit below expectation. Upon arrival, I mentioned the room was a bit chill, asked for a warm drink. However, the drink went cold really quickly. Was promised refill at the beginning, but I seem to be forgotten and never received any. The chilled environment upset the whole dinning experience to some extend. When it comes to tea and coffee, my friend and I were presented the menu. Because we were chatting, we did not had a chance to look into the menu. The menu was then taken away brutally without asking. I wonder if this is because we were a bit slow and I have felt the pressure to finish and dash off soon. Agree with other review: timing of wine pairing could be improved (too sparse or too close). Wouldnt come back because the restaurant doesnt match other similarly priced alternatives . Not quite keen on coming back again.
Incredibly beautiful restaurant. The tables, chairs, plates, and place settings were gorgeous. The food was so interesting. Uniquely flavored, presented, and kept surprising with new ingredients. Very high quality meal executed very well by an all star staff.
One of the best restaurants I have ever tried!
Food was very good and creative. Loved being able to watch the brilliant chefs at work from our table. Loved all the fish courses and jollof rice!
Really special food, even though plates look small we were so full at the end!! Every dish was well thought off in every small detail, and all dishes were delicious!! Some plates are spicy, but overall super special food and experience!! The staff were also great! They made sure we enjoyed every meal and were super kind. Food : 5/5
Perfection. Atow the best restaurant in london by miles and miles and miles. Chef Jeremy Chan is a god.
Best fine dining experience in London
I had to book IKOYI one month in advance, the booking system is tight due to the high level of requests but easy to catch a spot. We preferred the lunch (which is available only on a few weekdays) because the dinner is too expensive. The brand-new location is amazingly designed with the bronze walls and the furniture tone but there is a bit of disappointment in some details that spoil the nature of the place compared to online pics, for example, the metal ceiling mesh raped by a smoke detector and fire sprinkler. I know, its mandatory, but I d use a different solution to keep shapes clean. The open view of the kitchen is very nice and entertaining, so if you can ask for a table overlooking it. The welcome from the staff was nice but maybe slightly cold and ritual, wed prefer a bit more friendly. The lunch tasting menu (9 courses) was not on display, but they asked anyway for allergies or intolerances and the wine list is well selected. The first course was a warm broth of caramelized chicken wings with citrus and it was tasting nice with a very interesting fat touch. The second entre course was a small but very tasty tart with beef reduction with delicate caviar on top. Afterward, we moved on to the real course: the first one was an octopus tentacle with potatoes, beans, and seaweed. The general taste of the dish was very nice and delicate, with the crunchy octopus well-cooked and the potato which was a very cool surprise. The next one was Jeremy Chans signature dish: the plantain with roasted peanut, maybe the funniest and most surprising dish on the menu for taste and texture. The next dish was a sea scallop with tarragon, coffee reduction, and gelatine that was looking like pink salt grains. The coffee reduction and the gelatine seemed a bit forced into the dish but the spicy tarragon was a perfect match with the sea scallop. Next one: the turbot please bring me back there to eat it again! The flavor and texture of the flesh were insane, the smoked pumpkin cream was emotional, and the pumpkin foam had a very cool intuition to complete that masterpiece. The beef with Morchella mushroom course was probably in second place after the turbot, probably even above for the initial taste. What I didn t understand about this course was matching with the smoked pilaf rice and lobster cream on top, which was tasting good but maybe so spicy to cover the delicate taste of the beef. After the lovely beef course, the direct dive into the dessert was a bit shocking, we would rather prefer an intermediate course to calm down your palate before the sweet. The Suya ganache dessert was amazing though, with the crunchiness of the disk breaking on top creating a perfect match with the softness and the rest. We enjoyed also the final three treats before the ending as a nice surprise of taste. We had 1 glass of champagne Val Frison Goustan Blanc for the first part of the menu and a Barbera Rossore Iuli when we switched to the beef. For me and my lunch partner, it was an amazing and surprising experience that I would kindly suggest doing once in a lifetime, even if the bill is busting your bank account (something fully comprehensive around 200£ per person would be perfect!). I have to say that the spicy touch generally tends to drift sometimes, but you can feel the great research and development behind the dishes and the restaurant staff is very well-prepared. I hope to be so rich one day to get back there for the dinner menu (300£ per person!!!!).
Top notch! The food here is on another level <3
Given its extreme price point and its reputation as one of the top restaurants in the world, I was expecting this dining experience to be excellent. Indeed, the service was flawless, and the atmosphere intimate and relaxing. The first snack was a sirloin and halibut bite that was seriously out of this world incredible, setting a bar that, unfortunately, none of the subsequent dishes would meet, save for the razor clam and caviar appetizer that took a close second place. If that first bite were an actual main course, I might have given Ikoyi another star. The entire tasting menu was interesting in concept, but almost never great in execution. For example, I dont understand the fine dining worlds obsession with squab, and Ikoyi did nothing to enlighten me on the subject with its take on the bird. The turbot dish was nothing special, and the lamb dish was just as underwhelming considering how much amazing lamb Ive sampled in my life at significantly lower price points. One dessert was genuinely innovative and excellent--the ice cream with caviar--but three items getting a thumbs up out of an 11-course meal is, frankly, a failure. At a staggering 300 pounds a person (a comparable restaurant would be the absolutely stellar Atelier Crenn in San Francisco), the meal at Ikoyi was highway robbery. We appreciated the phenomenal service from the 100% professional servers, attention to serious allergies, and tasty drinks, but the food, which should have been the stars of this show, did not meet the expectations the restaurant itself projects. Should have gone to a local fish and chips place instead.
May 2023 lunch tasting menu: I think there is a big difference between lunch and dinner tasting menu (base on pictures I saw on social media). If you have had lots of fine dining, go with the dinner menu. Starting with my disappointment: My biggest letdown and I m still thinking about till today is, the signature plantain dish was taken off the menu. I understand restaurants and Chef like Jeremy probably don t like to be defined by one or two dishes and continue to innovate, however, as a visitor, the first thought about ikoyi s menu is the plantain dish if you are not in the industry. If possible, would love to see it as an option or add-on. (Ps: the plantain ice cream with caviar is definitely a hit. One of the best veggie/savory inspired ice cream I had in London.) Everything else: I would say this is probably one of those super innovative restaurants in Europe. Even Jeremy was not in for lunch, the execution was flawless. I ve learned couple cool interesting techniques and ingredients that I ve never seen before at other Michelin restaurants. I m still thinking about the squid ragu and the plantain ice cream! Overall, it deserves the recognition, and I will definitely come back again for the dinner menu.
I had the most incredible dining experience at Ikoyi Restaurant, making it the best meal Ive had this year. From start to finish, everything about this restaurant was exceptional. The ambiance was enchanting, with a perfect blend of contemporary elegance and a touch of African flair. It set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The menu was a culinary masterpiece, offering a unique fusion of West African and European flavors. Every dish was a work of art, both visually and in terms of taste. The flavors were bold, innovative, and utterly delicious. The use of rare ingredients and spices showcased the chefs remarkable talent and creativity. The service was impeccable, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that enhanced the overall experience. They were more than happy to explain each dish and even made personalized recommendations based on our preferences. Overall, Ikoyi Restaurant provided a culinary journey like no other. Its an experience that Ill cherish, and I can confidently say its the best meal Ive enjoyed this year. If youre looking for an unforgettable dining experience that pushes the boundaries of flavor, Ikoyi is a must-visit.
Innovative, fusion of European and North African dishes, bold application of various spices, especially the first few appetizers, impressive, delicious and carefully designed. The service was excellent. I counted 15 people dining, and I saw more than 10 chefs and service staff. What deserves improvement is that none of the three desserts were very impressive. Before the dessert, I ordered another 2018 old white tea produced in Guizhou, which ruined my previous impression of the dish. Since this tea is not from the place where white peony comes from, it does not have the same old taste. The mellowness and sweetness of white tea are not the same as vintage tea. It is recommended that merchants make products that they know well and not lose the big for the small. Later, the service staff brought another pot of brewed cinnamon, which made up for some of the disappointment in the old white tea. Dinner for two costs £700. See photos for the day s menu.
Not properly advertised online, wrong description of cuisine, not properly updated address and rude host.
I agree with a few of the other reviewers that it is the service that stands out the most. We had the lunch tasting menu. I would say it was good but not anything amazing. The marinated melon was to me a bit pointless... The cocktails were just about average, the wine list was better. The service, I had to say, was spot on. Friendly yet professional. I love the interiors, so cosy and not imposing. A lovely, chilled lunch spot, albeit slightly overpriced for what they offer.
I took my husband here for his birthday because we both enjoy West African food, but the experience we had was quite poor. First, the food objectively missed the mark. The flavors of the jollof rice, for instance, were unpleasant. The rice was dry, black in color, and bland. I had a similar experience with about a third of the other courses presented to me. For $300 per person, poorly made side dishes like rice are simply inexcusable. Completely inauthentic to West African cuisine. And, a boring, drawn-out, regretful waste of three hours of our time.
The service is impeccable and some of the wines are stunning. Good execution of food. The staff wear masks too. Highly recommended!
Beautiful experience!!
Did the lunch menu and afraid it was one of those places where you feel like they r more focused on other things than food satisfaction, v tiny portions
Its taken me a while to write this review as I really had mixed feelings about my experience here. The reason being is I couldnt help feel massively disappointed by a restaurant I so wanted to love. Perhaps the hype of this place just didnt live up to expectation or the £300 you have to pay for the food alone. Especially when I have never left a restaurant so hungry in all my life. I have no qualms about paying that amount for an extraordinary out of this world eating experience, this wasnt. Although I will admit some of the food is tasty and really makes you think, there is clearly a talented chef at play. It just came across as quite underwhelming. The portions are tiny, even by Michelin starred restaurant standards. If you are going to go that small the menu has to be long & deep (and have more carbs!), it isnt and was all over way too quickly. I was also hugely disappointed that there were none of the classic dishes on the menu I have heard so much about, like the plantain starter. In the days and weeks that passed I couldnt help but feel incredibly short changed. Would I go back based on that experience - no. What I recommend to others - no. There are just way too many other superb restaurants in London you could go to and pay half the price or less. I just didnt get the £300 price tag in the slightest no matter how good the ingredients are. What also annoyed me was the menu they give you when you leave to remember the meal by, we had duck for main but it was mistakenly written as a beef main. A small point, especially when there are fridges full of ageing beef when you arrive. Its the details that matter at this price point. One for the ticked off but never to return category.
Thank you Ikoyi for an outstanding dining experience. We were very pleased from the start of the course all the way until the end. They were exceptional and the flavours were exhilarating. I am a chef myself and I can see how every dish was thoughtfully executed. The star of the night for me was the Black eyed pea ice cream and caramelised white chocolate with caviar. Worth every penny and the effort to travel from the other part of the world to this restaurant.
Overpriced. Overhyped. Food is a mess. Service is tepid given the price. Save your money and go elsewhere.
One of the best meals Ive had, would definitely recommend
A really amazing tasting menu and wonderful service - fusion fine dining - West African, Japanese and modern European - a globe-trotting holiday for your tastebuds without leaving London. Gola Pepper Broth Smoked Sirloin & Shishito Pepper Pink Daikon, Smoked Potato & Vadouvan Drunken Chicken Toast Mussel & Saffron Crème Caramel - topped with caviar, mackerel and pumpkin - another standout dish Pigeon Suya - this was amazing - delicious scotch bonnet spicing on the pigeon breast and a lovely crispy sweetbread on the side Moin Moin & Pine Nut - this also had octopus and pork belly Turbot & Egusi Miso - the aged turbot was meaty and delicious Native Breed Rib, Roasted Cep & Sauerkraut (no photo) Smoked Jollof Rice (no photo) - this was one of the standout dishes and something I was fascinated to try and it didnt disappoint Green Yuzu & Rye Amazake (no photo) Black-Eyed Pea & Caramelised White Chocolate - with Austrian honey truffle and caviar - a funky sweet/savoury pudding - with earthy flavour working really well together Black Fig Tatin (no photo) Verbena Berry & Wasabi (no photo)
Hello. Can you give information about the ingredients of your Jollof rice and the sauce on it?
High level multisensory experience. The restaurant is very simple but extremely elegant. The kitchen is completely open. From any seat you can see the chef at work with the help of all the staff. The oxen menu consists of 12 dishes. Meat fish vegetables spices. There is everything in a pleasant and surprising mix. The staff is very kind and helpful. All prepared and polite. Chef Mr Chan is very focused and it is a real pleasure to watch him work in the kitchen.
The inside of the place is very beautiful where you can take picturesbut lack of bad employee Service, rude and wasn t helpful toward the situation I was in. Food was in little portions especially for high price.
Incredible experience
Beautiful dishes with off the beaten flavor track served in cozy smart surroundings by a welcoming staff. Cant do much better than this around Piccadilly Circus.
Amazing taste. Tried West African food for the first time. Combination of spices was just delicious. The tasting menu is highly recommended.
This place, the are good, the taste and flavor they present to you is amazing, to be honest if you not into African or Peruvian cuisine then dont go, you will be disappointed.
Incredible food and service. Dying to go back. One of the best meals out Ive ever had!
An incredible dining experience. Visually stunning, impactful flavors and wonderful staff. A must when visiting London.
An excellent and different restaurant that every foodie will appreciate. It is so nice to find something different on the restaurant scene. This time we went for Saturday dinner, which meant the full tasting menu (lunch time is a very reasonably priced smaller menu). Worth noting this restaurant cannot cater for vegans or veggies. The menu is seasonal, but the two signature dishes remain. The plantain is a covered in spice. The jolof rice with crab custard is so delicious. The stand out seasonal dishes were a ridiculously succulent bit of beef and the aged Turbot. Both amazing.
You can expect some less familiar tastes. Which is fantastic. Very good food in a comfortable atmosphere for a decent price. But I felt some dishes can have very slightly better combinations of flavor. Therefore a 4 rather than an almost deserved 5
A touch of West Africa in London. Worked hard to get the res. It was delightful. Lunchtime tasting menu fabulous.
First of all, way too expensive for the experience. Secondly, put too much emphasis on heat and spicy flavour to me its totally a waste of some expensive contents such as truffle and caviar, barely taste them in such a spicy background. I can understand the spicy expression but the balance can be more moderate between spicy and other characteristics. Thirdly, honey mustard bread was definitely my favourite in the cuisine of the night, however, as I observed that table for single was having a bread while for our table the same piece of the bread had to be shared. It just can be more generous for such a costly meal, I supposed. Overall, its a interesting experience but not quite recommended, sorry for that.
Worst food ever. All dishes including drinks and sweets have a bitter after taste. Pretentious food in a callous atmosphere. Not worth your time or money.
Outstanding. Based on a recommendation, I reserved a table for 2 on a Saturday for their 7 course lunch menu. Starting with amazingly refreshing, bright, and punchy cocktails - we got the show started. Highly recommend starting with one (or two!) of their cocktails. Too many brilliant courses to describe but favorites were the octopus, scallops, plantains, and crepes. EVERY dish was beautifully presented and artfully serviced. The flavors were so unique and I just loved the attentive service from the waitstaff. I enjoyed every minute of the 2hours we spent there and left extremely satisfied and invigorated (Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee helped!). More impressive is the size and efficiency of the kitchen to produce such high quality mastery. On your way out, wave to Chef Jeremy Chan and his talented team. A highlight of my trip to the UK. Highly recommended.
Would not recommend the wine pairing but the food was unique and flavorful. Small and neat place.
Not quite sure why they received two Mich stars. The flavour combinations were generic and uninteresting. It was just boring and I can hardly even remember what we had to eat since nothing stood out or was innovative. The order of courses needs to be reshuffled as well. Having spent much time in West Africa and having been to numerous Mich restaurants, it seems to severely fall short of what I was expecting. The restaurant layout was weird and the single stall bathroom is right in middle of the dining area, which is really awkward. Maybe our expectations were too high. Im only giving 2 stars instead of one because their snacks at the beginning were INCREDIBLE.
We love everything we ate there! The food was so delicious.
Highly recommended, kind staff. Very delicious food
Nothing short of awesome. Excellent food bursting with flavour.
I guess, that s it. I ve got a new favorite. I ve been told to visit Ikoyi in London and it was clearly the best recommendation I got so far. So, I give six stars if it was possible. Spice-based cuisine is a good label for the restaurant as it is not to formal but casual fine dining. The food, the drinks, the wine, the service, as well as the overall atmosphere - simply amazing. The interior is nice, perfect light, and the music is not too loud. But the most important thing: the food. Delicious. The two stars from guide Michelin are well deserved. Yet, I haven t been much a friend of sweetbread or fried octopus, but even these were simply excellent. The honey-butter glazed brioche with caviar on top was absolut to die for. The mushroom crepe and the beef were absolutely perfect. I love it. The wine (one sake) pairing was excellent as well - some wines were more on the unusual side but still went very well with the dishes. For the dessert, you can also try a château d Yquem - another amazing experience. Last but not least, the espresso is a Jamaican blue mountain: perfectly roasted and brewed. The staff was brilliant: very friendly, attentive and helpful. I really enjoyed the evening at Ikoyi and I will definitely return.
Beautiful space with little pretension considering the posh location. Went for lunch and everything was absolutely outstanding, complex flavour profiles that we are not used to tasting. The service was top notch, and the cocktails (we had two each) were out of this world! One of my top recommendations in London.
I previously had the pleasure of dining at Ikoyi twice before and really appreciated my meals on both occasions. Alas, it seems that since I last dined there in 2019, Ikoyi has chosen to stop being accommodating to individuals with dietary restrictions. An incredible disappointment for a restaurant which I had previously so enjoyed.
One of the top London restaurants, but that you can tell from the recent promotion to two Michelin stars already. Here is what I can add: Came for a solo dinner on a weekday night. The dining room is rather small and feels a bit stale, which I found surprising. The service was sort of minimalistic, friendly and professional but rather contributing to an indiscriminate atmosphere. But then the food started. The first barrage of amuse bouche, including some nibbles of octopus and lobster, already pointed into world class territory. What followed was a superb menu clearly showcasing a kitchen that is at its heights. Trailblazing cuisine, very distinct while at the same time approachable. The level of product quality here easily justifies the 185 pound menu price, some of the stuff was world class. Such as a dish of scallop with a luscious dollop of top of the line N25 caviar. But then again it is the dishes like the Jollof Rice or the plantain that will stay in memory forever. This is food of almost emotional quality and indeed some of the best I had in 2022. My only true point of critique would be the wine list. Its kind of erratic and seriously overpriced. Most bottles that tickled my fancy came with ludicrous markups somewhere north of a factor of four over retail price. It almost feels like they dont want you to drink wine by the bottle. That worked on me at least and I went with some good cocktails and one (sic!) glass of arguably nice wine. Next time, BYO!
Check chefs style before you go to a Michelin restaurant. If we knew it would be too spicy to taste the beauty of original ingredients, we wouldnt come. Im a fan of Thai food and Sichuan dishes, which are always well-performed in adding chillies and peppers into other ingredients. But at Ikoyi Restaurant, in my humble opinion, it put too much emphasis on chillies and peppers, even though few dishes werent added, my taste was already numb. From the starter to the dessert, chef isnt tired of expressing his passion for spicy. Or I should know him better. Oh! And there is something special here. Despite of spicy flavor, most dishes tasted like Taiwanese traditional cuisine! Isnt it supposed to be like sub-Saharan West Africa style?! Maybe chef can try some Taiwanese traditional cuisine, like fried taro paste, peanut tangyuan, or 3-cup chicken, etc., some day. So, based on the above, I dont really recommend Ikoyi Restaurant since its delicate but doesnt meet my expectation of two stars and the price. But I appreciated the entire deco and reception guys service and kindness, thats why I gave it two stars.
Let me start by saying the menu price is over £200 with service fees. The finest, 3 star restaurants in London are not even this expensive. So the real question, is it worth the price ? NO. The food is good, some fun dishes, some not so good, almost bitter. If the menu was half the price I d say it s worth it to go experience, but at £200 ($270) per person it s almost unjustifiable.
Its was so great food
The whole tasting menu was good with great service. The menu itself i found very peppery leaving this harsh feeling at the back of your throat. Seemed like every course was like that. Even the coctails had a lot of pepper. The beef/ turbot was cold. I understand that to acheieve a good cuisson you need to have it at a certain temp but a quick flash would have been great. The chicken wing sauce needed more roasting on the wings and a more tastier chicken jus could have just lifted that dish. The saffron emulsion for the beef was way too much on the plate and completely overpowered. The caviar was also way to much with the sweatbread which had a nice sauce but ruined the dish for me when theres more caviar than sweatbread. Also the sweatbread could have been crispier. The dessert was stunning although pate de fruit was very very strong again in some sort of wild pepper. Lobster and beef canape was rather bland. Just missed that bit of sea salt really. I wouldnt come again but i would recommend if you want to try something new i guess
A luxury and unforgettable tasting journey
Great and tasty food but small portions fit for someone with a diet but not a foodie like myself.. Place is great and service was spot on , food was amazing I guess thats why theyve got 2 michelin stars
Nice tucked away little dining room, interesting flavour profiles in this segment. Could be even more adventurous.
I was looking forward to this meal for quite sometime and the unique African fusion fair did not disappoint. For the £75 lunch set, a menu was not given but I loved the surprises. The standout was the scallop with chilli and pepper oil. HUGE piece of meat cooked perfectly with a nice heat on top. Not spicy for the London palate. The meat and smoked rice were unique and got spicier with more rice consumed. The rest were good. Not michelin-mindblowing. The cocktails were tasty and light. The beer / IPA was average and overpriced. Overall a decent meal in a fancy location. Lunch was a little more worth the money.
Really expensive nonsense. We were not warned that our meals would cost nearly 200 quid per person. Food was not to our taste either. Felt like a school cooking experiment
Excellent food, save the lazy dessert. African influence is rather subtle for some of the dishes, but theyre inventive enough anyway. Bad vfm probably, but hey, its St. James...
Excellent
Friendly and professional staff, food is nice but not my cup of tea
Good
Very very delicious menu. Staff were great too The mains were a highlight which I fine rare at fine dining these days.
We were looking forward to enjoying the food here but it s more or less a disappointment. Maybe the sauce got the subtle difference in them but for us they taste so similar that we felt like it s just the same spicy mayo/buffalo sauce and or chilli powder on everything over and over again. It really made us question whether it s worth the 250 pounds per person. Staffs here were attentive and friendly. Plating was nicely done, beautiful. We are glad we tried something different and new, but never again.
Had my birthday lunch at this lovely restaurant. Service was brilliant.
a few times and it was amazing every time.
The food was tasteless. I had to wait for quite a while even thought it was just half full.
A tasting menu with west African influences. Some dishes were amazing. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff
Tasty food with nice ambiance
An absolutely amazing meal! Had the tasting menu and every dish was pure deliciousness and left you thinking about what flavours you were tasting. The stars for me were the octopus and sweet bread - flavours and textures in each of this dish were unlike anything I ve had before! I could not recommend this place more!!
Fantastic, unique, comfortable. Team was professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant. We even got some aubergines to try at home.
Nothing to point out. 10/10
Food was not good. I don t remember liking any dish. Flavor combination was weird. Maybe our palettes are not sophisticated enough. We were at Akoko the other night and we thought that was amazing. Very disappointed as we read a lot of great things. And we thought Ikoyi would be even better. Service was ok. They tried really hard and attentive but felt like they weren t trained well.
Amazing food! The surprise tasting menu (only option) was delicious and I can recommend the drink pairing to go with it. We will come again :)
Good atmosphere
Overhyped. The main theme becomes tiring real fast. Theres a limited taste range between courses. The dessert was divine.
We really liked the food and drinks. Different kind of ingrediencies and flavors which were really interesting and tasty.
Fantastic lunch, a one of a kind restaurant with cuisine in which spice is ever present. Look forward to returning.
Good
It was my worst experience in a Michelin restaurant. (Update) Please look at their response. They always reply the same response for the bad review. They always ask to email them for further discuss. They copy and paste for the reply. No service mind at all. They are not interested in customer s complaint. They don t deserve for Michelin stars!!!!) I arrived at 12 pm and had lunch. After two hours, I still did not have my main dish and I asked the server to expedite my dish because I had to leave after 20 minutes due to my medical appointment. At that time, I already finished my fish before main dish. The server came and asked me if I would have the pre-desert before main dish. I thought she suggested it to have a pre-desert while we were waiting for the main to expedite my meal. But I realized she cancelled all my main dishes. Who can think the time between two dishes in course menu would take more than 20 minute. I understand there might be miscommunication but she never apologized. No one apologized. It seems no one in the restaurant care about us. I am very disappointed about their service. I didn t have main dish for meal for £300 per person. It took 2 and half hours for lunch. Who would think the meal takes more than 3 hours for lunch? I have been hundreds Michelin restaurants all over the world but this was the worst ever. I would never recommend this restaurant. Their food was not even impressive either. This meal doesn t worth for £300 per person.
I went to this restaurant during my stay in London and I recommend it 100% The staff is very welcoming, the food is amazing I really enjoyed it. It is with certainty that I will return.