Ile Iyan by PODs — Restaurant in Ikeja

I visited Ile Iyan by Pods with a friend for lunch, drawn by the promise of a unique, traditional dining experience. The ambiance was fantastic,beautifully designed to reflect Nigerian culture, with a setup that allowed us to sit on the floor to eat. It was a fun and immersive experience, making the meal feel even more special.

The food itself was quite filling, and we appreciated the portion sizes. However, one major issue stood out,the service. Once we were done eating, the staff seemed to disappear, making it difficult to get their attention. A simple solution would be installing an electric bell system to call for assistance when needed.

Unfortunately, what started as a great experience quickly turned into a nightmare. Less than an hour after our meal, both my friend and I developed severe food poisoning. We had to rush to the hospital to stop the purging and stooling. I strongly suspect the vegetables used in the Efo Riro were not properly washed.

While I love the concept of Ile Iyan by Pods, food safety should be a top priority. I hope management takes this issue seriously and improves hygiene practices because no matter how great the ambiance is, a restaurant cannot afford to...

I had an absolutely disgusting experience at this so-called African restaurant today. From start to finish, it was nothing short of a nightmare. I placed an order and—within just 5 minutes—I informed the staff that I needed to cancel due to a medical condition. Instead of showing even a shred of understanding or basic customer service, they told me the food was already 70% ready (in 5 minutes?!) and that they could not stop the order. To make it worse, they said I had to pay because otherwise it would come out of the waiter’s pay.

Let’s be clear: the waiter didn’t even bother explaining what I was ordering, no guidance, nothing. Yet somehow I’m responsible? I angrily paid for this mystery meal, deciding I wasn’t even going to take it with me. But here’s the kicker—despite claiming the food was 70% ready when I tried to cancel, I ended up sitting there for another 40 minutes waiting for this supposedly almost-done order. What kind of scam is this?

The service was appalling, the staff were unhelpful and unsympathetic, and the entire experience left a bitter taste before I even touched the food. Never again. Save yourself the time, money, and frustration—go literally...

If you love authentic Nigerian food served with top-notch hospitality, Ile Iyan by Pods is a hidden gem worth visiting. From the moment you step in, the warmth of the staff makes you feel at home, and the fully traditional service adds an extra layer of authenticity to the dining experience.

One of the standout dishes is their goat meat pepper soup, which is easily one of the best you’ll find. The meat is fully deboned, making it incredibly easy to enjoy, while the broth is rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful. Perfect for warming up your soul. If you appreciate well-seasoned Nigerian soups and swallows, you’ll love what they offer.

The only downside is that the space is quite small, so seating might be limited during busy hours. However, the cozy atmosphere adds to its charm, making it feel like a home-style dining experience rather than a commercial restaurant.

Overall, Ile Iyan by Pods excels in delivering traditional flavors with excellent service. If you’re craving well-prepared Nigerian food in an intimate setting, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick meal or a relaxing dining experience, you won’t be...