El Padrino — Restaurant in Lagos State

Update to the Update, 3/2024 Try Ogba on the Mainland

Update: Sat. June 11th

1. They have a loyalty program. Ask for your card and ensure they have your name + number

2. They have a storefront and I'm shocked I didn't write sooner. It's super cute. Bright, Airy and aesthetically pleasing. They can crank that music volume up as loud as a night club, BUT when you ask the staff they respectfully and politely turn it down.

3. They share a lot with Bature Brewery + Gusto. They are behind the Burger King in VI and down the street from Chocolat Royal (which is a huge bonus as they've got good sorbet/ice cream).

4. Limeade increased to 2k. Ignore the pricing boards at the cashier window saying 1,500.

5. Jamaica is moreso Zobo. I hadn't had Zobo before coming here. It's a national favorite. There are subtle differences as I grew up with the Jalisco (Mexican state) style but later has the Michoacán style. I prefer less after taste. Either way, it's something to learn that this is rooted in the Motherland.

6. They have liquor options but I haven't tried one. The three restaurants in the same place really work to meet the various appetites of everyone. Especially if you have a cross cultural international crowd.

So, I'm moving this up from 3 Stars to 4 given the service, the atmosphere, their growth. I trust they'll reach 5 in time.

Friday, June 10th involved introducing a local to Naija-Mex as the company explain in their reply to review. Fair enough.

I was adamant that they always want me to try things and like it so ... Try this and don't like it cool. But don't limit yourself. The Amala crowd didn't hate it but hey I enjoy my ensalada every time. Although no tortilla strips/chips were on it both days. Maybe they got rid of it as a topping. IDK

I plan to try quesadillas here before I leave. They even have mini quesadillas.

They reply via Instagram and What'sApp but check for delivery options if there's rain.

Original Review (Winter 2022): I can highly recommend:

1. taco salad

I can recommend with caution:

1. burrito is wrapped as it should and seems filing
2. tacos but they are not soft shell corn but flour. They do offer a corn shell with an upcharge.

Order ahead to avoid a wait. I can attest that the items are made when you order but balance that with at least an hour or 90 minute wait.

The meat options are plentiful and I've ordered goat/chicken and shrimp but I don't really get Taco Tuesday. I'm accustomed to there being a discount for taco Tuesday but maybe there is and I'm misunderstanding something.

This isn't TexMex nor Mexican but it's the best options you'll get for Lagos. Unlike the hotels they actually have salsa, chips and guacamole in stock. The chips are made with local corn which is a bonus. They are the thicker kind not cantina thin. The salsa's are more diced veggies versus a liquidified salsa. Think pico but I never notice jalapeno in any of the salsa's. Which is kinda shocking given Pepe sauce and peppers are everywhere in Lagos. The guacamole is missing a few seasons (spices is how I'm learning locals call things like cumin, black pepper or magi) and more cilantro. Not sure if they have a hard time sourcing all the basics for TexMex and/or Mexican dishes (e.g. cilantro, jalapenos, tomatillos, et Al).

All in all, the drinks (lemonade) haven't been in stock during my patronage. They are on point with friendly service and billing/receipts. I picked up once and delivery another time.

They offer family bundles. They have pop ups which I think is smart as it'll help reach more people. They post instructions on how to eat tacos via their Instagram page. Never thought of such but that's smart to know your audience.

Anywhoo, expect to drop 10k if not more and enjoy the flavor options...

My friend was starting a new job and ive seen the ad of this restaurant for quite a while so we decided to visit the place. Note - it's valet parking so you got to pay something. The restaurant is airy, clean and quite picturesque. You make your order downstairs and can eat there or go up. Drawback - they haven't printed out new menus so they used paper tapes to cover out the old price

Breakfast tacos - we got there about 4pm so not necessarily the right time to eat breakfast tacos but it tasted really great, with sweet potatoes and eggs inside. Mini quesadillas - so we got the mini ones and I don't recommend the pork meat but it was steaming hot when it arrived and really cheesy. Ensalada- I would say this was the most expensive thing we got and the least favorite, the goat meat was really strong with the flavor packing a punch, we could finish it. So best to pick something else or a different topping.

We got agua Jamaica - also known as zoboooooo. So don't think it's something fancy Then we also got lemonade which tasted pretty cool.

I'd say the total experience was a 4/5

A great place to eat and hang out Customer service...

Let me start with the positives. I love the aesthetics, the interior decor was lovely, the colors and arrangement, it was beautiful.

The customer service was excellent, the guy that waited for my friends and I was so welcoming, had a high spirit all through the time we were there.

Now the negatives, I didn't enjoy the drinks NOPE!. They were too sugary, we ordered lemonade and the zobo drink.

I was looking forward to enjoying that that authentic Mexican tacos but No, I got the localised one. The goat meat tacos was the worst, didn't enjoy the beef as well. Overall, I will recommend the pork (the sweet and normal pork). Those were the only tacos that I enjoyed and to think that I ordered all tacos...