Utazi kitchen & bar — Restaurant in Lagos State

I love that fact that everything is freshly cooked while you wait. The sweet potato, steamed veggies and peppered goat meat meal was really good. The Ugba meal with croaker fish 😍 and the seafood pasta was lovely. Had to taste it all. Didn't get to taste any cocktails their bar isn't open on Sundays 🙄 but otherwise had a great time. Good food, great value. - 2018 review

The last time I visited Utazi was in 2018 in a smaller space. Since then, Utazi has gotten a major facelift, and is now one of the few restaurants in Lagos that gives you beautiful decor/interior and good food. They have different spaces for different vibes from cosy indoor, to intimate to diner feel etc. They also have two outdoor sitting areas, a bigger one downstairs by the car park and a small one on the balcony upstairs which doubles as a smoke area. It's great that they now have a car park, parking used to be ridiculous at the other spot.

Their meals are still as amazing but a little warning; I beg you don't go to Utazi with an empty stomach, don't do it. Make sure your stomach can take you though the 45mins - 1hr or more waiting time for the food. Infact just estimate 1hr30mins to wait depending on what you order. I have no idea why their meals take so long, but they come and you totally forget that you were upset because of how good it is. It's a good place for a date though, the waiting time gives you more talk time.

I however have a problem with their cocktails. You can barely taste the alcohol in it when they make it. Literally had to ask for them to bring me gin in a different glass and tonic in another so I could mix it myself, only then could I taste the gin in the tonic. My friends who had other cocktails had the same complaints.

Their toilets are clean and there's a full length mirror in the walkway to check yourself out or take a mirror selfie or two if that's your thing.

Love the African infusion in the decor and they have a talking drum from first timers 😁

Their customer service is beautiful.

Had a bridal shower here and it was amazing, they helped us set up (we had to do the party decor ourselves but they helped with every other thing), told us when the bride arrived and help lead her to the surprise. They kept checking in to make sure we were good and things were going well.

P.s. You don't have to break the bank to eat here. You could literally have a meal and a drink with 3000 naira or less if you skip the protein (just get the chicken fried rice). Items on their menu go from about 1,500 to 17,000 per item but they sometimes don't have the things on their menu 🤦🏽‍♀️ which is another problem

Overall is was a good experience, I can say I'm proud of their growth.

Update: They made a change to their cocktails and the alcohol hits... Love it. The yam porridge was awesomeeee and a lot, my stomach couldn't take it all, it didn't matter how great it was I had to stop eating at a point, so foodies who like large portions have absolutely no problem.

It's always a great experience at utazi, never...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the charming outlet, Utazi, and I must say, it was an experience to remember. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance was inviting and the staff provided exceptional service throughout my visit.

One of the standout factors at Utazi was the impeccably chilled drinks they served. Each sip felt like a refreshing burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the delightful atmosphere.

However, it was the Nkwobi at Utazi that truly stole the show. The moment I took the first bite, I knew I had discovered something extraordinary. The Nkwobi was nothing short of sumptuous, with tender and flavorful meat that melted in my mouth. The rich blend of spices and herbs elevated the dish to a whole new level, leaving me craving more with each bite.

Aside from the incredible drinks and mouthwatering Nkwobi, I also appreciated the attention to detail that Utazi exhibited. The presentation of the dishes was top-notch, adding to the overall dining experience. The attentive and friendly staff members were more than willing to answer any questions and make recommendations, ensuring that every guest felt welcomed and well taken care of.

Moreover, the beautifully designed interior of Utazi exuded a warm and cozy vibe, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening. The combination of the inviting decor, soothing music, and excellent service created an atmosphere that felt like a home away from home.

In conclusion, my experience at Utazi was nothing short of delightful. The chilled drinks and scrumptious Nkwobi were simply outstanding, immersing me in a world of tantalizing flavors. The staff's attentiveness and the ambiance of the outlet further added to the overall charm of the experience. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion, Utazi is undoubtedly a must-visit spot. I cannot wait to return and explore more of their tantalizing...

I really want to give an extended review but my experience that started well didn't end too well. The waiter made me wait for more than 40 minutes to have my leftover food packed and to bring me my bill. The feedback later after paraing (colloquial language).... Their payment system was not working. Instead of them to communicate that, no one answered me. They kept saying the waiter who attended to me was coming till I threatened to leave and not pay.

Now let me give actual feedback about this place. First, they have limited parking but I have to say that it is properly managed by the security 👏. I actually got interested in visiting this place cuz of the picture of their seafood okro and I wasn't disappointed. The portion was a lot so I highly recommend. The food tasted really nice. I had pounded yam and seafood okro. The seafood okro had snail, prawn, big fish 😂 and just the right amount of protein to keep you hooked. The okro actually had more okro than sauce 🤤. I had water cuz they didn't have any fresh juice and I didn't want any drink that wasn't freshly squeezed. They served my water with lemon but their lemon was really bitter. Their manager is nice cuz I went on another day thinking I forgot something there and he made sure I was properly attended to and apologized for my last visit.

I think the waiters need to be trained to cover up for each other most especially when someone is dropping the ball rather than make it seem like it's not their responsibility.

Other than that, I think I liked the experience.

I know I usually give prices. I took pictures of the pricelist. My meal was about 7,632.50 in total. Please note that they don't sell big bottles of water. They have the Nestlé bottled water.

So I would...