Campimar — Restaurant in Lagos

I have travelled about 40 minutes from where I was staying to try this place and from the moment I arrived outside I didn't even realise that it was a restaurant. There was a little cafe/ice cream parlour out front for the people from the beach and you had to squeeze your way through the ice cream line to get to the actual restaurant where you were met by a sign that told you to wait to be seated. As I waited there a young lady approached me and just told me to just go to the outside seating area quite bluntly and then walked off. The indoor seating area was completely empty but it did have a beautiful interior with some amazing views of the ocean. After arriving to the outdoor seating area I decided to sit up on the top deck with the sea view where I was met by a waiter who quite rudely told me to sit on the lower deck as he was preparing a booking in that area, which hasn't arrived throughout the whole of my stay at the restaurant, resulting in me sitting next to a wall in the back corner. I had to wait for a menu to be brought over so just decided to pinch one from the table next to me after which I've been approached by a different waiter who changed the whole experience for me. This is the timeline of what followed:

16:40 Order placed and Table prepared 16:47 drink arrived (Strawberry Mojito) 16:51 starters arrived (Gazpacho Andaluz & Oysters) 17:04 finished starters 17:08 plates taken away 17:12 main dish brought over and served tableside with nice plate presentation (Octopus Cataplana with Sweet Potato) Finished first portion and waiter came straight over to plate the rest of the cataplana 17:30 main dish taken away and dessert menu brought over 17:37 dessert ordered 17:43 dessert arrived (Petit Gateaux)

I absolutely enjoyed each of the dishes that was served. The oysters were fresh and tasty. The gazpacho was served with ice cubes which was a perfect cooler for the hot day but didn't water down the flavour. Cataplana de Polvo was absolutely amazing with the flavours balanced perfectly and the sweet potato being cooked to perfection where it was extremely soft to cut but not mushy, the only thing I will say is that the coriander is quite powerful when you first try it but it still tasted amazing. The chocolate melt in the middle cake was delicious and went perfectly with the ice cream. This dessert was perfectly balanced with the hot and the cold, the slightly bitter dark chocolate with the sweet ice cream. It was the ideal little cake to finish the meal. Unfortunately the strawberry mojito had too many bits swimming around in the glass for my liking. There were too many mint leaves and loads of blended strawberry pieces which kept getting stuck in the straw when I tried to drink it, I understand that it's all decorative but the "over the top" line was stepped over with this drink. Overall I really enjoyed this experience after a few hiccups and would definitely come back here if I ever decide to travel...

Unfortunately we decided to experience Campimar with high hopes based on reviews and it's excellent location.

We were seated outside for our 5pm dinner time, which we would understand if it was summer months but this was the end of November and it would have been dark and cold within 30 minutes of eating. I was also with elderly people that were cold.

So I politely asked the waiter if we could be seated inside instead (which was empty) and I received a rude and direct "no". So I explained that we were cold and he said indoors was for dinner time only so we said "we are here for dinner", which he chose to ignore.

A table closer to some sunlight outside became available so I went inside and politely asked if we could move tables to a warmer table outside and the waiter irritated by my question said "no, ask someone else" and just walked away. I felt so embarrassed and upset that they were being so rude in front of other people.

Just to acknowledge, the restaurant wasn't busy at this point and they weren't rushed off their feet.

As I walk back to the table I was approached by I think seemed to be the manager of sorts who asked me if I was OK and what my enquiry was. I explained everything and he said "not a problem, come inside".

As soon as we were seated indoors no one new dined outside and they started seating people indoors! What was all that about, I have no idea.

Once inside, the atmosphere amoungst staff can only be described as a "frat party". It was obvious they were talking about tables and sniggering between themselves.

Unfortunately the worst part was when I witnessed them saying goodbye to some guests that were leaving, who were South East Asian and when the guests walked away, the "manager" type guy clapped his hands together in a prayer position, took a bow and mocked them, which seemed to be done to make all his staff members laugh.

I couldn't believe the behaviour of service. Its like they just didn't care at all about guests. Not genuine and completely passive.

I just felt like I had to share what I experienced...

In many instances, eating establishments right at a popular beach area have the reputation of being less quality, and more quantity. The general perception is that a beach is not where one comes for gastronomic excellence.

It was with that notion when I came and ate here recently, on the advice of a local, I was prepared for an average experience. But far from it, much to my surprise I had one of the best seafood meals in a very long time. Right from the outset, the friendly welcome from the staff portended something unique. I started with Fish soup, which had rice and parsley in it, and the broth was deliciously spicy and savory in every sense. But the real appetizing delight was the very flaky and one of the freshest Sea Bass I have ever had. Accompanied by Mediterranean style vegetables, the fish literally melted in your mouth. The portion was generous and the flavor beyond delectable. Topping it off with a delicious Raspberry Cheesecake dessert, made for a most satisfying meal.

If you are in the area, and crave gourmet style seafood in a warm and unpretentious setting, this would be the place to go. The service is excellent and the pricing very reasonable, making for a thoroughly memorable experience. With the approaching summer season, the restaurant plans to expand service beyond its patio , adding more room and a welcoming space for families and...