Ikoyi Restaurant — Restaurant in London

12:05 we were sat at our table

12:13 opening tea

12:18 first bite

12:21 second snack couldn't understand what the server said and had no idea how to distinguish what it was flavor was very confusing but texture was nice, the crispy puffed quinoa was the only thing that kept me from being completely lost.

12:27 highlight of the meal caviar, razor clam, beet, saffron, mussel custard

12:50 whole lobster tail arrives filled with lobster "veine" or poopshoot, intestinal tract whatever you want to call it still in there...

Mouth filled with bitter disgusting lobster shit!!!

Right after this a 25 minutes to wait with a bitter disgusting flavor lingering in my mouth

1:15 next course comes out underwhelming fish with beet, crab, and green beans. We had put dietary restrictions in numerous emails (weeks in advance) about my wife's allergies and instead of substituting they omitted many items throughout the menu...VERY DISAPPOINTING...

1:59 next course comes out after 44 minutes of waiting... Curious how the timing and flow of the "tasting menu" almost grinds to a halt!!! 4 of the 6 cooks that were there to start service after the first 4 bites disappeared into the back to prep for dinner service leaving a terribly timed and extremely drawn out dining experience. If you cannot serve 2** star Michelin quality for lunch and dinner DONT DO IT! There is no point for travelers or locals to drop big money for a lunch to be served shit filled lobster and a progression that is slow and difficult to accept that I spent all this money at what's supposed to be a world class dining establishment. After revealing that lobster incident to the server all the other diners just had to deal with a slow drawn out service AND NOT a disgusting lobster I was the only one "fortunate" enough to have to eat that...

2:00 the largest dish of the night jollof rice meant to fill you up before you leave so you don't realize how much you get screwed over comes out.

Once again 2 of the 5 ingredients on my wife's plate were omitted due to allergies.

2:18 a fruit plate comes out... Pretty long wait for fruit placed on a plate watching one of the cooks who started service and disappeared for a long portion to come back later and slowly place fruit on a plate

2:24 coffee and tea service. My wife who normally drinks teas orders a coffee and I who normally drinks coffee ordered a tea (because when in London do as the Londoners do) I was sold on the description of a buttery nutty creamy flavored tea...only to pour half into my cup and not experience any sort of creamy nutty or buttery flavors and let the rest steep to long and it just ended up being bitter and completely unenjoyable (that was I guess my bad for not straining the whole thing but nobody gave me direction at this "2** star" establishment.

2:33 flavorful interesting black eye pea ice cream

2:50 pate de fruit and choux pastry bites

3:07 headed to the door to leave server had the sous chef meet me for damage control however I was not interested in having a conversation when I feel ripped off out of a supposed to be great experience I have learned to expect when dining at 2-3 star Michelin even 1 Michelin started restaurants.

I had a very hard time writing this review. Having eaten here August 18th  2023 and contemplating my review for months I feel I must share to protect future diners but more importantly hopefully the staff, chef and team will understand the importance of how the little things make a big deal that entry level mistakes are unforgivable and unforgettable at this price point. If they are sacrificing their personal lives working like I did 17-20hour days for the pursuit of deliciousness and holding these world renowned standards then please triple check because like my chef told me "how you do anything is how you do everything" AND EVERYTHING WAS...

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, it's 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, we'd 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 Chan's 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...

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. Ikoyi's 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. Ikoyi's 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 Chan's 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 Ikoyi's 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...