YOP City, located in the heart of Little Italy Bronx, is an extraordinary restaurant that offers a delightful experience of authentic West African cuisine, with a particular focus on the flavors of Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast. After trying their diverse menu, I can confidently say that YOP City is now my go-to restaurant for an exceptional dining experience. The moment you step into YOP City, you are greeted with a vibrant atmosphere that immerses you in West African culture. The restaurant showcases the remarkable artwork of "The New Pyramid" by Adama Nanguin, a vibrant Ivorian Artist in New York City. This Art not only enhances the overall ambiance but also extends to the meticulously maintained bathroomâa unique touch that demonstrates the attention to detail found throughout the establishment. Now, let's talk about the foodâthe main star of the show . YOP City presents a tantalizing selection of dishes that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of West Africa. My initial encounter with the staff during a late-night walk around the neighborhood sparked my curiosity, and I'm glad I decided to give YOP city a try. The food surpassed my expectations, and it has since become one of my favorite dining spots. The combination of mouthwatering cuisine, artistic ambiance, and excellent service creates an unforgettable experience that keeps me coming back for more. During my visits, I had the opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes from their menu, and each one left me craving for more. From the moment the Big Sosso (Croaker Fish) and Attieke (Cassava Couscous) touched my tatse buds, to when the Dibi (Grilled Lamb Chops) with Alloco (Fried Plantains) that melted in my mouth I knew this was my place to be. I also love the variety of local soup/sauce (Jute leaves, Palmnut soup and okra) plus fufu (or other West African dough like staples) specials that are made each week. The restaurant's Instagram @yopcity_restaurantnyc always has updates on the soup of the day. YOP City delivers an explosion of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of West African cuisine. Every dish is crafted with care and precision, using authentic ingredients that make the flavors truly authentic. The flavors were rich, the spices were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was impeccable. Aside from the exceptional food, YOP City also shines when it comes to customer service. The owners are clearly invested in their restaurant and take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment for their guests. The staff members are attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to offer recommendations and answer any questions you may have. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular customer like myself, you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and hospitality. In conclusion, YOP City is a hidden gem in the Bronx, offering a remarkable culinary journey through the flavors of West Africa, specifically the cuisine of Cote d'Ivoire. If you're a fan of West African cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, YOP city is a must-visit. Prepare to be transported to the Ivory Coast through their delectable dishes, immerse yourself in the beauty of Adama Nanguin's artwork, and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes this restaurant truly special. From the moment you walk in, you are enveloped in a captivating atmosphere that complements the exquisite artwork. The food itself is an absolute delight, boasting authentic flavors that will leave you yearning for more. With friendly and attentive customer service, the owners ensure that every visit is a memorable one. YOP City has earned my loyalty, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in the heart of Little...
   Read moreTitle: A Taste of West Africa at Yopcity
Review:
Last night, I enjoyed dining at Yopcity, a West African restaurant on Arthur Avenue in the heart of Little Italy in the Bronx, New York City. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its basic African-themed decor and giant screens airing soccer matches, set the stage for a genuine West African dining experience. The background of soft West African music added to the authenticity.
I opted for a soft drink, a salad, and a chicken dish for my meal. The portions were so generous that I had to take leftovers home. The meal started with bread and butter, which was delightful, followed by the salad and sizzling chicken served together. The grilled chicken, cooked with onions, oil, and West African spices, was deliciousâtender, slightly oily, but very fulfilling.
What made the experience truly unique was the traditional way the food was meant to be eatenâby hand. I was following the lead of other patrons and adhering to the "When in Rome" adage; I enjoyed most of my meals with my hands after washing them with a sanitized napkin I had brought along. It added an authentic touch to the dining experience.
The service at Yopcity was commendable. My waitress was pleasant and attentive, and the owner or general manager made rounds to check on the patrons, ensuring everything was to their satisfaction.
Overall, my dinner at Yopcity was a delightful journey into West African cuisine, marked by large portions, delicious flavors, and excellent service. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of...
   Read moreIâve never left a review before, but this special little restaurant is such a GEM that I want to give it the attention it deserves.
Impression: Yop City serves a small menu of lovingly prepared West African dishes in a sweet little restaurant nestled between so many Italian spots along Arthur Ave. I wasnât super hungry walking in, but I got the feeling from speaking with the owner that this is the kind of place that takes real pride in what they do so I wanted to try the food, hungry or not. Iâm really glad I did. The meal and the vibe were on the money. We ordered the grilled lamb with white rice and the ginger drink. It was a beautiful dish⌠well seasoned and exceptionally tender chops (and an excellent portion) with an onion and pepper relish that added a good deal of heat and acid, perfectly balancing the richness of the meat and rice. It was a hearty meal but we devoured it all. This was an impressive dish and good enough to recommend the restaurant on its own. The ginger drink was made with lots of fresh ginger and citrus, just a little sweet with a hell of a gingery kick. They had African music playing that got us moving in our seats and laughing with the other customers (all west African but us) who couldnât help but move to the music while they waited on their orders. We left feeling full, happy, and like someoneâs mother had cooked a meal just for us.
Recommendation: Make this a destination or check âem out if youâre in the...
   Read more