Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge — Restaurant in Newark

I really debated on whether I wanted to write a review because I don't want to bring anyone's business down but I was really annoyed so I wanted to shed light on my experience. The food and the drinks were really good and I really enjoyed them. However the service was very lackluster. We had a reservation at 6:30 and the waitress explained to us that happy hour was going on until 7 and that perhaps we could put in some orders for some drinks/appetizers and then do our entrees after. The waitress left and didn't come back until probably about 10 to 12 minutes later to take our orders. My husband ordered an old-fashioned and a shot and I ordered a margarita. My husband's drink came about 10 minutes before mine and I was left waiting for quite some time. My food came out but they forgot my blue cheese for my wings. I asked the server and he went in the kitchen but never came back. My drink finally showed up and I asked my waitress for the blue cheese, she went in the kitchen and took an additional 5 minutes smh By this time my wings aren't as hot as they initially were and I watch a couple and their child leave do to sitting for so long without being attended to.During that time I sip my drink and like it. My husband also tasted it and liked it. The waitress finally comes with my blue cheese at 6:53. Since there is 7 minutes left to happy hour I try to place an order for another Margarita and my husband does as well. The waitress told us that we can't order another drink until we were completely done with our other. I've never heard of or encountered an establishment that only allowed One drink at a time depending on if you finished your last. (yet she initially brought my husband a whole drink and a shot) but I only can have 1 at a time? Where is that written? Plus they take so damn long, I would have been done with the first by the time the second came or she could have just put in the order and just waited for me to finish. This turned me all the way off so I decided that I was done with the waiting and not being able to order what I intend to pay for. To add insult to injury, I was charged automatic gratuity despite the menu saying it's added to paries of 6-8. Smh The service I received did not warrant automatic gratuity. However, If you have more patience than me, you might want to check them out. The happy hour prices are good but the entrees are quite pricey($40 for rasta pasta and chicken)but you'll probably enjoy it. I would recommend that this establishment works on their service and make their purchase rules clear. The service truly gave I'm not doing much because I get paid either way. Smh Unfortunately I...

The actual restaurant is beautiful. The decor and ambiance is amazing. It is very clean and well put together. While I appreciate the vibe of the place, there are many things that we encountered that were rather frustrating.

The menu did not contain accurate descriptions of the food. Upon asking the waitress for clarification on the meats included in the Efo Riro she noted "assorted meat like chicken and beef". The dish overwhelmingly contained a lot of fish and fish bones. The waitresses response was simply "well that is just how it is made" once we received the dish. We would of appreciated more clarity on the assorted meats included in the dish from either the waitress or the menu. The person who ordered the dish cannot consume fish, so the dish was not eaten. This could be rather concerning for patrons with allergies. The waitress lacked accountability for the inaccurate description of the dish.

Many items on the menu are overwhelmingly spicy. While I can take the heat, this is not very welcoming to all patrons. I think this could be something to make as optional for dishes rather than just the standard. It could allow for more patrons to experience the culture. It is very limiting. The jollof rice did not contain any meat and was spicy. I really wish the jollof had the option to include chicken or pork. The asun was regarded as extremely spicy by the waitress so we did not even dare to order it. Taming the spice even slightly would generate more people willing to try varying dishes and likely more revenue.

The restaurant is awaiting a liquor license. While I understand this may be out of their control when the liquor license will be obtained, they could consider a BYOB option. At this point you are paying almost $13 for mocktails of juices with cute flowers. There are no options for tap water only $5 Fiji bottles. Not sure why they have water glasses placed on the table? Hope they can consider getting some filtered water to offer guests.

A required 16% gratuity was imposed on a party of 3. We were not a large group so I'm unsure of the reason for the required gratuity. We paid $186 for 3 people...

🌟 Exceptional Hookah Experience at Ikoyi – A Must-Visit Gem in Newark! 🌟

I walked into Ikoyi for a virtual business meeting and ended up staying well into the night—a testament to how inviting and immersive this spot is! As a hookah enthusiast and industry professional, I was thoroughly impressed by their world-class setup and attention to detail. Here’s why Ikoyi stands out:

✨ Hookah Quality (10/10): The hookah pots are luxurious, top-tier, and clearly premium—crafted with materials that scream sophistication. You can feel the durability and elegance in every puff.

🔥 Heat Management Mastery (10/10): Their high-tech heat management device is a game-changer. The heat distribution was flawlessly calibrated to enhance flavor profiles without scorching the shisha. It’s clear their hookah Maker is a seasoned expert—every detail, from coal placement to airflow, was optimized for perfection.

🧼 Hygiene & Care (10/10): Hygiene is non-negotiable here. They replace water in the base with every refill, and the disposable pipes are used once and discarded. This commitment to cleanliness elevates the experience, especially for health-conscious users.

🌿 Flavor Selection (10/10): Their curated collection of premium hookah brands offers something for every palate. I easily found my favorite flavor, and the rich, authentic taste lasted throughout the session.

💸 Pricing (A Steal!): For a full-hour session with this level of quality, the pricing is unbeatable. It’s rare to find such value paired with luxury.

Ikoyi is a hidden gem in Newark—whether you’re a local or an international visitor, this spot is a must-try. Perfect for unwinding after work, socializing, or even blending business with pleasure (as I did!). If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on their world-class hookah experience.

📍 Recommendation:100/10 – Ikoyi sets the gold standard for lounges providing hookah services . Bravo to the team! 👏🏽

Pro Tip: Bring friends, settle into their chic ambiance, and let the hookah master work...