Nayos African Cuisines — Restaurant in Rogers Park Township

Wanted to treat hubby to some cuisine from his culture and so we went here. It's a long distance from home but it was a mild weather day in December so we decided to make the drive on 12/9/24.

We ring the bell and a young boy let us in and we sat down. It was awhile before someone came to tend to us but as my husband was explaining to me, in the African culture, you go to them to tell them what you want, not the other way around. They were in the back busy cooking and preparing, there is a open window where you can order.

We got to meet the owner who the restaurant is named after, Anayo. He was awesome! I wanted to order the fried rice or the coconut rice but those are large orders for several people which are only for call in but they don't indicate that on the menu. I got to order the last meat pie they had and OMG, I'm still dreaming about how good it was! I ordered the jollof rice and told them mild spice but it was still a bit too hot for me but in Nigeria, that is how they spice their food, LOL. It comes with goat meat and fish. I loved the fish as it was flavorful, crispy and delicious! I will make sure to order that fish again. Hubby got the Nkwobi made with cow feet, scotch bonnet pepper, onion, palm oil Spinach and seasonings. It was so hot but he enjoyed every bit of it.

Anayo told us that they have only been open for 1 year. I hope they continue and thrive. I got to taste a strawberry yogurt drink that they had in the frig that was in a 1 liter container. I really enjoyed that also.

You get the bill after you pay - they told us our total for us to pay. Not used to that but they aren't the first business that I've experience to do that.

Area was very quiet that evening.

Thank you Nayo's -...

The experience goes as such: I order the food online. At this time I and my friend is at least 50 minutes away from the restaurant. They call at the 45 mark and tell us they dont have a certain dishes. We hung up and I figured out what else I could order and called back to amend the order. We get to the restaurant and the man asks me again what I want to replace in my order. I as for another soup, he says, “Uh no we need time to prepare it.” I ask for the meat, fish and rice, he said, “It will take time.” And I am confused, I eventually settle on something that wont take so long, but I question him. He said, “Yes, we need more time to prepare dishes.” But I explained that I ordered one and spoke over the phone. He said that doesnt really help and that I should probably TEXT them. I said, “Text? As in the number you called me from??” And he says, “Yes. It helps us be ready to prepare the soup.” And even though there were people only doing walk-ins and only two table eating, we still had to wait for the meal that we 1. Ordered in advance 2. Spoke to the man OVER THE PHONE about not a few minutes after this order to make sure we would have what we wanted. However, I food was hot. Though, we had to settle for a different drink than what we wanted. Overall, a mediocre experience and I hope their system for taking orders sees...

I appreciate this is an Igbo forward Nigerian Restaurant. Which is a breath of fresh air. However, when you try to order anything Igbo..... they dont have it. Why have it on your menu if we can not get it??? Ridiculous. Additionally, the atmosphere is less than satisfactory. I belive you should add light bulbs to the the light fixtures and maybe a new coat of paint. It would enhance the beauty of the place. Maybe even some nigerian art. Plus, you customer service needs improvement while there I noticed the server being unkind to a patron. You are a nigerian restaurant in AMERICA.... you must be kind to the Americans. They will be the people mainly patronizing your establishment due to your higher prices. Also, if you do not have something that is on the menu... take it off, or inform the people prior to them requesting something they had their hearts set on. I believe this business could be a force to be reckoned with if some changes are made.... changes...