[UK: London] 2* Ikoyi - Impressive Spice Based Cuisine

September 13, 2022

[UK: London] 2* Ikoyi - Impressive Spice Based Cuisine

Rating: 4.5/5

The restaurant I was most excited to try in London this time was 2* Ikoyi by Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale! Inspired by West African spices and ingredients, the food served is not exactly authentic West African but something rather unique and can’t really be pigeon-holed into a category. The spice-based cuisine is built around seasonal British produce from organic vegetables to sustainable line-caught fish and aged native beef. The flavors are bold and exciting but the spices are well-balanced and never overwhelm your palate (which can be a challenge serving spicy dishes). Awarded "One To Watch" in 2021 by World's 50 Best, it’s definitely one of the best restaurants in London and a must-try!

The first time I tried Ikoyi’s food was at an OAD event in San Sebastián a few years ago where we got to try its signature dish - a strikingly colored Plantain covered with blackberry salt and served with a smoked kelp emulsion on the side. So glad to be reunited with it!

Right off the bat, we knew we were in for a good meal after the first few dishes into the tasting menu:

Asparagus, Benne & Lovage

- lkejime Trout & Gola Peppercorn
- Aged Sirloin Tartare, Salted Citrus & Fresh Lobster Salad

Octopus Fried in Wild Rice & Yeasted Béarnaise

My absolute favorite dish was this Fonio Brioche with Buffalo Sauce and N25 Caviar. We were told to spread the caviar like butter on the brioche - what a delicious combination of sweet, savory and spicy flavors!