Ikoko Restaurant Ikeja Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

I visited Ikoko Restaurant at 23B Isaac John St, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, with a team member, and I’m excited to share my experience.

Opened on June 19, 2025, Ikoko is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best fine-dining spots on Lagos Mainland.

From the moment we arrived, the service was not bad. A friendly staff member escorted us to our table, and our waiter was attentive and polite, making us feel right at home. The restaurant was buzzing with customers, likely because it’s still new, but the staff handled the crowd well.

We started with drinks, ordering the Spice and Sol, a signature cocktail with reposado tequila, Aperol, strawberry, jalapeño, simple syrup, passion puree, and lime. It was spicy with a chili pepper kick, perfect for those who love bold flavors.

We also tried the Pornstar Martini, which came with a complimentary serving of groundnuts from the bar.

Alongside, we were served focaccia bread with tapenade sauce and balsamic oil, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the meal.

After about 10 minutes, our food arrived. We ordered the Ikoko Jollof Rice, a flavorful dish packed with spiced rice, chicken, prawns, and calamari. It was absolutely delicious, hands down one of the best jollof rice dishes I’ve had in Lagos.

We also got barbecue chicken wings and French fries with ketchup, which were tasty but didn’t outshine the jollof.

For our second round of drinks, we went for the Passionista (vodka, orange, lemon, vanilla syrup, and passion fruit) and the Floral Pot (gin, violet liqueur, rosemary syrup, lemon, and rose water). Both were refreshing and beautifully crafted, adding to the overall experience.

The ambiance at Ikoko is a standout. The music was chilled and not too loud, creating a relaxed vibe. The colorful decor made the space feel vibrant yet elegant, perfect for special occasions like proposals, birthdays, or dinner with friends and family. We even saw a young lady celebrating her birthday, with the waitstaff singing to her, a sweet moment that added to the warm atmosphere.

Here’s how we’d rate Ikoko:

Aesthetic: 10/10 – The decor and vibe are stunning.
Food: 7/10 – The jollof was amazing, but the wings and fries were good, not great.
Customer Service: 8/10 – Attentive and polite, though the busy crowd slightly slowed things down.

Photography is allowed, which is great for capturing the experience. There’s no minimum spend or strict dress code, making it accessible and welcoming. However, the additional charges, 7.5% VAT, 5% LST, and 5% service fee, felt much.

Located on the same road as Cilantro, Ikoko is giving its neighbor some serious competition. If you’re in Ikeja GRA, this restaurant is worth a visit for its food, drinks, and ambiance.