Ikoyi Restaurant

Ikoyi is set inside 180 The Strand, a massive Brutalist building in central London that also houses creative studios and exhibition spaces. The restaurant's interior, designed by Danish architect David Thulstrup, works with the building’s raw character while creating its own distinct atmosphere. Upon entry, you’ll see an illuminated, copper-clad meat refrigerator, a clear signal of the kitchen’s focus on ingredients. The dining room itself is a sensory space defined by its materials. Oxidised copper sheets line the walls, the floor is a hammered grey Gris de Catalan limestone, and a curved steel mesh hangs from the ceiling. Custom-built British oak furniture and banquettes upholstered in ginger-coloured leather fill out the main dining room, which is anchored by a fully open kitchen. While the restaurant is named after a district in Lagos, Nigeria, the food is not a recreation of traditional West African dishes. The concept is more accurately an exploration of global spices applied to seasonal British produce – think line-caught fish and aged native beef. The kitchen uses West Africa for flavour and context, but the execution is entirely its own. The experience is structured exclusively around a tasting menu, with a full version for dinner and a shorter option available for lunch. A smoked jollof rice, often served with lobster, is a signature dish that makes a frequent appearance, but the rest of the menu evolves constantly with the micro-seasons. Alongside a wine list, the restaurant offers a notable and well-regarded tea pairing. Reservations are essential and are released on the first of each month for the subsequent two months. A meal here is a lengthy affair, sometimes lasting up to four hours, making it a destination saved for special occasions. There is also a private dining room that can accommodate groups of up to six.