August 14, 2025
Ikoyi restaurant in London is one of those rare places that reshapes your idea of what fine dining can be. Inside the creative hub of 180 The Strand, this two-Michelin-starred gem from Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale is anything but conventional. Since its 2017 debut (formerly near Piccadilly before relocating in 2022), Ikoyi has carved out a distinct space on London’s culinary map by marrying bold heat, spice, and deep umami with British ingredients, African inspiration, and seriously refined technique.
The interiors, designed by David Thulstrup, are elegant yet elemental. You enter through a bronze mesh curtain into a dim, contemplative space that feels like a world apart from the bustle of the Strand. Warm terracotta tones, charred timber, and brushed stone create a sense of ritual, while the open kitchen glows like an altar to fire and flavour. Every design choice is deliberate and understated, letting the food take centre stage.
Ikoyi isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a sensorial experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure. It’s no wonder it ranks among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Ikoyi Restaurant London Menu
Ikoyi doesn’t offer a traditional à la carte menu—instead, guests are taken on a blind tasting journey. The opening snacks alone are mind-blowing: a smoked jollof rice cracker topped with aged beef and an explosion of umami-rich fermented scotch bonnet emulsion. What follows is a procession of beautifully plated, fiercely intelligent dishes. The aged turbot with saffron koshō and confit lemon is a standout—perfectly balanced, with citrusy heat and silken texture. Another unforgettable course is the plantain, deep-fried and served with an umami-rich raspberry salt, which has become a signature dish for good reason.
Chan’s cooking defies labels. While inspired by West African ingredients—suya spices, smoked grains, fermented scotch bonnets—this isn’t traditional African food. It’s a deeply personal, creative interpretation of flavour, rooted in technical precision. The seasonal tasting menu (£300+) reflects this philosophy, ever-changing with what’s available from their network of British farms, fishermen, and artisans.
The wine pairing, expertly curated by Ikoyi’s sommelier team, leans toward natural and minimal-intervention producers, often surprising but always complementary. A sake served with scallop and smoked kelp is particularly memorable.
Ikoyi Restaurant London Bookings
Capital A List members can make bookings for Ikoyi below.
Ikoyi Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address
Cuisine: African
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Area: Covent Garden
Address: 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA
Website: https://ikoyilondon.com/
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