Ikoyi restaurant tasting menu overview in London temple WC2R 1EA UK
Nestled in the heart of London's Temple district, Ikoyi Restaurant offers an extraordinary tasting menu that masterfully blends authentic West African spices with exquisite British ingredients. This innovative menu invites food enthusiasts and adventurous diners alike to embark on a culinary journey full of powerful flavors, contrasting textures, and creative presentations that defy borders.
Starters
Begin your dining experience with vibrant and daring starters that set the tone for the meal. Delight in the spicy sweetness of Plantain with Scotch Bonnet and Raspberry Powder, a bold combination that balances heat with fruity tartness. Alternatively, savor the Drunken Squid Toast featuring tender squid layered on fermented rice toast with squid ink and an indulgent touch of black truffle, offering an umami-rich and refined bite.
Mains
Ikoyi's main courses showcase an inventive fusion of smoked, aged, and spiced elements to heighten the West African influences. The Smoked Jollof Rice is a standout, marrying smoked rice with lobster custard and girolle mushrooms for a taste that lingers and impresses. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Aged Turbot accompanied by rich Egusi Miso and seasonal vegetables, blending delicate flavors with hearty textures.
For a meat-centric feast, the Beef Suya served with creamed peas and a medley of spices delivers a tender, spicy punch, while the Smoked Sweetbread Suya pairs aromatic spices with creamed beans, peas, and fresh herbs like shiso and chrysanthemum for a complex and earthy palate. Not to be missed is the Grass-Fed Angus Beef with Jollof Rice, featuring an onion caramel, goat horn pepper glaze, shiitake mushrooms, and smoky red sauerkraut emulsions that create a harmonious and bold main event.
Vegetable aficionados will appreciate the Glazed Courgettes and Lobster Claw, where the sweetness of melon juice complements the succulent lobster and crunchy hazelnuts in a sophisticated dish.
Desserts
Conclude your tasting experience with innovative desserts that continue Ikoyi's theme of unexpected flavor pairings. The Mussel and Saffron Crème Caramel combines delicate seafood notes with the floral richness of saffron in a silky dessert that surprises and delights. The Scallop Fudge offers layered complexity with scallop skirt, buffalo sauce reduction, brown crab bisque, carrot pudding, and eggplant caramelized with pumpkin seed miso—each bite a luxurious exploration of taste and texture.
Drinks and Specials
Ikoyi complements its culinary offerings with a selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and coffee that perfectly enhance the dining experience. Whether you're savoring a robust cocktail or a fine wine pairing, the drinks menu is designed to elevate the complex flavors of the dishes. While the restaurant does not offer outdoor seating or brunch, its focus on dinner service ensures a refined and intimate atmosphere perfect for exploring the full tasting menu.
- Unique fusion of West African spices and British ingredients creating bold and innovative flavors.
- Expertly crafted tasting menu featuring 11 courses with thoughtful flavor and textural contrasts.
- Meticulous attention to presentation and dining service that caters to guests' preferences and dietary needs.
- A bold menu of starters, mains, and desserts that challenge and delight the palate with spices, seafood, meats, and unique accompaniments.
