Nkoyo to me has always been one of those "feel good" places I can go and eat in Abuja without fear or trepidation that my night would be ruined by shitty service or crappy food.
I have been there a few times before this, though Mr. H practically lives there! So He gets me take out every now and then.
We had friends visiting Abuja from Warri with their kids so we decided to take them out to dinner.
The Ambience
Nkoyo has a calm, relaxed, warm feel as you walk in. The wicker, cane and wooden furniture with tie and dye table runners remind me of the patio or veranda areas of Nigerian houses in the 90s; when houses had no fences and you sit on cane chairs on the front porch to have a late afternoon snack as you watch people pass by on their way home from work.
Totally relaxing.
I love that they have an in house pianist to serenade you as you enjoy your meal. And guess what? You can actually walk up to the pianist and request any song you want, he's that talented! It totally adds to the experience
The Food
Nkoyos menu is divided into two; a continental menu and "Masala Wahala" which is their South Indian menu. We usually mix and match.
For starters, we ordered a plate of crispy king prawns to share.
The Prawns were coated in bread crumbs then deep fried and oh my, it was soooo good! I could seriously have eaten it all by myself. It came with a light salad and some garlic mayo which was also really good as a dipping sauce! I forgot to tell the waiter to leave some for me to eat my main with. Sigh.
For the main I ordered the Spicy Grilled Fish which was Giwa Ruwa (a local freshwater fish) steak marinated in 'Nigerian Chili' and grilled with brown butter. It came with a light salad and for the side I chose Seasoned Fries, instead of steamed veg or jollof rice *covers face*
The fish was beautifully cooked. The edges were irresistibly crisp, sealing all the juices inside! I was so consumed, I didn't even realise when Mr. H helped himself to one of my fillets *shakes fist*
He had ordered his usual, Curry Gassi with steamed rice, which I tasted and loved! It looked like chicken afghani but nut as nutty.
Our guests were a little non adventurous so they all went with chicken and chips.
The Drinks
They have a decent selection of reasonably priced mocktails. I had the Pink Lady which was a gradient drink with grenadine syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice. 'Twas nice.
Mr. H had a Deep Blue Sky, which he really liked.
The Service
We had the best waiter, very friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I wish I could remember his name.
The Price
The damage done was N23,500 for six people which I thought was great considering we had two courses and mocktails all round.
Address
First floor, Ceddit Plaza Central Area.
Abuja
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11am - 11pm
Have you ever eaten at Nkoyo?
What did you have?
Did you enjoy it?
Let us know in the comments below
Lots of yummy love!
Ummi
Posted with Blogsy
Looks like a lovely place and yes the price is really okay.
ReplyDeletewww.cassiedaves.com
it is Cassie, you have to visit when you're in Abuja. Although i noticed from your blog lagos has more artsy and cultured restaurants.
DeleteThe price is certainly attractive.
Heyyy, I loved this place when I visited during the winter break. It's so funny how my review of the place is scheduled to be published later in the week on Le blog. Great minds think alike;)! I went with a party of 11 to celebrate an anniversary and we had the best time. I can't believe I never knew of the restaurant until then. P.S: I can't wait to sample one of your food creations :)
ReplyDeleteAwwww, Great Minds my dear!
DeleteNkoyo is awesome. I hope they keep it up cos they've got a great restaurant running. I always recommend it for my none adventurous friends.
Yeah! Let me know when next you're in town. You're invited for a tea party at my place :)
Oh wow!!! I was expecting to hear you enjoyed the Afang et al and was pleasantly surprised to learn that Nkoyo services continental abi international dishes. Kudos to her!
ReplyDeleteThe ambience looks so warming.... I must definitely look out for Nkoyo's restaurant when next I am in Abj...
Wait, Nkoyo sounds like an Efik/Calabar name, right?
DeleteNow that you mention it, I think they were some local meals on the menu... Will check it out when next I'm there.
The ambience is great, especially in the evenings. When you walk in you just feel happy.
This restaurant looks amazing. If I ever get a chance, will definitely visit this venue. I belong to NYC and usually eat outside at local party venues and restaurants. All the restaurants serve really yummy food and always have a great experience.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to check out the food scene in NYC! Major goals, I tell ya! You guys are at the forefront of fine diningm it'd be a dream come true. Thanks for dropping by :)
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