ILÉ EROS a polished casual restaurant that celebrates Nigerian cuisine

My appreciation of Chef Eros’ food started a few years ago when I was first introduced to him through his bakery, Cookie Jar.

Cookie Jar sells pastries such as cakes, sandwiches and of course cookies. Tolu Erogbogbo, popularly known as Chef Eros is the founder and CEO of Cookie Jar Bakery, Executive Chef of Eros & Gourmet Foods and Founder and Executive Chef of one of the first chef-owned Gourmet Nigerian restaurant.

A polished casual restaurant that celebrates Nigerian Cuisine. Often called “The Billionaires’ Chef”, has cooked for Dr Mike Adenuga, Founder and Chairman of Globacom and Conoil, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder and Chairman of the Dangote Group. He has also had the opportunity to serve President Emmanuel Macron of France, Reverend TD Jakes, Lauryn Hill and many others.

Dotted in the heart of Lekki Phase I on 14 Kafayat Abdulrazak Street off Fola Osibo, the space is characterized by a Modern-African theme. As you walk through the doors, you are welcomed into an Afro-chic, intimate space which is reminiscent of a home, inspired by the notion of a well-travelled Nigerian family of old – passionate about culture, art, music, and food.

ILÉ EROS  celebrates Nigerian Cuisine. The menu takes a whole new approach to Nigerian food applying Haute cooking techniques and Avant Guard presentation to deliver recipes that are tasty, filling and mind-blowing. A destination worthy experience which tells a story of beautiful designs, trendy flavours, and diverse menu options, iLÉ ÉROS is a true touch of Nigerian luxury.

As part of my December activities, I had it in mind to check out the restaurant and was delighted to hear that they were having an official opening. One thing about Chef Eros’ food, is that it is always flavourful and mouth-watering, so I was more than excited to go and glad to support his new entrepreneurial venture. On this occasion, I went with my friend Seyi Shay. She is a talented singer and songwriter.  What’s your favourite Seyi Shay song? Mine has to be gimme love. Seyi is not only a musical superstar she is also an actress and overall hard-working person who also loves food. As we arrived at the venue we were immediately transported into a decor reminiscent of a 90’s African home, vintage pots, and pans and traditional accessories. The space is modern and chic with heavy accents of Africa and more specifically Nigeria.

We came for an opening so, the space was filled to capacity with food lovers,  eating, drinking and having a merry time. As I mentioned above I find Chef Eros’ food is always flavour-filled and this time around was no different. We had the BBQ RIBS & MASH which is  Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Ribs With Spicy Mashed Potatoe, Ewa Agoyin which is honey Beans, Agoyin Sauce, Crispy Beef, Plantain Fries. I had the Roselle mocktail which is Homemade Zobo, Lime Juice, Tangerine, Ginger.

The restaurant uses a slow-cooked technique that infuses maximum flavour in each bite which makes for a more enjoyable culinary experience.

This is what Seyi had to say.

” The space is cozy and well decorated and I enjoyed the food and creativity of the drinks. Well done Eros”

I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a 5-course meal, a catch up with friends or even a games night. I definitely will be back.

Guest – Seyi Shay

Instagram @iamseyishay