Buffets are all the rage right now, with the appeal of a fixed price and unlimited food being especially exciting for gatherings with friends and family.
Introduced in the 20th century as a practical solution to cater to large numbers of diners with varying tastes, buffets have become a hallmark of hotel dining worldwide.
We visited Ibis Hotel Ikeja to determine if their variety of dishes and ambience make them a top buffet choice.
The Ibis Hotel Ikeja is known for blending modern comfort with local flair, but does it truly live up to the expectations set by its brand?
- Menu variety – 5/10
- Food Quality – 6/10
- Service – 8/10
- Ambience – 8/10
- Value for money – 5/10
- Hygiene standards – 8/10
- Accessibility – 9/10
- Consistency – 5/10
- Innovation – 7/10
- Sustainability – 8/10
- Waiting time – 8/10
- Online presence – 8/10
- Special features – 5/10
If you agree or disagree with our ratings and would like to provide your own review, head over to our review form, leave your review for all 13 criteria and an Ikeja Record editor will be in touch. To maintain the integrity of our evaluation system, we do not accept or publish reviews from persons directly associated with the restaurants they are reviewing, including (but not limited to) owners, investors, and staff.
Menu Variety
For a buffet spread, the selection was disappointing. There were only a few continental options and even fewer traditional dishes. While they did provide a wide variety of salads and an assortment of cute desserts, the overall amount of food was lacking for a buffet.
The meal options included jollof rice, vegetable biryani rice, pepper soup, grilled coconut chicken, pasta arrabiata, yam porridge, akara balls, assorted meat stew, potato lyonnaise, ratatouille, stir fried tippers steak, and yam and egg, alongside the desserts, finger bites and salads.
For Nigerian soups, they only had vegetable soup and Ogbono soup with pounded yam and amala as the swallow options.
The finger bites included diced suya beef, diced bbq sauce chicken, fried yam, deep fried green peas, pawn crackers, onion rings, fish slices, miniature toasted sardine sandwiches.
For drinks, we were limited to either water or Chapman, with no refills allowed, and had to purchase bottled water. Although, hours later, a staff member brought one extra glass of complimentary Chapman.
Food Quality
The presentation of the dishes, particularly the salads and desserts, was colourful and appealing.
However, most of the food was lukewarm instead of steaming hot, except for the jollof rice, which was only slightly warm. The protein options, unfortunately, were also cold and overly dry.
Despite the visually pleasing presentation, the taste didn’t match up. The suya slices were thick, cube-shaped, and rock hard, lacking the authentic suya flavour. The fried yams were dry and weren’t crispy. The prawn crackers also had lost their crispy texture due to being exposed to air while displayed.
While they aimed for an international taste, the result was rather bland for a ‘Nigerian palate’.
Service
The staff were genuinely friendly and cheerful, always eager to help and assist with any needs.
They went out of their way to ensure every guest felt welcome, providing personalised attention and thoughtful service.
Whether it was offering local recommendations, promptly addressing requests, or simply engaging in pleasant conversation, the staff’s warmth and professionalism created a truly inviting atmosphere.
Ambience
The restaurant, located within a hotel of the same name, boasted a beautiful and modern interior with a cosy, homey appeal. It felt like a well-designed dining room or kitchen. The reception area was particularly striking, resembling an airport check-in counter.
Everything tied together seamlessly to create a “home away from home” atmosphere.
The space was adorned with impressive carvings, paintings, and thoughtful messages about avoiding food waste.
The lighting was excellent, making it a perfect spot for capturing warm, inviting photos.
For the price of 18,500 naira, the buffet was disappointing.
The variety was limited, and while some dishes looked sophisticated, they didn’t deliver on taste; many were cold, too dry, or too hard.
The selection also didn’t cater well to typical Nigerian preferences.
A staff member mentioned that other buffet options are available, including breakfast at 10,000 naira, a daily lunch buffet at 14,500 naira, and a Sunday dinner buffet from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 16,500 naira.
Hygiene Standards
The entire building was impeccably clean, with staff conscientiously clearing and cleaning as customers finished their meals. The environment smelled fresh and pleasant throughout.
The restrooms were also well-maintained, equipped with toilet paper, and featured a touchless tap that activates when you place your hand underneath—perfect for germaphobes or anyone who prefers not to touch the tap after washing their hands.
Location
Ibis is situated at 23 Toyin Street, Ikeja. The location was easily accessible and provided ample parking space for vehicles.
Additionally, it was wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all guests.
Consistency
Since this was our first visit to Ibis, we can’t comment on the consistency of their food and service quality over time. Our perspective might change after another visit.
However, we noticed that some of the diners were frequent visitors. While we were dining, a group of family and friends with their children arrived, and from their conversation with the staff, it was apparent this wasn’t their first time.
A few other diners walked in as well—some were regulars, while most were hotel guests experiencing the buffet for the first time.
Innovation
The restaurant was intentional with its décor, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The presentation of the desserts and salads was particularly vibrant and colourful, adding a creative touch to the dining experience.
Sustainability
Ibis clearly emphasises sustainability, with numerous posters around the restaurant addressing food waste and general waste management.
Also, as a dine-in-only buffet, they do not use reusable plastics or specialised materials for takeaway packaging, and guests cannot take leftovers home.
Waiting Time
With a reservation, you will be seated in under two minutes. As it is a buffet, guests can serve themselves at the counter and enjoy as much food as they like.
However, the downside is that some dishes might not be served hot if they’ve been sitting out for a while.
Online Presence and Ease of Reservations
Ibis Ikeja’s website is well-designed, user-friendly, and visually appealing, though it mainly highlights hotel accommodations. The restaurant maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, ensuring good engagement and visibility.
Special Features
Ibis does not emphasise unique selling points such as live music, scenic views, or themed dining experiences.
The only notable feature was the flat-screen TVs showing football matches.