Entering Afefeyeye Restaurant feels like stepping into a 1960s Nigerian family home. The space reflects rich Nigerian culture, both in its decor and the food it serves.
The traditional decor didn’t catch me off guard, considering Kunle Afolayan, a key figure in the Nigerian film industry, owns the restaurant. The Afolayan family is well-known for their contributions to Nigerian film and arts.
The family has a deep connection to the evolution of Nigerian cinema. Kunle Afolayan, as a leading figure in modern Nollywood, carries on this legacy. It’s no wonder there’s a cinema within the Afefeyeye vicinity.
KAP (Kunle Afolayan Production) Studio is situated in the heart of Ikeja at 41 Ogundana Street, off Allen Avenue, Lagos. It encompasses Afefeyeye Restaurant, a cinema, a fashion boutique, and a film and television academy.
Afefeyeye Restaurant is split into two sections: an upstairs lounge seating area and a downstairs dining area.
The downstairs features a dining setting with chairs, tables, a few couches, as well as low tables. The top floor provides the ideal lounge experience with lounge chairs designed in Adire fabrics, a bar spot, and an open-air space.
The night time brings the restaurant to life, Tuesday through Sunday, with special activities. From karaoke to live band performances featuring highlife, Fuji, or Juju music.
Arriving around 2pm, the atmosphere at Afefeyeye was initially quiet. Recorded band music played to liven things up, and gradually, more customers joined, often with friends or partners.
The staff, all sporting signature Adire baggy trousers and white Afefeyeye tees, promptly attended to me and took my order.
The main attraction here is their rich Nigerian meals. The menu reflects the restaurant’s traditional theme, offering Nigerian breakfast dishes; Afefeyeye specialties like Ewa Agoyin, Nkwobi, Adalu, and more. They also feature intercontinental options like creamy pasta and seafood noodles.
As I placed an order for Asun goat meat and native rice, the waiter explained to me that the meal might take about an hour due to a kitchen gas issue.
While waiting, I enjoyed a delightful Strawberry daiquiri, slightly sweet but to my liking. I love the fact that the restaurant had board games Ludo, Ayo game, and Scrabble games for guests who are interested.
The Ludo board came in handy as I had a new friend who joined me in the restaurant. I used the Ludo board as an icebreaker, creating a perfect way to bond and have fun.
The Asun was served first after an hour in a mini wooden bowl with onion rings as garnish. I love the spicy yet not overly hot sauce on the goat meat—it was just the right kind of spicy for me.
The native rice arrived 25 minutes later, totaling an hour and 25 minutes wait, but it was worth it. With slices of vegetables, fried plantains, ponmo, and dried fish, the flavour was so good that its taste still lingers on my tongue.
Rating: 8/10. The food wait was too long, but overall, a 10/10 experience with good service, courteous attendants, a pleasing atmosphere, and great food.
Budget: N15,000. Spending less is possible without cocktails or mocktails, which increased my bill. A five percent consumption tax was also added.
For me, it wasn’t just a dining experience but a cultural immersion. Afefeyeye Restaurant is more than a culinary destination; it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s rich heritage and the magic that happens when tradition meets modernity.