Toast, Sky and a Pint: A Culinary Journey at Eko Hotel

What does it feel like to be toasty? Is it the soft glow of warm lighting that wraps around you like a blanket? The scent of a freshly cooked meal drifting in the air, like warm bread just out of the oven? Or maybe it’s the comfort of sinking into a plush sofa in the corner of a room, feeling at ease with everything around you?

Stepping into ‘Toast’ at Eko Hotel for the first time hit all the right notes—a rush of sensory delight. With the holiday season just around the corner, this place felt like the perfect spot to soak in that cosy vibe that makes everything feel just a little bit more festive.

Then again, you might be looking for a more camaraderie vibe to have a beer with friends for the holidays. Just a little journey around the block takes you to Eko Gardens where you can locate the ‘Lagos Irish Pub’ for drinks and laughs with a TV view of football with your lads and lassies.

Meanwhile, just an elevator ride away, is another restaurant that further elevates your senses-literally and figuratively. ‘Sky’ displays a breathtaking rooftop dining experience as the sun sets over the Lagos skyline. The view is nothing short of spectacular!

This isn’t just another article telling you where to go, but one that takes you on a descriptive journey about three restaurants in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Discovering Serenity and Flavour at Toast

Stepping into the main entrance of Eko Hotel, just a few steps to the left leads you to a revolving door, ushering you into ‘Toast.’ I paused to take in the view before settling down. The ambience was serene and inviting, with an array of pastries displayed behind a counter to the left. Green cushioned chairs and wooden tables sprawled across the right side of the café near the glass walls, offering a panoramic view of parts of the hotel. 

For those feeling a bit more incognito, a little further into the café features cosy, dark corners with a mix of sofas and the same soft green chairs. Let’s say I was feeling a bit of both, so I settled with a table for four right in the middle, with glass on one side and walls on the other.

I probably shouldn’t comment on the restroom first in this write-up, but I’ve come to realize from experiences and encounters with people, especially my female friends, that the restroom can speak volumes about a restaurant – it’s considered a haven for quick chats, breathers and touch-ups.

 Naturally, it plays a role in the overall dining experience so, after settling in at ‘Toast,’ the restroom was my first stop. Despite the café’s petite size, the restroom was impressively roomy and pristine. It was bright enough for selfies, which is always a plus. Unlike other restrooms adorned with bold décor, this one had a more neutral aesthetic. This simplicity meshed well with the overall vibe of Eko Hotel, which balances plush elegance with professional restraint.

Moving on to the table, a glance at the barcode-enabled menu already embodied the brunch setting of the café. Hot or cold sandwiches, a take on the English breakfast, a dash of African flavours, pizzas, hearty mains, options for vegetarians and even a kiddies menu. But I wasn’t in a rush to place my order just yet; I was in good company, so I decided to flip over to the bar menu instead. It had all the right elements for a midday hangout—hot beverages, lattes, infusion teas, detox options, cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, smoothies, and then some.

Let’s get to the important part—what did I order? I went for the ‘Kiwi Banana’ mocktail. Trust that I had no idea what to expect from this, but I saw ‘Kiwi’ and just ran with it. About 10 minutes later, a delicate glass arrived at my table. I expected something a little more…frothy, but what I got was surprisingly clear, with a soft, light hue and streaks of green—likely from the kiwi. Inside, there were slices of kiwi and banana, floating in a stem glass, complete with a stick spearing through them. As for the taste? I’m a bit at a loss for words. It was one of those drinks that hits you with a burst of vibrant, tangy sweetness, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that lingers just enough.

After about an hour of easy chitchat, it was about time to order something to eat. I found myself caught between so many choices, but I was in the mood for something light and quick, so I went with the Chicken Wrap. According to the café, this embodied marinated chicken slices, bell pepper, onions, coriander, lemon, and cumin wrapped in tortilla bread, served with a side of sour cream and guacamole sauce. According to me…it was simply delectable.

Now, I’m not trying to oversell it, but that wrap hit the spot. It did take a while to arrive—about 25 to 30 minutes—but when it did, it was a satisfying sight. 

The serving came in an array of 3 by 3 wraps with a salad and dips on the side. I wasn’t too keen on the sour cream or guacamole dips, though. One taste and I realized those flavors weren’t for me. But the wraps? They were everything I needed: crunchy, savoury, and the chicken was tender. Maybe it was the hunger talking, but the meal disappeared much faster for something that took long to arrive. The portion size could’ve been a little more generous, but who do you blame for that—the chef or the economy? Well, that’s a question for another time.

Let’s talk about the human touch or lack thereof. While the service was friendly overall, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of a warm welcome when I first stepped into the café. It was my first time, and as I walked in, the waiters seemed unsure of what to do—staring in a way that made me feel like I was the one who needed to figure things out. A simple smile or a gentle gesture to guide me to a seat would’ve instantly created that cosy café vibe I was hoping for. However, down the line, the service picked up as they asked me what I needed and took my orders heartily. You see that word “heartily”- it’s so important for service. It’s something I’ll always remember from another dining experience—where I felt like I was being scolded just for not knowing what I wanted right away. Patience and a smile, whether genuine or not, make all the difference. I also noticed the waiters were a bit hard to flag down. They were busy, trying to tend to others, but I don’t really want to have to raise my voice like I’m calling a cab just to get attention. It would have been nice if one or two waiters could’ve been assigned to specific tables. Still, when it came down to it, the servers were kind and eager to help, without being intrusive.

More importantly, how much is “expensive” at ‘Toast?’ That’s the million-naira question, especially in today’s Nigerian economy. Can you enjoy a satisfying meal without completely emptying your wallet? I’ll leave that up to you to decide. But based on my experience, you can expect to spend somewhere between a minimum of N25,000 and N35,000 for a decent meal—VAT included, as of this writing. Remember that, along with the meal, you’re paying for the thoughtful presentation, ambience, good-looking restroom, and cool, comfortable setting that makes dining here feel like an experience, not just a meal.

The Escape That is the Lagos Irish Pub:

Hidden within the hotel, the Lagos Irish Pub is a place that might be overlooked by some, especially for those unfamiliar with the venue or seeking more prominent dining destinations within the hotel. Yet, this unassuming pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for casual hangouts, watching sports, or simply relaxing with a pint of beer.

As soon as I stepped into the Pub, I was enveloped by the warm tones of the space. The interior features cosy red and yellow couches that add a playful pop of colour to the otherwise subdued tones of leather and wood that dominate the decor. 

The rounded seating arrangements, with the bar in the middle, make the pub feel intimate, with corners adorned with glass mosaic, empty whiskey bottles and stacks of books, giving an alternate design that’s not too common. It’s not a large, sprawling space, but it’s big enough to give you a sense of room to breathe with an outdoor patio.

You’re not walking into the typical Irish folk tunes you might expect at an Irish pub. Instead, the air is filled with the upbeat sounds of Afrobeat artists like Rema and Olamide, along with a mix of R&B hits coming from the DJ that a set of spiral wooden stairs at the restaurant lead to. 

The music creates a lively, energetic feel, but it doesn’t overpower conversation. It’s the perfect backdrop for the pub’s dynamic yet laid-back atmosphere.

The drink menu at the Lagos Irish Pub offers a variety of options, though there are a few hiccups to be aware of. My experience started with a fruity concoction called ‘Smooth Lady’—a blend of orange and grenadine, which was light, refreshing, and hit just the right notes for a warm afternoon. 

(Smooth Lady picture)

However, a slight hiccup arose when I asked for a drink that required banana or pineapple, only to be told they were out of both ingredients. It led to a quick change in my order, but I appreciated the bartender’s flexibility and creativity in suggesting an alternative.

Later, I opted for a second drink—a combination of apple and blue curacao syrup. The taste was vibrant and sweet, although it might not be for everyone if you’re not partial to sugary drinks. It’s a fun option, especially for those looking to indulge in their sweet tooth. 

One thing that stands out as a bit of a drawback, though, is the menu’s lack of ingredients displayed for each drink. As someone who enjoys knowing what’s going into my glass, I found myself wishing the drink menu offered more transparency like that of ‘Toast’.

When it comes to food, the Irish Pub offers a solid menu. I started with a serving of peanuts while waiting for my main dish to arrive— ‘Lip Snails’ which they described as “Locally Black Snails Infused with Homemade Pepper Sauce Served with White Rice.” The rice portion was modest—perhaps a bit too small for some appetites. I had to request a side of extra rice, which took a while to arrive, and I was left nibbling on peanuts while I waited. However, the additional rice, when it came, was well-paired with a rich sauce that added some flavour to the dish.

While the food was comforting, there wasn’t anything that stood out as exceptional, perhaps I’m too used to Rice with Stew. It wasn’t bad by any means; it’s a good spot for a casual meal with a cold beer or a drink in hand.

In terms of service, my experience was a bit mixed. While the staff were friendly, once again, I did find it challenging to get a waiter’s attention at times. The pub can get busy, especially during the evenings when live bands and shows take centre stage, according to a waiter, a long-time member of the team. The place tends to fill up more in the evening when the entertainment kicks off. It’s a great spot for birthday celebrations, casual hangouts, or simply a place to grab a drink and watch a football match on TV.

However, during quieter times, like midday, when I went, there might not be as many waiters on hand. It’s not uncommon to wait a little longer for service, but once you do catch a waiter’s eye, the staff is friendly and eager to assist.

When it comes to dining at the Irish Pub, the pricing strikes a reasonable balance, offering good value for the experience. While it might not be the cheapest option in Lagos, the price tag aligns with the ambience, the entertainment, and the quality of food and drinks on offer. If you’re planning to spend a leisurely evening at the pub, a budget of between N30,000 to N40,000 should comfortably cover a decent meal with a drink. With football games playing on the screens and Afrobeat tunes creating a vibrant mood, you’re getting a full entertainment package.

Restaurant Spotlight (A mini expository): ‘The Sky’

Now, close your eyes for a moment, and imagine this. You just took the elevator at Eko Hotel, all the way to the rooftop, then you open your eyes to sensor glass doors revealing a blue skyline with low tables and cushioned chairs sprawled to the left and right. The breeze is welcoming, and the view is picturesque. That was the double selling point for me at ‘The Sky,’ an Asain fusion restaurant. The Island view from the top is enchanting, especially at night; it’s the kind of place that calls for long, relaxed evenings with friends, colleagues or family, offering the perfect backdrop for a chill night out.

Though my experience was short-lived here due to time, my meal was less of actual food and more of a nice serving of the view. The sun went down, and the lights shone bright. There were lit-up poles by nighttime and colourful lights out that set the mood for another drink- another banana-flavoured drink. This spot stimulates the brain enabling you to have talks while observing the brightly-lit city, especially with the festive decorations and lights sprawled across the streets of Victoria Island.

Apparently, Eko Hotel offers other options to guests including the Mexican-influenced Crossroads and the Chinese-styled Red. Going by my experience so far, these should also be worth visiting. 

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