Koï, Restaurant & Lounge: Japan Packed Its Bags and Moved to VI
If you’re tired of eating rice that just stares at you without vibes? You should try out Koï, Restaurant & Lounge, where they’ve turned rice into an art form.
Located at 1 Alhaji Babatunde Jose Street, Victoria Island, Koï is Lagos’ little slice of Tokyo, minus the jetlag. But fair warning: it’s strictly by reservation, so don’t just stroll in with “vibes and Inshallah.” Call ahead or risk practicing patience outside.
Koi is open every day from 2pm to 11pm, and between the handcrafted sushi, gold-topped nigiri, and a teppanyaki show that feels like dinner and theatre rolled into one, this spot redefines fine dining in Lagos.
What’s On the Menu?
In short? Everything your inner foodie dreams of, from sushi rolls that look like art projects to beef so tender it could write poetry.
Small Bites:
Start with Shrimp Dynamite if you’re ready for fireworks in your mouth, or Vegetable Tempura if you’re pretending to eat healthy. The Mini Yakiniku Skewers are a carnivore’s delight – beef, chicken, prawns, veggies, all vibing on one stick.
Salads:
Koï makes even salad look bougie. Try the Koï Seafood Salad: shrimp, calamari, crab, mussels, all dressed up with wasabi or the Duck Salad, because why eat lettuce when you can eat duck?
Sushi & Rolls:
This is where Koï flexes. The Wagyu Roll is basically steak and sushi having a secret affair. The Aburi Salmon Roll is smoky, creamy, and addictive. And for the daring, the Dragon Roll brings shrimp tempura and avocado together like an A-list couple.
Platters & Teppanyaki:
If you’re rolling deep, the Sushi & Sashimi Platter (₦152,000 for 45 pieces) will shut everyone up at the table. But the real showstopper? Koï’s Teppanyaki Kitchen – where chefs flip, sizzle, and grill right in front of you like culinary magicians.
Main Course:
For those who think sushi isn’t “real food,” Koï has your back. The Black Cod is marinated for 72 hours because good things take time. And the Wagyu Rib Eye is so tender, it might just melt before your fork touches it.
The Vibe
Koï is about dim lighting, sleek interiors, and a lounge that screams “I brunch in Dubai.” It’s the kind of place where you dress up, order a Mango Martini, and suddenly feel like you’re in a Netflix K-drama.
Final Verdict
Koï is not cheap (your wallet may cry small tears), but it’s worth every kobo. Whether it’s a business dinner, a romantic night out, or just a flex for the ‘gram, Koï delivers flavor, flair, and finesse.
