Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge

- 11 Clinton St, Newark, NJ 07102

Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge is a dynamic, upscale establishment located in the heart of downtown Newark, NJ, offering New Jersey residents an exciting and flavorful escape. Categorized as a **West African restaurant, Bar, and Lounge**, Ikoyi provides a unique blend of refined dining and vibrant nightlife, setting it apart in the local culinary scene. The restaurant's mission is to deliver an elevated dining experience by fusing authentic West African flavors—particularly Nigerian cuisine—with elements of Caribbean and American culinary traditions.

The culinary journey at Ikoyi is defined by bold, distinctive spices and a menu that caters to diverse tastes, from traditional African staples to sophisticated small plates. Guests can indulge in **Traditional Meals** like **Ikoyi Egusi (Melon Seed Soup)**, **Ayamase**, and the highly recommended **Efo Riro (Vegetable Soup)**, which a reviewer noted was so good they ended up eating it with their hands. For those new to West African cuisine or looking for popular comfort options, the menu features delicious starters like **Suya Suya Suya** (grilled thinly sliced beef marinated in West African spices), **Coconut Shrimp**, and the flavorful **Chicken Wings** that one customer described as "delicious."

As a full-service **Bar** and **Lounge**, Ikoyi truly shines in its beverage program and entertainment. The venue boasts a **Great cocktails** selection, with signature drinks like the "Miss Montana frozen style," which a customer personally enjoyed. The **Bar onsite** serves a variety of **Alcohol**, including **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, and an excellent **Great beer selection**, which notably features Naija beers like Star and Trophy. The vibrant, **Trendy** atmosphere is amplified by **Live music**, often featuring Afrobeat with smooth transitions to classic hip hop/R&B from a DJ, and even live saxophone performances, creating an **Energetic** and unforgettable night out for **Groups** and **Tourists** alike.

While the atmosphere and food are consistently praised—the ambiance is described as **Vibrant and cozy**—the management acknowledges the need for operational refinement. Despite minor issues noted in reviews concerning service attentiveness and noise level ("Music was obnoxiously loud for a restaurant"), the high quality of the food and the exceptional entertainment value are the establishment's defining characteristics. The availability of **Hookah** service (available for a cash or card price), is a popular added feature that contributes to the lounge appeal.

## Location and Accessibility

Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge is perfectly situated at **11 Clinton St, Newark, NJ 07102**, placing it in the dynamic and revitalized downtown Newark area, just steps away from major landmarks like the Prudential Center. This central location makes it highly accessible for anyone in the New Jersey and tri-state area looking for an upscale dining and lounge experience.

Accessibility is a key priority at Ikoyi, ensuring all guests feel welcome:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** The main entrance is easily accessible for all mobility needs.
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom:** Dedicated restroom facilities ensure comfort and convenience.
• **Wheelchair accessible seating:** Appropriate seating arrangements are available throughout the dining and lounge areas.

For guests arriving by car, the restaurant provides parking options, including a **Free parking lot** and a **Paid parking lot** nearby. For those using public transportation, the location is conveniently close to major transit hubs in downtown Newark. Planning your visit is easy, as the venue **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to its popularity as a lively, **Trendy** spot, particularly on weekends.

## Services Offered

Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge offers an extensive array of services tailored to meet both dining and entertainment needs:

• **Full Dining Schedule:** Serving **Brunch**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**, with late hours for **Late-night food** options for the lounge crowd.
• **Flexible Service Options:** Guests can choose to **Dine-in** for the full experience, or utilize **Takeout** and **Delivery** services for meals at home.
• **Event and Private Dining:** An **Elegant private room** and the entire restaurant can be booked for special events, with **Catering** services available for both on- and off-premises functions.
• **Comprehensive Bar Offerings:** A full **Bar onsite** offering a **Great beer selection**, **Cocktails**, **Hard liquor**, and **Wine**, alongside specialty items like **Hookah** service.
• **Happy Hour Specials:** Dedicated **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food** menus are offered, making it a great after-work destination.
• **Atmosphere and Amenities:** Features a **Casual**, **Cozy**, and **Romantic** atmosphere, complete with **Restroom** facilities and a dedicated lounge area.
• **Family-Friendly Accommodations:** The restaurant is **Good for kids** and provides **High chairs** to make family dining more comfortable.
• **Efficient Planning & Payment:** **Accepts reservations** and facilitates easy payment via **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

## Features / Highlights

The numerous highlights of Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge solidify its status as a premier New Jersey destination:

• **Unique Fusion Cuisine:** It is one of the few places in Newark offering a modern, upscale take on **West African restaurant** cuisine, specifically Nigerian food, alongside Caribbean and American favorites, making it a true culinary fusion hotspot.
• **Exceptional Entertainment:** The venue is famed for its **Live music** and resident DJ, creating a high-energy **Trendy** atmosphere that makes it more than just a place to eat; it's a social destination.
• **Acclaimed Cocktails and Bar:** The **Bar onsite** is a major draw, featuring a **Great cocktails** list with unique, large-format drinks like the "Miss Montana (Frozen Style)," and an impressive list of international and **Naija Beer** selections.
• **Specialty Menu Items:** Highlights include savory **Small plates** like **Suya Suya Suya** and traditional, flavor-packed dishes such as **Seafood Okro** and **Efo Riro**. **Vegetarian options** are also available.
• **Vibrant Atmosphere:** The combination of a **Cozy** dining room and a high-energy **Lounge** makes it ideal for a **Romantic** date night or a fun outing for **Groups** and celebrating **Tourists**.
• **Convenience and Accessibility:** Offering **Fast service**, **Late-night food**, **Happy hour food and drinks**, and full **Wheelchair accessibility** across all facilities.
• **Event Hosting Capability:** With a large capacity and a dedicated **Private dining room**, Ikoyi is perfect for hosting significant personal and corporate events.

## Contact Information

For reservations, event inquiries, or to place an order, please use the contact details provided below:

Address: 11 Clinton St, Newark, NJ 07102

Phone: (908) 275-1495

Mobile Phone: +1 908-275-1495

## What is Worth Choosing

Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge is absolutely worth choosing for any New Jersey local or visitor seeking an immersive and elevated dining and nightlife experience. You should choose Ikoyi not just for a meal, but for the complete package of vibrant **West African restaurant** cuisine, top-tier drinks, and an electric atmosphere. It stands out because it successfully combines the authenticity of **Traditional Meals** and bold African flavors with the sophistication of a modern, **Upscale** lounge.

What truly sets Ikoyi apart is the **Vibe, music, and food** combination that creates a "fantastic night out." Where else in Newark can you enjoy authentic **Efo Riro** or **Suya Tacos**, sip on a signature **Miss Montana** cocktail, and dance to a live saxophone player performing over Afrobeat and hip-hop tracks? The **Great cocktails** and **Live music** make it the ultimate **Lounge** destination, especially during **Happy hour** or for a late-night treat with **Late-night food** options.

While a few minor service issues have been noted by patrons, the general consensus is that the high quality of the food and the unparalleled atmosphere override any small setbacks. The facility is well-equipped with **Wheelchair accessibility**, is **Good for kids** with high chairs, and the option to utilize the **Private dining room** makes it suitable for all occasions. For a **Trendy**, lively, and unique cultural dining experience in downtown Newark, Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge is the definitive choice for a fantastic night in New Jersey.

Ikoyi Restaurant and Lounge

11 Clinton St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA