My friend Okey is something of a man about town which is why he was first to hear about the opening of this restaurant in Victoria Island. In fact by the time he decided to share his knowledge of this new place he had already patronized them twice.
I’m a finicky eater so that faithful Friday I was cautious and in a ‘let me see for myself’ mood. It was lunch time so Okey, Emmanuel (another colleague) and I went to off to number 32b Ologun Agbaje Street off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island.
First impressions go a long way and the Emperor’s Place certainly lived up to Okey’s hype. There is ample parking out front which is a bonus. The décor is artsy and not cluttered – they didn’t push furniture together to maximize space. The entrance leads first to the well-stocked bar with high stools for the patrons; the restaurant is straight through another door. The seating downstairs is in an open area with one booth for privacy among friends or couples.
There is a smaller bar upstairs with a set of tables and chairs that can easily be shuffled around depending on the size of your party. In addition to that there’s a meeting room for working lunches and a VIP section with a nice view of the street.
We chose to plant ourselves in the VIP section and each ordered pounded yam. While my friends had Egusi soup, based on the manager’s recommendation I had the Seafood Special (exactly what it sounds like Okro soup with shrimp, prawns and fish). Without wishing to sound like a paid advert I can only describe the meal in one word – scrumptious!
Now I must warn you that as they say ‘soup wey sweet na money kill am’. So don’t expect fast food prices at the Emperor’s Place but when you take into account the soaring prices of foodstuff you will appreciate how reasonable the menu is. And the environment is perfect for customers on business or pleasure.
I have already set my eye on my next lunch date and I intend to have it at this amazing restaurant in Victoria Island with company that is way prettier than Okey.
