SAFI Lagos

SAFI Lagos
I love the fact that restaurants are beginning to adopt the minimalist approach in the interior design of their spaces. I think it is safe to say that the minimalist design is making a come back in the restaurant industry, as we are beginning to see a lot it lately.
These were my exact thoughts as I walked into SAFI Lagos.
Located at OlaDimeji Close, Off Freedom Way, Lekki, Lagos State, SAFI Lagos is a fusion restaurant inspired by African diaspora cuisine.
The name “SAFI” was inspired by the Tanzanian slang which means “take it easy”. It represents the essence of what they intend to achieve with the restaurant.
With a sitting capacity of about 30 people, SAFI Lagos is a cool spot for lunch meetups, quiet business meetings and weekend hang out. It has its Happy Hours on Thursdays, where all the cocktails and starters are sold at greatly discounted prices. They have a Sunday brunch party coming up soon.
What I had,
Gizdo Tostones
No pretense, I’m not a fan of gizzard so I have never been thrilled by the popular dish, “Gizdodo” which sometimes is always a staple in most Nigerian homes and even parties, but I’m always willing to try and accommodate.. rolling my eyes. So my choice for this dish was really out of mere curiosity and nothing more. I think the name did the magic.
Here’s what I found interesting about this dish: the presentation!! It was uniquely put together that for a second I started wondering if it was still the popular Gizdodo that I was staring at. Tomato based gizzard chunks in plantain cups? That was different! Having a scoop of the plantain and the tomato gizzard mix was gooey and chewy. Surprisingly, I liked it. Ye lovers of Gizdodo would love it even more.
Cajun Shrimp Mac n Cheese
The regular baked mac and cheese is already a great dish if done right, but the addition of Cajun shrimp makes it sound all interesting.
I like shrimp, and looking at the menu and seeing this, I thought that shrimp would be a great pairing for a creamy mac and cheese dish, but I also wondered if it would be spicy enough to add a kick to the creamy cheesy dish. It turned out really fine. Well spiced. Not overpowering.
I like how the shrimp is nestled into the macaroni and is covered in a thick cheese sauce, together with the breadcrumb. It tasted really delicious.
I think this delicious spin to the classic mac and cheese dish is a big hit with anyone who loves flavor and all that breadcrumb topping! I intend to try this out at home but with a different pasta. say penne?
Here’s what I can’t keep quiet about,
Plantain Lasagna
This is a combination of sweet and savory, with spiced beef, sandwiched in gorgeous layers of plantain, and topped with cheese! have I gotten your attention now? haha!
This tomato base minced beef sandwiched in layers of plantain and topped with mozzarella cheese was actually the highlight of my dining experience. It was beautifully tasty! wow
I loved the texture, clearly, their choice of plantain was not overly ripe as it didn’t fall apart and also didn’t soak up tons of oil. brilliant!
I tell you, this dish will succeed in expanding your plantain taste buds! yesssss
Thoughts
I love the location of this spot. SAFI Lagos is a small intimate space, nicely tucked away from the hustle and bustle exercise in Lekki. There is also a homely feeling that comes with the dining experience here, so one gets really comfortable eating here. I like their choice of simple dishes on the menu. The Menu is one that has something for everyone.
Cost/Budget
This is the best part. The prices of the dishes at SAFI Lagos are super pocket-friendly. You won’t be breaking a bank or digging deep into your pocket to have a meal here. not at all, baby!
I shall visit SAFI Lagos again. most definitely.
I love the ambience. It Looks like a good place to visit.
I love the space. I’m not a fan of too much design. Now I’m thinking of going for this lasagne. Welldone on the review.
Thr gizzodo looks super inviting.
I think I’d like to try both Plantain dishes here, starting with the Gidzo tonnes. Looks Yummmm
Good one. Will try and visit when next I’m in Lagos.
Good work…
The space is so kool and looking forward to that plantain lasagna and the Gizdo
I love the space and this gizdodo looks yummy
The space looks very warm and inviting and the way you described the meals sounds Sooo good. I can’t wait to try out the dishes and to think it’s also pocket friendly!!! Whoops. I’m going to try everything
Hmmmm. I no go mind that plantain lasange oooo. I have had the normal lasange but plantain one…..
Will definitely try it. Nice review
Nicely written article. Safi seems like an amazing spot to try out and damn! that hat gizdodo is bae.
If I had special powers I would order up that plantain lasagna by magic to my house 🤣🤣. Good one babes
The lasagna looks great…will surely love to try it out.
Bookmarked!
Shrimp 🍤 here we come
Hmmm…shrimp in Mac and cheese – okay now. You had me at hello with that..
But that plaintain lasagne…hahaha. I am going there soon and I already know were I want to sit..😀😉
Lovely and insightful review. I hope to visit here some day. Not a fan of gizzard but it wouldn’t be bad to try out the gizdodo combo. Keep it up girl! Cheers
Plantain lasagne…. Interesting. I’m not a lasagne person but plantain has me curious about this fusion. I like the decor apart from the blue wall…looks too much like my son’s bedside wall for me to pay it any serious mind. I’d love to try this whenever I’m in Lagos. Great stuff.
I love reading your blog. It gives so much options to a foodie
The ambience is catchy, the meals innovative too… I love the latter “pocket friendly”. I sure will try them out.
Once again, a nicely put together piece.
The plantain lasagna looks and sounds like it’s on point .
Am going to confess, it got me salivating