‘Love letter to West African cuisine’ lands in Knightsbridge

London’s growing ranks of upscale African restaurants will be swelled this month with the launch of Isibani, under Nigerian-born chef Victor Okunowo (pictured), at the very plushest of addresses on Knightsbridge Green.

Meaning “bring the light” in Zulu, Isibani’s founders describe it as “a love letter to West African cuisine” and a celebration of their Nigerian Ibo heritage. It will be on two floors, with a more casual roof terrace upstairs and fine dining downstairs.

Twenty-six-year-old Victor, who has stints at The Wolseley and the Chiltern Fire House on his CV, says the menu is inspired by his childhood memories of classic Nigerian dishes, reinterpreted and “elevated” for restaurant service. Dishes include jerk poussin tacos with pimento mayo, heritage tomatoes & escabeche; and a smoked monkfish fillet with charred okra, kachumbari, sea herbs and brown shrimp.

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