A common misconception among big city dwellers is the idea that they have the monopoly of enjoyment, and you are about to find out in this article why this notion is not true. Admittedly, you’d be hard-pressed to find high-end restaurants with continental menus in a place like Ado-Ekiti. But if you’re as fed up as I am with the overpriced and underwhelming local dishes sold in your megacity, you will like this listicle.
These are the five restaurants you should visit before leaving Ado-Ekiti if you love good food.
- Iyan Unlimited a.k.a Margretino Foods
Ekiti state is the home of pounded yam (iyan in Yoruba), so if you are in Ado-Ekiti, you just have to find your way to Iyan Unlimited, Bank Road for the tastiest pounded yam and egusi. A wrap of pounded yam at Iyan Unlimited costs ₦200, and proteins cost between ₦300 to ₦700, depending on whether you prefer beef, fish, chicken, or ogufe (goat meat). You’ll get a filling and satisfying meal for as low as ₦1,000, and even if you are in the mood for a little dorime, we don’t see you spending more than three grand for a single meal.
Iyan Unlimited (Margretino Foods) is located directly opposite Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti. You can’t miss their sign post.
- Belloni’s Place
Belloni’s Place is a new eatery redefining dining for its Ekiti customers. If you like a great ambience to go with your food, then the restaurant is where you want to be.
We’ll give them points for the intentionality they put into their meal presentation and rich menu that ranges from Chinese rice, diet rice, macaroni, yam, yamarita, to swallows of all kinds.
Ado residents can’t seem to get enough of the yam and egg, and many are particularly sold on the yamarita. You can get either of these for as low as ₦1,500.
Belloni’s Place is located adjacent to Federal Poly Satellite Campus, NTA-Ilawe Bypass, Ado-Ekiti.
- Amala Spot
The amala and abula at Amala Spot is to live for. It’s been two years and I still can’t get over their food. Abula is a combination of gbegiri, ewedu and obe ata, and Amala Spot has rightfully earned the reputation in Ado-Ekiti as The Last Amala Bender.
You don’t have to take my word for it, though. Visit and see for yourself. Amala Spot is located at 5, NTA-Ilawe Bypass (after the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti satellite campus).
Residents say you can enjoy a most satisfying wrap of amala for as low as ₦200, with proteins also starting from ₦200.
4. Portofino Eateries
Portofino Eateries remains one of the busiest along the Iworoko Road axis, and it’s no surprise. Whether you’re feeling up to a tasty and affordable meal, or you’re looking to satisfy your craving for fresh and delicious pastries, they’ve got you.
But that’s not all. Portofino’s moi-moi is one of their major selling points. It’s hands-down the best in the area, and you should try it out too. Each wrap sells for ₦250.
Portofino is located at 97, Iworoko Rd, Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti.
- Take Away Bite and Eat
Photo credit: myactivekitchen.com
I never quite understood why my uncle would often embark on 25-minute trips to get Ofada rice for his wife who was pregnant at the time. I knew many other eateries where he could have gotten the same meal.
It turned out I was wrong. There aren’t many restaurants in Ado-Ekiti where you can get Ofada rice that good, and their sauce is goals.
Food at Take Away is affordable, and with ₦1,500, you can have a nice plate of Ofada rice with a protein of choice for as low as ₦1,000. Aside from the more regular Nigerian restaurant menu, you can also get their yam porridge. The appetising redness of this porridge reminds me why Esau sold his birthright, and I’ve since stopped blaming that fella.
Take Away is situated at Plot 1, Adamolekun Estate, Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti.
You never need to break the bank to treat yourself at the Fountain of Knowledge. All you need is an ally like us who will point you to where to find your favourite meals on a reasonable budget. Good life is where good food is. Let’s explore together.
