#WobiaDiariesWithAkin Ep 1: Sabor, Lagos

We’re live! My first restaurant review as per wobia wey I be and na food go kill me last last. These stories of me talking about (read: critiquing) restaurants and cool spots across Lagos, Nigeria and the rest of the world is called #WobiaDiaries. Why? Well, because I don’t know how to behave, have an unhealthy love for food and recently decided to actively commit to enjoying my life. Na one, abi? This will be fun.

Now, unto Sabor.

Obvs, a good picture spot. Use the stairs behind to get mad angles.

Arriving at Sabor is a bit annoying. There is no sign and the road (opp. Muri Okunola Park, VI) leading to the restaurant will be a major headache if it rains. Nevertheless, the guy at the entrance watching for potential Sabor patrons was friendly.

Pro tip: there’s a nice motif/art wall on the left as you walk into the Sabor compound — very good for selfies and pictures.

I did say I don’t know how to behave.

The restaurant itself is on the top floor of a one-storey building (an unaffiliated eatery occupies most of the ground floor) and the wood theme is evident all around. The tables and chairs all have nice, exposed wood grain and there is an outer area that’s got great rooftop vibes.

The inner area is a bit rigid in its setup (one-on-one date type thing) but the outer area is much more relaxed (out with friends type thing). Pro tip: the bar counter inside is great for pictures. Only problem with the outer area (patio?) is the noise from fans, Sabor’s generator and flies — Sabor should really install those insect catcher things.

You never know what kind of service to expect in Nigeria but the waiter was timely (except a late cocktail), patient and provided a generally pleasant experience. I ordered the “Roasted Pulled Duck Sliders” (N5400), which was in the “Light Bites” segment of the Sabor menu, and “Penne Pasta In Beef Ragu” (N5700) in spicy config from the “Mains” section. To drink, I ordered the Barcode Breeze cocktail.

Here’s my verdict:

Roasted Pulled Duck Sliders from Sabor, Lagos.

• The Roasted Pulled Duck Sliders (N5400) are essentially three burgers and they were awesome. I couldn’t really tell I was eating duck but the veggies were fresh, the mayo and ting tasted delicious and the bun were properly french-toasted. A part of me wished the buns were bigger though. #WobiaScore: 3/5

Penne Pasta in Beef Ragu at Sabor, Lagos.

• The Penne Pasta In Beef Ragu was very spicy which was the preference I chose — bad idea). It was delicious though — if you’re ordering this, do not order it spicy. The beef and tomato-based sauce and parmesan complimented the Penne pasta wonderfully. #WobiaScore: 2.5/5, because hella spicy.

Barcode Breeze cocktail at Sabor, Lagos.

• Barcode Breeze cocktail: This cocktail is made up of gin, watermelon juice & watermelon liqueur (I didn’t even know this existed). I’d never had a watermelon cocktail before this and I didn’t regret trying it. Tasted smooth and faintly alcoholic. #WobiaScore: 4/5, because you no wan pass out before you chop finish.

The Sabor menu.

For roughly 10K, you should get a decent meal and drink at Sabor which is not too bad given the ambience of the space and the quality of the chow. And that brings us to my verdict:
- Ambience: 3/5
- Food quality: 3.5/5
- Service: 2.5/5

#WobiaScore — Sabor, Lagos: 3.5/5.

If you dey collect N180K and above, you suppose fit enter hear like once a month shake body. Anything less, I no send you message o!

Akara and moin moin get the same parent, na wetin dem pass through make dem different — Warri proverb.

Yours in chopping of life and flenjo,

Don’t lie, money and enjoyment go fit me die.

Akindare — Chief Wobia of wherever you like. Peezout!