Ilé offers diners an immersive culinary journey through West Africa with its contemporary three-course tasting menu and family-style concept. This is not your typical restaurant experience. Instead, guests are welcomed into Chef Tolu Eros’ personal apartment in Hollywood, making for an intimate dining atmosphere.
Upon arrival at the apartment complex, guests are directed to the leasing office, where a concierge escorts them to Eros’ private residence. As you stand outside the discrete apartment door, the sounds of lively chatter, the aromas of spices, and the sight of the staff in preparation create a sense of anticipation.
The dining experience takes place at Chef Eros’ own dinner table, shared with ten to sixteen strangers. This communal setting fosters a sense of camaraderie as you embark on a culinary journey through West Africa. The evening is enriched with live storytelling, music, and, of course, an array of delicious dishes such as a peanut soup with Atlantic shrimp fufu dumpling, caviar and herb oil, egusi pesto with plantain agnolotti, and suya-crusted lamb with zoboberry demi glace.
Jollof rice has long been the source of a friendly food rivalry between nearly a dozen West African nations. Although UNESCO deemed the dish to be of Senegalese origins in 2023, that hasn’t stopped cooks from Gambia to Cameroon from claiming to have the best rendition. At Ilé, Eros offers an edible olive branch in the form of his “unity jollof,” which features Ghanaian perfumed rice, Senegalese plantain notes, and a Nigerian-inspired smoky finish.
Chef Eros is both dramatic and engaging, skillfully integrating narratives and music into the dinner service. Each course is not just a meal but a story, enhancing the overall cultural experience. By the end of the evening, you’ll leave not only satiated but also with new friends and a deeper appreciation for West African cuisine and culture.
