Victoria Island's New IT Restaurant
Shiro
Landmark Centre, Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island, Lagos
NOSA: Sometime in December we met the guy who owns La Boucherie. Well, we didn’t meet him, he met us. But that’s a story for another day. Anyway, he told us about this new Japanese place with Wagyu on the menu. This is a big deal because Wagyu meat is the priciest beef in the world. The marbling on it is simply unreal and the fat is the good kind.
Long story short, we had to check Shiro out.
FOLLY: Because we splurged with the wagyu steak, we didn't order many other things which I think is a shame so we really HAVE to go back here. At the same time, there are a couple things we tried to order but were told were not available: the 7 spice pork belly and the crispy duck maki roll.
I'd like to try the sashimi, the duck maki rolls and the 7 spice pork belly, so Shiro is definitely a revisit for me.
FOLLY: We "started" with 3 maki rolls and our plan was to split the asian style wagyu steak as a main, knowing fully well that it won't be bigger than my fist.
FOLLY: The maki rolls we ordered were the Prawn Suya Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, and Lobster Maki with Truffle Oil. All of which were generally average but the prawn suya maki was the standout for me simply because I'd never had anything like it and it was a pleasant deviation from regular maki rolls.
NOSA: Nobody is coming close to Izanagi as far as sushi goes. Shiro tried, but nah, it’s not good enough. I agree with Folly though, the Suya Prawn roll was unbelievable. You HAVE TO try it if you come here.
FOLLY: The spicy tuna maki was, as you're probably imaginining, quite basic. In fact, the only reason I ordered it was because I was all out of options for things I wanted that they didn't have available.
FOLLY: I expected more from the lobster maki roll. This was more rice than anything else and in retrospect, I suspect they put the glob of lobster on the top to hide the fact that this was chok full of rice.
FOLLY: Now, let's talk about this this piece of meat that is someone's salary. First of all, here's the Wikipedia link to wagyu if you're not already familiar. Naturally, we ordered it medium rare because if you're buying meat so expensive it's a travesty to cook it any more than that but of course our waiter felt he knew better.
NOSA: While we ordered it medium rare, we got it well done. So we called the waiter over to get our mistake sorted and to our surprise, the waiter said it’s only served well done.
No way on earth was I going to pay twenty six thousand Nigerian naira for a well done steak.
No, sir.
Not me.
We had to explain our situation to the manager, who, thankfully, got us a new plate. Funny enough, we never got clarification if they make it well done by default.
FOLLY: Thankfully!
Honestly, Nosa and I never react if something is overcooked or poorly cooked, we just decide they don't know what they're doing but at this price point, garra complain because at that price point, I deserve for it to be done right.
FOLLY: I just wish the lighting was better (or that I could adjust the camera better) because with this pictures you can't see the real colour of the meat and the vein like marbling.
NOSA: This might be the best steak I've had in my entire life. No exaggeration.
Ok, maybe a little.
FOLLY: This was my first time ever having a wagyu beef and it didn't disappoint (except it was so small but that was expected). On the texture, I barely had to chew it because it was so soft. You chew it once or twice and it's just so soft and slick like butter.
NOSA: I think that's really what got me. There was no struggling with it at all. Tender, juicy, everything.
FOLLY: The taste is very subtle, not overly beefy.
NOSA: That said, no way am I spending 26k on steak in Lagos again. I'm not mad.
POSTSCRIPT
FOLLY: Overally, I enjoyed Shiro and the service was good enough. The food didn't wow me but it didn't underwhelm me. The menu was interesting and I really would like to go back and try new things.
NOSA: I really like Shiro. The space is beautiful and while the food wasn't the greatest thing ever, I'd come here again. Perfect for date night too.
VERDICT
DAMAGE
Spicy Tuna Maki - N3500
Prawn Suya Maki - N3500
Asian Style Wagyu Steak - N26000
Lobster Maki with Truffle Oil - N3500
PARKING
It's in landmark so there's an abundance of parking spaces