As someone who has grown up eating Nigerian food I was intrigued to see what DoC would offer and was pleasantly surprised.
It was no frills, high quality Nigerian food that was authentic with no attempts to water it down for a wider audience.
In the night we had Pepper Soup, Warra and Abula.
Great mingling with other guests on the table. Only downside it that they don’t give you much of a heads up about the BYOB policy’s
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gayathri Shibu
The most unique, intimate food experience that intertwines storytelling to make for a fantastic food experience. Loved everything about this experience. Highly recommend! Do read about it to set expectations, it’s BYOB and the food can be spicy for some, so please look into it before going. Can’t wait to see what Chef Ayo does in the future!! Will be back! P.S. The goat pepper soup is to die for.
Absolutely stunning, intimate and unique experience. Chef Ayo guides you on a journey through North and Central Nigeria, with ingredients specially brought in to give diners the most authentic experience possible. The four course meal is delicious from start to finish and eating at the communal table only adds to the experience. Cannot recommend it enough. BYOB, so pick up some beer next door or some wine. The goat pepper soup is an incredible highlight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
Alisha Chowdhury
This was one of the best meals and experiences. Im so glad I came here because I finally got to learn about Nigerian cooking and more about the cuisine. My favorite dish has to be the Wara. Let me know where else I can get Wara from please!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samreen Shah
Such a unique/cool experience! I took my sister here for her birthday and what a special dinner it was. Chef Ayo is so down to earth and his stories were all really humbling. The 3 Nigerian dishes were all delicious and elevated. The goat pepper soup was heartwarming, the wara was something like I'd never try before and the Amala was beautiful and hearty. I loved the stories that Chef Ayo would share, my favorite being about his grandma and trying to be deliriously happy in life as a goal.
The photos on the wall are beautifully curated from Chef's life as well. Would love to go back and try the food again. I'm craving the goat pepper soup like every single day. Thanks for showing us how amazing Nigerian food can be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
Joe Whiteman
This was a great dining experience that felt like family dinner. I tip my hat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
Josephine Lee
3.5 stars but rounding up for DOC's potential. Let me explain.
On food alone, Dept of Culture is a solid 3 stars. The quality is there, but there's a lack of diversity in the offerings and far too few dishes for the price: $111 (including tax and tip) netted us a tiny bowl of Goat Meat Pepper Soup (4 sips max), a slighter larger bowl of Asaro with Smoked Crayfish Sauce, a main dish of Abula (large appetizer-sized), and a small dessert of Dodo.
There should've been at least one more entree (or large app), and either an amuse bouche or a palate cleanser for the price. In fact, when they brought out dessert, our dining companion actually blurted out, "That's it? I could've done with at least one more dish of food."
So those are my critiques with Dept of Culture. Now here are my praises.
Chef Ayo Balogun is a clear culinary talent with a natural flair for storytelling. His explanations for each course were a delight and transported us to his childhood in Nigeria.
The communal dining table is all about good vibes, and we had a blast getting to know our seat mates. Great concept that should be adopted more often in other restaurants. We even had another Nigerian person in our group (from a different part of the country than Chef Ayo), so it was great to get his perspective on the dishes.
But mostly, Dept of Culture is--I truly, truly hope--a harbinger of better times for African food in upscale dining. I want it to be the Chez Panisse of Nigerian food (or even West African food if we're not ready to get so specific)--the trailblazer that introduces a specific cuisine to the American populace.
For too long, boring, bland, Euro-centric cuisines have dominated fine dining. East Asia entered the chat a while ago, South America came next, and even South Asian flavors are on the rise, but this snooty world has repeatedly ignored Africa despite us owing pretty much all of what we have in food to this motherland continent.
I had my 23rd birthday lunch at a hole-in-the-wall Nigerian restaurant in Chicago and have introduced (sometimes dragged) countless friends to different African restaurants throughout the years. I don't pretend to be an expert--I just love shining a light on great, overlooked food. If Dept of Culture--for its somewhat flawed but mostly steller model--can put Nigerian food on the map of Western fine dining, perhaps we can finally get more African restaurants that aren't bare bones hole-in-the-walls or fusion-with-European (a la Marcus Samuelsson) spots. Perhaps African food can finally get the top accolades it so richly deserves.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Tom Stratford
Awesome culinary experience, with impeccable service and an awesome voice over to explain what we were eating and it's cultural significance. Would love to go back with more friends and see what else Nigerian cuisine has to offer!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Legitimus
This review is for the well traveled/ experienced diners/ people with taste / tourist from the diasporas visiting NYC : save your money. while on holidays in brooklyn I read many excellent articles from food critics / food bloggers recommending this place. I also read lesser good reviews from diners and decided to ignore them. I cleary understand these reviews today and wish I had taken them in consideration before I booked. While I appreciate the owner's effort of telling a story for each dishes, the whole thing is overpriced for some beef and piment/ a cheese and piment/ gumbos and a piece of fish/ dessert is a simple plantain served with icecream (haagenz dasz, not even homemade) 4 items and a story add up to 100USD. Not tasty, you could just feel the hot pepper (mind you I can handle my spices as I am'from the afro diaspora) and not fullfllling (I went for a shrimp po'boy sandwich right after). I guess this experience is designed for a gentrified crowd that is used to bland food and is thrilled to be sold an overspiced diner to comfort their guilt of gentrifying brooklyn.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Genevieve Riccoboni
Vegetarian options: Every course can be made vegan or vegetarian. The food was absolutely delicious, and it was a wonderful experience to learn about each dish in such an intimate and warm atmosphere.
Honestly, I love the story behind the food, and considering it is part of the show, I will give it 3 stars for a review. However, considering it is a restaurant, I don't think they are fully ready.First of all, there are only 3 courses with one dessert, which takes around 3 hours. That's cause the hot dishes turn to cold when they land on my table.Second, terrible service. We booked this place for a group of 4, arrived on time, still waiting over 15 minutes to get in (that day was a cold day outside). The servicer assigned us a bar table, barely able to hear each other, and no place to hang our jackets, we had to hold our bags and jackets to eat.Again, for a dining experience around this price, there are so many good options such as sixty - three Clinton, Secchu Yokota, Jua, Atoboy…etcEven though I appreciate the story and the culture (used to travel to West Africa a couple of years ago, I was very excited and happy to share the experience with frds) it is not the only thing that the restaurant sells to the customer.Hope this place can be improved in the future, and make the restaurant industry more diverse.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Imaan Selim
Everything about this restaurant was amazing! It was impossible to carry on a conversation while eating because every bite was so delicious. The music, the hospitality and the descriptions of each course, all came together to make this a very memorable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mat Kelley
I went in so excited for this, but honestly felt a bit scammed. It is a wildly high price point for a wildly small amount of unexciting food. The dessert is essentially inedible. My whole group left starving, and we had to go a second spot for dinner.If you have ever had any West African/Nigerian food, look elsewhere. It feels like a gimmick to attract exactly the type of wannabe-foodie you would expect. The absolutely outlandish reviews like "it's a magical experience, one that is so much more than just a meal" should tell you everything you need to know.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Kenny O
I had the pleasure of dining at The Department of Culture, and it was truly exceptional. Chef Ayo's culinary expertise shines through in each of the 5 thoughtfully crafted courses, which are infused with the richness of Nigerian culture. The attention to detail and passion that goes into every dish is palpable. If you have the opportunity to experience it, I highly recommend it. They are booked for months in advance, and it will be difficult to get a reservation. However, if you are one of the luck few, It's a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression.
As someone who has grown up eating Nigerian food I was intrigued to see what DoC would offer and was pleasantly surprised.
It was no frills, high quality Nigerian food that was authentic with no attempts to water it down for a wider audience.
In the night we had Pepper Soup, Warra and Abula.
Great mingling with other guests on the table.
Only downside it that they don’t give you much of a heads up about the BYOB policy’s
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The most unique, intimate food experience that intertwines storytelling to make for a fantastic food experience. Loved everything about this experience. Highly recommend! Do read about it to set expectations, it’s BYOB and the food can be spicy for some, so please look into it before going. Can’t wait to see what Chef Ayo does in the future!! Will be back!
P.S. The goat pepper soup is to die for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigerian Pepper Soup, Goat Pepper Soup
Absolutely stunning, intimate and unique experience. Chef Ayo guides you on a journey through North and Central Nigeria, with ingredients specially brought in to give diners the most authentic experience possible. The four course meal is delicious from start to finish and eating at the communal table only adds to the experience. Cannot recommend it enough. BYOB, so pick up some beer next door or some wine. The goat pepper soup is an incredible highlight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
This was one of the best meals and experiences. Im so glad I came here because I finally got to learn about Nigerian cooking and more about the cuisine. My favorite dish has to be the Wara. Let me know where else I can get Wara from please!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a unique/cool experience! I took my sister here for her birthday and what a special dinner it was. Chef Ayo is so down to earth and his stories were all really humbling. The 3 Nigerian dishes were all delicious and elevated. The goat pepper soup was heartwarming, the wara was something like I'd never try before and the Amala was beautiful and hearty. I loved the stories that Chef Ayo would share, my favorite being about his grandma and trying to be deliriously happy in life as a goal.
The photos on the wall are beautifully curated from Chef's life as well. Would love to go back and try the food again. I'm craving the goat pepper soup like every single day. Thanks for showing us how amazing Nigerian food can be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
This was a great dining experience that felt like family dinner. I tip my hat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Goat Pepper Soup
3.5 stars but rounding up for DOC's potential. Let me explain.
On food alone, Dept of Culture is a solid 3 stars. The quality is there, but there's a lack of diversity in the offerings and far too few dishes for the price: $111 (including tax and tip) netted us a tiny bowl of Goat Meat Pepper Soup (4 sips max), a slighter larger bowl of Asaro with Smoked Crayfish Sauce, a main dish of Abula (large appetizer-sized), and a small dessert of Dodo.
There should've been at least one more entree (or large app), and either an amuse bouche or a palate cleanser for the price. In fact, when they brought out dessert, our dining companion actually blurted out, "That's it? I could've done with at least one more dish of food."
So those are my critiques with Dept of Culture. Now here are my praises.
Chef Ayo Balogun is a clear culinary talent with a natural flair for storytelling. His explanations for each course were a delight and transported us to his childhood in Nigeria.
The communal dining table is all about good vibes, and we had a blast getting to know our seat mates. Great concept that should be adopted more often in other restaurants. We even had another Nigerian person in our group (from a different part of the country than Chef Ayo), so it was great to get his perspective on the dishes.
But mostly, Dept of Culture is--I truly, truly hope--a harbinger of better times for African food in upscale dining. I want it to be the Chez Panisse of Nigerian food (or even West African food if we're not ready to get so specific)--the trailblazer that introduces a specific cuisine to the American populace.
For too long, boring, bland, Euro-centric cuisines have dominated fine dining. East Asia entered the chat a while ago, South America came next, and even South Asian flavors are on the rise, but this snooty world has repeatedly ignored Africa despite us owing pretty much all of what we have in food to this motherland continent.
I had my 23rd birthday lunch at a hole-in-the-wall Nigerian restaurant in Chicago and have introduced (sometimes dragged) countless friends to different African restaurants throughout the years. I don't pretend to be an expert--I just love shining a light on great, overlooked food. If Dept of Culture--for its somewhat flawed but mostly steller model--can put Nigerian food on the map of Western fine dining, perhaps we can finally get more African restaurants that aren't bare bones hole-in-the-walls or fusion-with-European (a la Marcus Samuelsson) spots. Perhaps African food can finally get the top accolades it so richly deserves.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Awesome culinary experience, with impeccable service and an awesome voice over to explain what we were eating and it's cultural significance. Would love to go back with more friends and see what else Nigerian cuisine has to offer!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This review is for the well traveled/ experienced diners/ people with taste / tourist from the diasporas visiting NYC : save your money.
while on holidays in brooklyn I read many excellent articles from food critics / food bloggers recommending this place. I also read lesser good reviews from diners and decided to ignore them. I cleary understand these reviews today and wish I had taken them in consideration before I booked. While I appreciate the owner's effort of telling a story for each dishes, the whole thing is overpriced for some beef and piment/ a cheese and piment/ gumbos and a piece of fish/ dessert is a simple plantain served with icecream (haagenz dasz,
not even homemade) 4 items and a story add up to 100USD. Not tasty, you could just feel the hot pepper (mind you I can handle my spices as I am'from the afro diaspora) and not fullfllling (I went for a shrimp po'boy sandwich right after). I guess this experience is designed for a gentrified crowd that is used to bland food and is thrilled to be sold an overspiced diner to comfort their guilt of gentrifying brooklyn.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Vegetarian options: Every course can be made vegan or vegetarian. The food was absolutely delicious, and it was a wonderful experience to learn about each dish in such an intimate and warm atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Incredible experience! One of a kind :)
Honestly, I love the story behind the food, and considering it is part of the show, I will give it 3 stars for a review. However, considering it is a restaurant, I don't think they are fully ready.First of all, there are only 3 courses with one dessert, which takes around 3 hours. That's cause the hot dishes turn to cold when they land on my table.Second, terrible service. We booked this place for a group of 4, arrived on time, still waiting over 15 minutes to get in (that day was a cold day outside). The servicer assigned us a bar table, barely able to hear each other, and no place to hang our jackets, we had to hold our bags and jackets to eat.Again, for a dining experience around this price, there are so many good options such as sixty - three Clinton, Secchu Yokota, Jua, Atoboy…etcEven though I appreciate the story and the culture (used to travel to West Africa a couple of years ago, I was very excited and happy to share the experience with frds) it is not the only thing that the restaurant sells to the customer.Hope this place can be improved in the future, and make the restaurant industry more diverse.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Everything about this restaurant was amazing! It was impossible to carry on a conversation while eating because every bite was so delicious. The music, the hospitality and the descriptions of each course, all came together to make this a very memorable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I went in so excited for this, but honestly felt a bit scammed. It is a wildly high price point for a wildly small amount of unexciting food. The dessert is essentially inedible. My whole group left starving, and we had to go a second spot for dinner.If you have ever had any West African/Nigerian food, look elsewhere. It feels like a gimmick to attract exactly the type of wannabe-foodie you would expect. The absolutely outlandish reviews like "it's a magical experience, one that is so much more than just a meal" should tell you everything you need to know.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
I had the pleasure of dining at The Department of Culture, and it was truly exceptional. Chef Ayo's culinary expertise shines through in each of the 5 thoughtfully crafted courses, which are infused with the richness of Nigerian culture. The attention to detail and passion that goes into every dish is palpable. If you have the opportunity to experience it, I highly recommend it. They are booked for months in advance, and it will be difficult to get a reservation. However, if you are one of the luck few, It's a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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