The food at De Cascade Abuja takes you across continents. This upscale dining establishment offers a harmonious fusion of global culinary traditions in the heart of Abuja, Nigeria‘s capital. De Cascade features African, Mediterranean, Asian, and European cuisine in one of Abuja’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or love to discover new tastes, De Cascade promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Key Takeaways
- De Cascade Abuja offers a rich, cross-cultural culinary experience with dishes from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
- The ambiance is a blend of modern elegance and cultural decor, making it perfect for special occasions and casual dining alike.
- While the prices are on the higher side, the quality of food, service, and the overall dining experience justifies the cost.
The Concept Behind De Cascade
The brainchild of renowned Nigerian chef and restaurateur, Akin Olagunju, De Cascade was born from a passion for blending various world cultures through food. Chef Akin’s extensive travels across continents helped him craft a menu that celebrates diversity, respect, and unity through gastronomy. The idea behind De Cascade is to break boundaries and offer guests the best culinary traditions, beautifully presented, and infused with Nigerian hospitality.
“At De Cascade, I wanted to create an environment where anyone, from any part of the world, could find comfort in a meal they recognized or be excited to try something new,” Chef Akin explains.
An Overview of the Ambiance & Design
Upon entering De Cascade, you’re greeted by a luxurious yet warm and inviting ambiance. The space is designed to transport you from the bustling streets of Abuja to a global culinary haven. From modern, sleek interiors with soft lighting to traditional African art adorning the walls, the restaurant is a perfect blend of elegance and cultural homage.
Each section of the restaurant is thoughtfully curated to reflect the regions represented in the menu. The Mediterranean dining space has light blue accents reminiscent of Santorini, while the Asian section boasts minimalist décor with bamboo fixtures, and the African dining hall is adorned with vibrant local art and craftwork.
Whether you’re enjoying an intimate dinner for two or hosting a large group, De Cascade’s layout is designed to accommodate every occasion.
Cross-Cultural Culinary Offerings: A Gastronomic Journey
De Cascade’s menu is a rich tapestry of flavors from across the globe, crafted with both local and imported ingredients to ensure authenticity. The restaurant prides itself on delivering an experience where each dish tells the story of its origins, but with a unique twist that reflects Nigeria’s bold flavors.
African Cuisine
- Jollof Rice with Grilled Chicken (4,500): A Nigerian classic, this dish is served with a twist. The rice is infused with a smoky, tomato-based sauce and garnished with locally sourced herbs, served alongside perfectly grilled spicy chicken.
Review: “The jollof rice was perfectly balanced, not too spicy but bursting with flavor. The grilled chicken was tender and packed with the right amount of heat!” — Sarah, 5-star Google review. - Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam (₦5,000): A rich, hearty soup made from ground melon seeds, spinach, and a blend of local spices, served with soft pounded yam.
Review: “Egusi soup at De Cascade is nothing short of divine. The texture and seasoning were spot on, making it an unforgettable experience.” — Adewale, 4.8-star TripAdvisor review.
Asian Delicacies
- Sushi Platter (₦10,000): Featuring fresh salmon, tuna, and avocado rolls, this platter is a testament to De Cascade’s commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients.
Review: “As a sushi lover, I was blown away by the freshness of the fish and the creativity of the presentation. Definitely a must-try!” Jessica, 5-star Yelp review. - Pad Thai Noodles (₦7,500): Stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, tofu, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
Review: “I’ve had Pad Thai in Bangkok, but this rendition at De Cascade rivals some of the best. The flavors were bold and perfectly balanced.” — Uche, 4.7-star review.
Mediterranean Specialties
- Grilled Lamb with Couscous (₦8,500): Juicy, marinated lamb skewers served with fragrant couscous and a side of tzatziki.
Review: “The lamb was perfectly tender, and the couscous had just the right amount of spice. I felt like I was back in Morocco!” — Emeka, 4.5-star review.
European Classics
- Italian Risotto with Mushrooms (₦9,000): Creamy risotto made with arborio rice, wild mushrooms, and truffle oil.
Review: “The risotto was cooked to perfection, with the mushrooms adding a lovely earthy flavor. A great choice for Italian food lovers.” — Chika, 4.6-star Google review. - Beef Wellington (₦12,000): A classic English dish made with premium beef fillet wrapped in puff pastry and served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Review: “The Beef Wellington was expertly prepared, and every bite was a burst of flavor. Absolutely worth the price!” — Sophie, 4.9-star review.
Insider Tips: Best Dishes to Try
If you’re new to De Cascade, these top picks are highly recommended for first-timers:
- Chef’s Special Jollof Rice
- Mediterranean Grilled Lamb
- Asian Sushi Plate
- Italian Risotto
- Classic Nigerian Egusi Soup
These dishes represent the essence of De Cascade’s commitment to bringing authentic flavors from different parts of the world with a local twist.
Menu Breakdown with Real Prices and Reviews
Here’s a deeper look into some of the restaurant’s offerings, complete with pricing, reviews, and more:
Top Picks From The Menu;
| Category | Dish | Price (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PASTA | SPAGHETTI SICILIAN (VEG) | 7,000 | Spaghetti pasta with cherry tomato, fried eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce |
| PENNE ARABIATA (VEG / CHICKEN) | 7,000 | Penne pasta in spicy red sauce, topped with parmesan cheese | |
| FETTUCINE ALFREDO (VEG / CHICKEN) | 7,000 | Fettucine pasta in creamy onion mushroom sauce topped with Parmesan cheese | |
| PESTO SPAGHETTI (VEG / CHICKEN) | 7,000 | Spaghetti pasta in creamy pesto sauce topped with parmesan cheese | |
| SEAFOOD LINGUINE (SEAFOOD) | 10,000 | Linguine pasta with mixed seafood in rose sauce topped with parmesan cheese | |
| BIRIYANI | CHICKEN BIRIYANI | 7,000 | Aromatic rice cooked with tender pieces of chicken and spices |
| LAMB BIRIYANI | 7,000 | Aromatic rice cooked with tender pieces of lamb and spices | |
| FISH BIRIYANI | 9,000 | Aromatic rice cooked with pieces of fish and spices | |
| PRAWNS BIRIYANI | 11,000 | Aromatic rice cooked with shrimp and spices | |
| SPECIAL SEAFOOD BIRIYANI | 13,000 | Aromatic rice cooked with shrimp, fish, calamari, and spices | |
| MAIN COURSE | CHICKEN QUESADILLAS | 9,000 | Flat tortilla bread, filled with onions, capsicum, jalapeno, and melted cheese, served with potato wedges |
| CHICKEN & Mushrooms | 9,000 | Two grilled chicken breast, marinated to perfection, served with mushroom sauce and saffron rice | |
| GRILLED & STUFFED BABY CHICKEN | 9,000 | Baby chicken stuffed with jollof rice & topped with special tomato sauce | |
| PEPPER CHICKEN | 9,000 | Chicken grilled with spicy pepper sauce, Nigerian style, served with jollof rice | |
| CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA | 7,000 | Chicken tikka pieces simmered in creamy tomato gravy, served with garlic naan bread | |
| LAMB CHOPS | 17,000 | Premium grilled lamb chops, served with rosemary sauce | |
| GRILLED SALMON | 17,000 | Grilled salmon fillet with balsamic sauce, served with steamed vegetables | |
| FISH & CHIPS | 10,000 | Fried fish fillet served with French fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce | |
| SEAFOOD OKRA | 13,000 | Prawns, calamari, croaker, and okra sautéed in a rich spicy Uziza sauce, served with semovita | |
| PRAWNS VINDALOO | 12,000 | Prawns cooked in light gravy sauce with potatoes and spices in a tangy hot sauce | |
Guest Reviews and Ratings
De Cascade holds an impressive rating of 4.7 stars on Google and TripAdvisor, with hundreds of reviews raving about the quality of the food, the impeccable service, and the overall experience. Here are some highlights:
- Google Reviews (4.7/5)
“Absolutely loved every dish. The cultural fusion is perfect for someone who enjoys trying different flavors.” - TripAdvisor Reviews (4.8/5)
“I’ve dined at many restaurants around the world, but De Cascade is special. The ambiance is calming, and the food is sublime.”
What Makes De Cascade Stand Out?
Cultural Immersion Through Food
De Cascade doesn’t just serve meals—it curates experiences. Each dish reflects a culture’s history, tradition, and soul, allowing diners to enjoy the stories behind the flavors. The blend of international cuisine with Nigerian hospitality ensures that diners feel at home, no matter where they’re from.
Excellent Service
Many guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff. From helping you navigate the extensive menu to offering pairing suggestions, De Cascade’s staff adds a personal touch to every visit.
Chef’s Specials: A Deeper Dive
Chef Akin offers rotating specials based on seasonal ingredients and his latest inspirations. Be sure to ask for the Chef’s Specials when dining at De Cascade for a surprise twist on the menu.
Get in Touch
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, Abuja.
Phone: +234 902 079 9999
The Pros and Cons of Dining at De Cascade
Pros:
- Wide range of cross-cultural dishes
- Warm, inviting ambiance
- Excellent service
- Seasonal chef specials
- Centrally located in Abuja
Cons:
- Prices are on the higher side
- Limited parking space during peak hours
- Occasionally crowded due to popularity
Cross-Cultural Events and Experiences at De Cascade
De Cascade is more than a restaurant; it frequently hosts cultural nights where diners can enjoy live performances, themed dinners, and culinary workshops. From Mediterranean Nights to Asian Street Food Festivals, the restaurant offers immersive events that transport you to different parts of the world.
Insider Stories and Personal Experiences at De Cascade
Having dined at De Cascade numerous times, I can confidently say that it offers some of the best cross-cultural culinary experiences in Abuja. One particularly memorable visit was during their Asian Fusion Night. I was skeptical about trying sushi in Abuja, but the chefs exceeded my expectations. The sushi rolls were fresh, expertly prepared, and beautifully presented. My companion tried the Beef Wellington, and we couldn’t stop raving about the flavor and quality.
Comparison: How De Cascade Stacks Up Against Other Abuja Restaurants
While there are many great restaurants in Abuja, few offer the same diverse range of international cuisines as De Cascade. Compared to popular spots like Nkoyo and Bukka Hut, De Cascade stands out for its eclectic menu, upscale ambiance, and focus on delivering an authentic cultural dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the price range at De Cascade Abuja?
Prices range from ₦4,000 to ₦12,000 per dish, depending on the menu items. Sushi platters and specialty dishes are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
2. Is there a dress code at De Cascade?
Yes, De Cascade maintains a smart casual dress code to match the upscale ambiance.
3. Does De Cascade offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, they offer a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including Mediterranean and Asian-inspired options.
4. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, De Cascade welcomes families and offers a kid-friendly menu with smaller portions.
5. Do I need a reservation?
While walk-ins are accepted, reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and events.
How to Make a Reservation and Getting There
Making a reservation at De Cascade is easy. Simply visit their Instagram: @de.cascade or call their direct line at +234 902 079 9999. The restaurant is located at 12 Cascade Avenue, Maitama, Abuja, a central location that’s easy to access by car or public transport.
