Having been absent from Nigeria for quite a large number of years, adjusting to the heat has been something of a struggle; a problem made worse by my incessant desire to sunbathe and get darker (#innerwhitegirl). I’ve found two things have helped me keep cool, SuperYogo (God bless the person who invented such a treat) and Ice cream.My cousins were so kind to take me to Cactus in VI to 1) bring me to my senses that we DO NOT sunbathe, 2) bond especially as I haven’t seen them in a while 3) have some ice cream in style. In my head, I imagined “In style” meant I’d somehow avoid the awkwardness of ice cream melting and dripping down the side of the cone and down your fingers. But that wasn’t the case, on the contrary – ice cream STILL melted, and still dripped on to my trousers.
However, the view outside was lovely, over -looking the water (through barriers) . It had a bouncing castle and some children play area, which I’m sure I’d have appreciated a bit more had I been 14 years younger or had children. But the fact the facility was there was rather commendable, showed the owners understood their customers. It also included lovely seating areas outside, providing a good place to hang out or in this case “bond”. Inside was nice, clean, and warm. Not much to comment on and to be honest – sometimes you just want to have your meal or ice-cream in peace. Some restaurants just over do it with their decor.
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| Lovely outdoor view |
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| Bouncing Castle |
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| Inside decor |
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| Cross-section of ice-cream flavors |
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Speaking of meal, Cactus doesn’t only do Ice Cream – attached is a picture of their delivery menu. I am yet to try any of their food items though…
Most of all, I have to say the service was fantastic. Nice and polite staff, who exhibited a love for the job. The cynic in me would say the reason for their “kindness” was purely because it was a New Year, and who isn’t happy when it comes to New Year?
Summary, I’d say it’s a nice place to go during the day, and have a lovely ice cream (cost #300 per scoop), enjoy the awkwardness of having to lick the side of your hands and just be merry.
I came for the macarons per recs and wasn’t dissapointed. Got 10 different flavors and all tasted great…my best is the caramel one…you can thank me later *wink*
Their macarons are top notch and delicious. In fact, I dare say their macarons are perfect. Got the raspberry, red velvet, coconut and all were so nice and cost 250naira each! I was very impressed and will probably be going back for more cuz they’ve got pretty good variety.
My family and cactus go wayyyyy back. We used to come here when I was a kid on Sundays. My siblings and I would play on their swings at the back of the restaurants. Great memories.
More recently, Cactus has become like that old friend you have definitely outgrown and wish would change to keep up with the times. but you can’t help but keep talking to them because well, they are your child hood friend.
Pros:
Even though cactus has been around for a while, the food is still pretty good. Their club sandwich and house salad are still my favorites. I don’t know why but I can’t help it.
Their baked goods especially their croissants are still some of the best I’ve had in Lagos. I sometimes stop by in the morning for a hot chocolate and croissant because it’s still very good.
In general cactus food is good food.
Cons:
The staff still haven’t changed. They mess up orders, they are not attentive, they forget special requests (like the time i asked them not to put dressing in my salad and of course the salad came drenched in dressing)
Also those two ladies that handle POS payments when you order from the bakery are sooooo rude. I go to cactus a lot so trust me they are always like that. One of them is a bit old…like in her 50s and she’s just horrid.
They could also consider getting new furniture though. Those their brown / cream chairs have tried.
All in all, Cactus is decent. I wish they would make some improvements and train their staff better. I’ll probably never stop coming to cactus though. It’s like family.
I had some oatmeal cookies at Cactus after being told they didn’t have the mint flavoured fluffly cake I had been craving for.
Customer service was cool from my entrance to the exit. Environment very nice. Wd come back again.
By the way, cookies were tasty too. Thanks to the baker. Keep flying! I’d rate the restaurant 4/5.
[…] (Culled from website) […]
I was at cactus today..service was lacking tbh. I was in line and couldn’t understand why it was an issue to get a scoop of ice cream in a cone! I eventually got a scoop(cost 350) and it was just ok! Cactus ice cream used to be the best for me, but I guess now that we have coldstone and ice cream factory my taste buds have “matured”. Anyway, I chilled outside by the water and it was cool (some mosquitoes chopped me though). Issue though, there were no waiters outside! So after my ice cream I’d decided to order a burger but was difficult to get someone’s attention. I finally did and was told the kitchen was closing in 10mins (at 10pm)! #hiss
PS – I did see that they had macaroons and will try them one of these days…
Cactus Restaurant is the place to be!!!!! Nuff said!! U
guys gotta check this place out. All u need is to be
there. I rate them 4 out of 5!!! Gracias