Tobis, located in the heart of Maidstone, is an independent restaurant offering authentic African cuisine in a unique setting. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by Afrobeats and a dark, nightclub-like ambiance. The menu features a variety of dishes, including the signature spaghetti jollof with a choice of protein.Tobis, located in the heart of Maidstone, is an independent restaurant offering authentic African cuisine in a unique setting. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by Afrobeats and a dark, nightclub-like ambiance. The menu features a variety of dishes, including the signature spaghetti jollof with a choice of protein. The spaghetti jollof is presented with banana and the fish option is tender and complements the flavorful sauce. The plantain, however, is found to be dry. The non-alcoholic pina colada is too sweet for some tastes. Google reviews for Tobis are positive, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. Customers praise the ambiance, food quality, and friendly service. To find Tobis: – Address: 96 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1RL Opening hours: – Sunday – Thursday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Friday and Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Reservations can be made through the website.
In the heart of Maidstone and surrounded by fast food chains, is an independent restaurant that promises to blow your taste buds away and has a setting like no other. Tobis offers diners a completely different experience alongside authentic African cuisine.
As soon as I walked into Tobis, the energy was off the charts with Afrobeats playing in the background. The restaurant had a dark ambiance, which almost made it feel like you were walking into a nightclub – you could tell the owner had put a lot of effort into renovating this place.
Tobis is fairly new to the restaurant scene, having opened last year. Over the past decade, Maidstone’s black population has grown, bringing a number of new black-owned businesses to the area. The percentage of people identifying their ethnic group as “Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African” rose from 0.9 percent in 2011 to 2.1 percent in 2021, according to the 2021 census.
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When I walked in on a Monday afternoon in July, the waiter placed me at one of the tables near the entrance and brought me the menu. However, you can also scan the QR code on the table to see the list of dishes and drinks.
I usually order Jollof rice and fish, or chicken, but this time I went for the spaghetti jollof (£15), which was a first for me. The dish is served with banana and customers are given the choice of having it with chicken or beef, or turkey, or fish. I went for the latter.
The website states: “Step into a world of flavours and delights as we take you on a gastronomic adventure like no other.” I had high expectations and it did not disappoint.
It only took a few minutes for the food to arrive and the smell was mouthwatering. I also ordered a non-alcoholic pina colada (£8) but it was too sweet for my taste.
It was tasty, but too sweet for my taste(Image: KentLive)
The spaghetti was cooked perfectly. I grew up with Tunisian (spicy) food and the sauce reminded me of many Tunisian dishes. It was well seasoned, relatively spicy, but far from the spiciest sauce I’ve ever had. This was by far my favorite part of the main course. The fish was a little dry, but fresh and went perfectly with the spaghetti.
The plantain was ok but I have had better in other restaurants in Kent. They were dry but edible.
The spaghetti was delicious(Image: KentLive)
What other customers say
On Google, the restaurant has a rating of 4.3 stars out of five based on 54 reviews. One customer said: “Very impressed, decoration, food and customer service are excellent. Paul is very friendly and always goes the extra mile to meet customers needs. Would highly recommend.”
There is a wonderful atmosphere(Image: KentLive)
Another added: “What a beautiful place to be. Very clean environment, food is very delicious and service is top knochi. Also very affordable. I will go there again with my family.
“I visited Tobis on a Saturday. The atmosphere was great, the food was great, the service was impressive and the staff were friendly, especially the bar.”
How to find Tobis, opening hours and how to book
Address: Tobis, 96 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1RL
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Reserve a table via the website
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