Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos boasts a rich culinary scene, including a number of fashionable restaurants where good food and glamour go hand in hand.
(Photo: Nok by Alara)
Sprawling inland from the Gulf of Guinea across Lagos Lagoon, the beating heart of Lagos is Victoria Island, the financial centre of the metropolis, known for its beach resorts, boutiques, nightlife, and a growing number of chic eateries. But it is testament to the city’s growth that great places to eat can be found across its length and breadth. We’ve picked out 7 of the most trendy eateries that Lagos has to offer.
Nok by Alara
NOK by Alara skillfully weaves together art, design, and cuisine, resulting in a harmonious blend of African tastes infused with contemporary flair. It is an extension of the Alara African lifestyle concept store which makes it a distinctive experience that engages all the senses. You can choose to eat in the indoor area which has an airy atmosphere or in the garden furnished with all kinds of beautifully woven pieces that gives the ambience a classy, traditional african feel. The amala and gbegiri, known locally as abula, is one of the most popular items on the menu. The plantain beignets and goat rolls are also a pretty popular choice at Nok.
12A Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island
Terre Kulture
(Photo: Terra Kulture)
Terra Kulture is a cultural hub located close to the Bar beach in Lagos. Known for its dedication to preserving Nigerian culture through art, literature, and cuisine. The restaurant, gives the experience of home cooked meals through their very flavourful Nigerian dishes. It has a bookshop filled with unique crafts and souvenirs as well as an art gallery on the top floor. It is also home to a theatre hall where there are regular plays, concerts and events. You can find art lovers and artists here as well as corporate workers who frequent the place during their lunch hour, looking to enjoy comforting meals in a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Some recommendations on their menu are the Ofada rice and stew with fried plantain or Dun dun (fried yam) with stew.
Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island
Kaly
(Photo: Kaly)
Perched elegantly overlooking the beautiful Eko Atlantic city, Kaly is an upscale restaurant and bar lounge that infuses the richness of Mediterranean culture and cuisine into Lagos’s tapestry. Its inviting ambiance sets the stage for relishing a meal with friends and family, making it an ideal lunchtime retreat.
Building, 7th Floor, 1 Akin Adesola Street off Ahmadu Bello way Number One, Victoria Island
Yellow Chilli
Yellow chilli is a culinary destination where Nigerian traditional meals are prepared excellently. Definitely one of the go-to places for Nigerian cuisine. The seafood basket is popularly shared among friends and family. The restaurant is also known for very rich and flavourful Nigerian soups such as Ofe Nsala (white soup), Seafood okra and egusi soup, usually paired with a starchy ball like pounded yam, fufu, eba or amala. The stylish decor and spacious interior make it a great choice for group outings as well.
27 Bishop Oluwole Street
The House
The House is a restaurant that aims to provide a homey and welcoming ambiance. The menu features comfort food, a mix of local and international dishes, and a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of dining at home. There are blankets provided in the “living room” for extra coziness. The menu consists of African dishes such as nkwobi and suya as well as wraps, burgers, seafood and steaks.
4 A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island
Quays Restaurant
(Photo: Quays Restaurant)
Nestled by the water’s edge, Quays’ picturesque location and a reputation for transforming seafood into culinary art are some of its major attractions. The Calamari and prawn peppersoup and the smoked catfish are some customer favourites. Their relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance makes Quays suitable for intimate dinners as well as family or group outings.
3A Tokunbo Omisore Street
Circa Lagos
A contemporary restaurant known for its chic atmosphere, Circa’s diverse cuisine combines an enticing mix of both international and African flavours. The stylish interior and al fresco seating is great for both casual gatherings and special celebrations. Circa serves Breakfast, soups, a variety of Pastas, salads, Burgers and Pizzas as well as food platters. If you’re looking for a cute, intimate place to have lunch or dinner with friends, this is a great place to go.
2 Kola Adeyina Close