The foundation of Lagos’s gastronomic character is Nigerian food. Nigerian food is a celebration of tastes, spices, and culinary methods, encompassing a wide range of ethnic groups and regional delicacies. The best restaurants in Lagos honor the nation’s culinary legacy with dishes ranging from the spicy suya to the cozy jollof rice.
Lagos boasts a diverse range of international dining options to suit every palate, from Asian fusion eateries and Middle Eastern cafes to Italian trattorias and French bistros. Whether you’re craving sushi, pizza, or tacos, Lagos offers a culinary journey around the world without ever leaving the city limits.
The following restaurants are some of the best restaurants in Lagos. They are;
- Nok by Alara
- Terra Kulture
- RSVP
- Yellow Chilli
- Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge
- Ocean Basket – For seafood lovers
- Orchid Bistro
- Ìtàn Test kitchen
- university of Suya
- Shiro Restaurant & Bar
1. Nok by Alara – number one on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: 12A Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island, Lagos 106104, Lagos
The restaurant to being through Reni Folawiyo, who was inspired by Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy and gastronomic heritage. Nok by Alara honors Africa’s cultural heritage by taking its name from the ancient Nok culture, which is renowned for its elaborate terracotta sculptures and lengthy history.
Nok by Alara, which opened in 2015, rose to prominence as a culinary innovator in Lagos, enthralling patrons with its creative menu and chic setting. The restaurant’s idea is around reinterpreting classic African cuisines with contemporary methods and local ingredients, resulting in a culinary story that honors the culinary diversity of the continent.
Nok by Alara’s chic interior design, which draws inspiration from modern African art and design, provides diners with a multi-sensory dining experience that goes beyond simple nourishment. Every element of the restaurant, from the vivid colors to the carefully chosen food, exudes a profound admiration for African culture and aesthetics.
Nok by Alara has received praise for its inventive take on African food and dedication to quality over the years, both domestically and abroad. It is now more than simply a restaurant; it is a cultural attraction that invites guests to experience African flavors and customs via food.
2. Terra Kulture -number two on our best restaurants in Lagos list
https://restaurant.terrakulture.com
Address: Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage St, Victoria Island, Lagos
Bolanle Austen-Peters established Terra Kulture in 2003 as a small art gallery with the goal of showcasing and conserving Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
Terra Kulture was originally intended to serve as a venue for the exhibition and promotion of Nigerian visual arts, but it swiftly expanded to become a multipurpose cultural center that offered language lessons, theater performances, literary events, and culinary experiences. Bolanle Austen-Peters’ goal was to provide a location where both locals and tourists could enjoy Nigerian culture to the fullest and recognize the nation’s creative skills.
Terra Kulture is well-known for its food options, including a genuine Nigerian restaurant with a lively, friendly ambiance. The restaurant offers guests a remarkable dining experience by showcasing the flavors and diversity of Nigerian gastronomy through a blend of traditional dishes and modern interpretations.
3. RSVP – number three on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: 9 Eletu Ogabi St, Victoria Island, Lagos
Led by Chef Nkesi Enyioha, RSVP Restaurants has left its imprint on the Nigerian restaurant industry by combining creativity and hospitality in their cooking.
2014 saw the opening of the flagship restaurant, RSVP, which provides a classy yet laid-back dining experience showcasing Chef Nkesi’s inventive cooking and love of Nigerian cuisine. Situated in the center of Lagos, RSVP has swiftly established a reputation for its varied menu, which mixes local Nigerian ingredients with culinary methods from around the world to produce dishes that are flavorful and inventive.
In order to create seasonal menus that showcase the best of Nigerian agriculture and culinary traditions, Chef Nkesi and her crew procures the freshest ingredients.
4. Yellow Chilli – number four on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: Bishop Oluwole Street, 27 Oju Olobun Close, Victoria Island
Founded by Chef Kunle Afolayan, Yellow Chilli is a well-known restaurant brand in Nigeria known for its tasty Nigerian food and lively atmosphere. Founded in 2006, Yellow Chilli immediately became well-known for taking traditional Nigerian dishes and enhancing them to new gastronomic levels.
Bright yellow highlights and modern African decor define the warm and friendly ambiance of Yellow Chilli restaurants, which are spread throughout Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The restaurant’s dedication to honoring Nigerian hospitality and culture is evident in its atmosphere.
The menu at Yellow Chilli, which offers a wide variety of dishes influenced by Nigeria’s rich culinary history, is the key to the restaurant’s success. Every dish, from the fiery jollof rice to the tender suya skewers, is painstakingly prepared to highlight the colorful ingredients and strong tastes of Nigerian cooking.
5. Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge – number five on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, PMB 12724, Victoria Island, Lagos
https://www.ekohotels.com/the-sky-restaurant
The well-known Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge is located in the center of Lagos, Nigeria. This elegant restaurant offers expansive views of the city skyline from its perch atop the famed Eko Hotels & Suites, making for a memorable dining experience.
Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge was founded as a part of the well-known Eko Hotels & Suites complex, serving both hotel guests and sophisticated locals looking for a fine dining experience. It has gained recognition for its sophisticated atmosphere, faultless service, and extensive menu since its founding.
The restaurant’s décor is elegant and sophisticated, with modern design elements that accentuate the stunning views that are visible via its large windows. Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge offers an opulent atmosphere for any event, whether guests are celebrating a milestone or having a romantic evening.
Eko Sky Restaurant & Lounge boasts similarly exceptional culinary choices, with a menu showcasing Nigerian and foreign cuisine. Tasty grilled fish, gourmet burgers, and traditional Nigerian treats are all available to satisfy any appetite.
6. Ocean Basket – number six on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: 35 Akin Adesola St, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
https://nigeria.oceanbasket.com
Ocean Basket started off in South Africa and has now spread to many other nations, including Nigeria. Recognized for its abundance of fresh seafood, laid-back vibe, and dedication to excellence, Ocean Basket has emerged as a top dining option for seafood enthusiasts worldwide.
When the brothers Fats and George Lazarides founded Ocean Basket in 1995, it was just one seafood restaurant in South Africa. Since then, it has expanded to hundreds of locations worldwide. The secret to the restaurant’s success is its commitment to finding the best seafood from sustainable fisheries and expertly preparing it.
Ocean Basket is a well-known restaurant in Nigeria that offers a wide range of dishes to choose from, including grilled fish and seafood platters, crispy calamari, and juicy prawns. Every dish is made with top-quality, freshly-sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection, guaranteeing guests an unforgettable dining experience.
In addition to serving up wonderful food, Ocean Basket takes pride in its cozy, welcoming ambiance, which makes it the ideal spot to have dinner with loved ones. Guests can anticipate excellent service and a warm atmosphere at Ocean Basket restaurants, whether they are celebrating a special occasion or are having a simple lunch.
7. Orchid Bistro – number seven on our best restaurants in Lagos list
@theorchidbistro
Address: 40B Raymond Njoku street, Ikoyi , 58A Isaac John street, Ikeja
Founded in 2008 by a group of enthusiastic food enthusiasts, Orchid Bistro is a well-known gourmet destination in Lagos, Nigeria. Orchid Bistro was founded with the goal of establishing a dining destination that would honor the diverse flavors of Nigerian cuisine while incorporating elements from around the world. The restaurant immediately became well-known for its creative menu and warm atmosphere.
The founders painstakingly created a menu that highlights Nigeria’s rich culinary legacy, drawing inspiration from their travels and culinary adventures. Using locally produced products and classic recipes, Orchid Bistro serves up a mouthwatering selection of dishes that is popular with both locals and tourists from other countries.
Even now, Orchid Bistro never ceases to astound patrons with its inventive menu, which combines modern world cuisine with traditional Nigerian favorites. The restaurant has a devoted clientele and a standing as one of Lagos’ best dining venues because to its welcoming and pleasant ambiance as well as its commitment to quality and innovation.
8. Ìtàn Test kitchen – number eight on our best restaurants in Lagos list
Address: 6 Moor Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos 106104, Lagos
https://www.michaelelegbede.com
Ìtàn Test Kitchen was founded in 2015 by the well-known chef Olabisi Abiola, who was inspired to push the boundaries of Nigerian cuisine.
Chef Olabisi’s idea to establish an area where customary Nigerian tastes may be reinvented and enhanced via innovation and ingenuity marked the start of Ìtàn Test Kitchen. Chef Olabisi set out to reimagine the potential of Nigerian cuisine and challenge preconceptions by drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Nigerian culinary traditions.
Ìtàn Test Kitchen began as a tiny, cozy area where Chef Olabisi could experiment with new dishes, methods, and flavor combinations. It soon established a reputation for taking a daring and avant-garde approach to cooking among foodies and industry insiders.
Ìtàn Test Kitchen gained popularity as word of mouth spread, drawing a varied audience eager to sample its distinctive culinary offerings. The restaurant has come to be known for Chef Olabisi’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and narrative; each dish is thoughtfully created to tell a tale, arouse sentimentality, and establish a link to Nigeria’s culinary history.
9. university of suya- number nine on our list
Address: 62 Allen Ave, Allen, Lagos 101233, Lagos
Honoring Nigeria’s famed street food culture while pushing it to new heights of gourmet excellence, the University of Suya Restaurant in Lagos is a culinary institution. The restaurant, which was established in 2016 by a group of enthusiastic foodies, soon gained popularity among both foodies and suya connoisseurs.
The University of Suya Restaurant provides an elegant eating experience that honors the spirit of this well-known Nigerian meal, drawing inspiration from the rich history and flavors of suya. The restaurant, which is in the center of the action in Lagos, has a modern, lively ambiance with chic furnishings and comfortable seating areas that are ideal for get-togethers with loved ones.
The restaurant displays the culinary innovation and skill of its skilled chefs with a wide assortment of world cuisines and Nigerian-inspired meals in addition to its famous suya offerings. Diners can savor delectable appetizers, delicious main courses, and rich desserts that are all made with an emphasis on authenticity and quality.
10. Shiro Restaurant & Bar – number ten on our list
Address: Block XVI 3 & 4 Victoria Island Oniru Estate, Eti Osa, Lagos 101241
Kunle Adebajo, a visionary restaurateur, launched Shiro Restaurant & Bar in 2009, and it is located in the center of Lagos, Nigeria. With a love of serving people and an ambition to introduce Nigerians to good dining, Adebajo set out to establish a dining destination that would completely transform the city’s culinary scene.
Adebajo’s experiences in the hospitality business and his global travels have served as a source of inspiration for Shiro’s innovative and ambitious history. Shiro, which combines modern architecture, a lively ambiance, and components of Asian fusion cuisine, became well-known very fast, drawing in socialites, celebrities, and foodies alike.
Since its establishment, Shiro has dedicated itself to providing an unmatched dining experience by combining the best ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and flawless service. The restaurant’s menu features creative twists on traditional favorites as well as conventional sushi and sashimi, reflecting a blend of Asian cuisines.
CONCLUSION: BEST RESTAURANTS IN LAGOS
In Lagos culture, food plays a pivotal role as a culinary hub and social catalyst, drawing people together to celebrate, bond, and overindulge. Food is an important tool for building community and preserving cultural identity, from lavish family dinners to bustling street food markets. Dining in Lagos is about more than just getting food; it’s about making friends, exchanging tales, and enjoying the small things in life. Lagos residents take great pride in their food culture and how it contributes to the dynamic social fabric of the city, whether they are having a leisurely brunch with friends or grabbing a quick snack on the go. These best restaurants in Lagos should be a perfect guide for food lovers wanting to explore the restaurants in the city of Lagos, Nigeria.