The 19 Must-Visit Restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria

While not very common in Lagos, Spur restaurants offer a South African family dining experience focused on hearty meals, primarily steak. The interior features cozy booths and round tables accommodating groups, with play areas for children. Located in Ikeja City Mall, this outlet is famous for its generous cups of creamy milkshakes available in various flavors, including classic strawberry, banana, chocolate, and kiwi. Pair your milkshake with Spur's renowned burger—a juicy ground beef patty served with fries or a fresh salad—for a satisfying meal that delivers great value. [$$]

Suya is a beloved grilled chicken or beef delicacy, typically cooked over an open flame and served with a spicy northern seasoning known as yajichurri, generous amounts of onions, and occasionally accompanied by cabbage or other veggies. If you spot suya being prepared or served before sunset, heed this advice: don’t buy it! There's a saying that suya is best enjoyed after dark, and the finest examples are crafted and sold under the night sky. This renowned establishment, designed to lure food enthusiasts, is located on Allen Avenue in Ikeja and draws long queues most evenings for its celebrated suya—best paired with a refreshing drink or milk to cool the spice. [$$]

While Ocean Basket may be one of the pricier dining options on the Lagos mainland, it also boasts the finest seafood platter in the city. The inviting ambiance features charming handwritten menu notes on a white-chalk wall, pastel furniture, and chandeliers that mimic the waves of the sea, all contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere. The full seafood platter, loaded with prince prawns, mussels, calamari, calamari steak strips, and fish, is perfect for a group of five or more, though smaller portions are available for solo indulgence. [$$$$]

For those interested in photography, current events, or lively discussions about life in Lagos, a visit to Madam Tique’s is a must. This family-run restaurant on the Lagos mainland also serves as a gathering spot for aspiring photographers guided by renowned photographer Uche James Iroha. Don’t miss the chance to try a bowl of fish pepper soup (fresh fish simmered with peppers, onions, local spices, and scent leaves, accompanied by utazi leaves), followed by a mixed platter featuring jollof (a flavorful rice dish cooked in spiced tomato sauce), fried rice, coleslaw, and perfectly barbecued chicken. [$$ - $$$]

Kaldi House introduces the vibrant flavors of East African cuisine alongside exceptional Ethiopian coffee, which is roasted and brewed right on the premises. Originally established as a coffee roastery, it has evolved into a laid-back restaurant offering traditional Ethiopian dishes like injera, a spongy flatbread used to scoop up various vegetable sauces and stews. The East African couple who operate the venue are eager to provide tours of the coffee roasting area. [$$ - $$$]

Nestled in an industrial area of Lagos, this cozy restaurant is a fantastic choice for indulging in the finest Chinese and Indian dishes. Expect to savor flavors like fried rice, sesame rolls, chicken tikka masala, and tandoori prawns. Come with an appetite — Gypsy’s generous portions will satisfy your hunger. [$$ - $$$]

In Lagos, street-food vendors are affectionately known as bukas, often seen with their portable kitchens under colorful umbrellas. Bukka Hut, while not a street vendor, claims to replicate the authentic flavors of these beloved Mytouries. Their ofada rice, a minimally processed variety with a slightly brown hue, is served alongside ofada sauce made from fermented locust beans, assorted meats, smoked fish, palm oil, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet peppers. [$$ - $$$]

This bustling semi-street-food restaurant on the Lagos mainland has gained a reputation for serving some of the finest jollof in the area. Unlike the typical street stalls set up under umbrellas, White House features a cozy, white-walled dining space with an open kitchen, allowing patrons to enjoy dishes fresh off the grill. The debate over what makes a perfect jollof is ongoing, but the signature smoky flavor from an open fire is a must. At White House, the jollof has that distinct firewood taste we love to talk about. [$$]

Originally brought by Lebanese immigrants, shawarma has swiftly become one of Lagos's favorite street foods. This Nigerian version stays true to its roots, featuring marinated chicken, sausages, and vegetables, all grilled on a vertical spit and wrapped in flatbread with a drizzle of sour cream. At Best Shawarma, you can opt for either chicken or beef, with the option to add sausages to your wrap. [$$]

Delving into a bowl of Olaiya’s amala paired with ewedu or gbegiri soup is a must-do for those from western Nigeria. Amala is a soft dish made from dried yam, cassava, or plantain flour, resulting in a light brown or black meal that’s generously accompanied by gbegiri, a bean soup that can be mixed with its slippery counterpart, ewedu. Ewedu is prepared from its namesake vegetable, cooked, ground, and seasoned to perfection. You can also enjoy amala with various other soups available here, or with a spinach and tomato sauce known as éfọ́. [$]

Don’t be fooled by the quiet dining area: Nylah’s is one of the busiest kitchens around, with most orders going out for home delivery. It has the warm feel of your mom’s kitchen, serving up delicious Nigerian classics like rice and stew, as well as eba (cassava meal) accompanied by a range of soups, including afang, a vegetable soup from southern Nigeria, and egusi, a melon seed soup from the southeast. Be sure to try one of Nylah’s signature lemonades, reminiscent of those sold at street corners all over Lagos. [$$$]

In Nigeria, “small chops” refers to a variety of street snacks, offering a delightful range of bites that sit between appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. This includes everything from Indian samosas and Chinese spring rolls to barbecued meats, peppered gizzards, and the beloved puff puffs — the standout favorite. While there are countless spots to find puff puffs in Lagos, the vendors near Lagos Marina, home to the iconic Cathedral Church of Christ, are a must-visit. These puff puffs are light and fluffy, deep-fried to perfection, and incredibly affordable for the amount you get. [$]

At Danfo Bistro, one of Lagos's beloved street foods—ewa agoyin—has been elegantly reimagined in a space that embodies the essence of the city. Ewa agoyin features beans cooked until creamy, served alongside freshly baked bread. This version elevates the classic dish with crispy fried plantain cubes. Finger foods, like chicken wings, are presented in newspaper-style packaging, reminiscent of traditional street vendor presentations. The decor is also a highlight, transforming Lagos’s iconic yellow buses into dining booths, complete with their signature black-and-yellow designs and other recognizable motifs from the city. [$$$]

Circa is the ideal spot for a date where you can impress with your refined taste. The restaurant features a diverse menu of local and Continental dishes, including vibrant Greek salads made with produce from its own hydroponic farm. Be sure to stop by the bar that overlooks the lagoon and order the signature cocktail, a delightful peach drink garnished with a lemon wedge called Okoloko. While the recipe remains a closely guarded secret, the strong kick of rum is unmistakable. [$$$]

While you can enjoy an extensive menu featuring burgers, pasta, salads, and seafood alongside stunning views of the Lagos Lagoon and fun collapsible playhouses for kids, the real star here is the doughnuts. These large, golden-brown treats are filled with sweet custard and dusted with sugar. Don't miss the red velvet cake and the hummus plate, but truly, the doughnuts are the main attraction. [$$ - $$$]

For coffee enthusiasts in Lagos, My Coffee Wings is a must-visit spot located on the first floor of a contemporary office building along Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue. This spacious outdoor café offers stunning views of the Lagos Lagoon and skyline, making it an ideal setting for both casual and business meetings. Look for the charming angels painted on the walls by artist Peju Alatise. Pair your latte with thin pancakes topped with strawberry sauce, or indulge in a full English breakfast with sweet crepes on the side. [$$ - $$$]

While Chef Eric Kayser's restaurant is celebrated for its Italian dishes, especially the delectable pastas, the real draw is the array of freshly baked pastries. This French bakery and patisserie has made its Lagos entrance as a complete dining experience featuring starters and main courses. Don’t miss out on the quiche and the award-winning croissants. [$$ - $$$]

Marco Polo stands out among Lagos restaurants by focusing on regional Chinese cuisine. With the growth of Sino-African relations, Lagos, a vital economic center in West Africa, has seen an influx of Chinese nationals, particularly in Ilupeju, an industrial area on the mainland. Their wonton soup is packed with succulent shrimp dumplings swimming in a rich broth made from vegetables and chicken, while the vegetable fried rice is a visual delight, featuring well-formed clumps of egg and vibrant veggies. [$$$$]

Alara, a luxury African fashion brand, brings its elegant style to the culinary world with its upscale dining establishments, NOK and NOK Garden. Under the culinary expertise of Chef Pierre Thiam, the restaurant features dishes such as abula, available only on Thursdays. This dish is a gourmet twist on amala, a fluffy delicacy made from cassava or yam flour. Another highlight is thiebou jenn, the Senegalese take on Nigerian jollof, accompanied by a generous helping of flavorful steamed onions. [$$$ - $$$$]