It seems everyone is writing a guide about where to eat and drink in Lagos. We are not complaining. In fact, we love it! The latest is from Vogue by Duro Olowu, a former lawyer turned fashion designer who has dressed Michelle Obama and Solange Knowles. Olowu is also an enthusiastic collector of vintage textiles and contemporary art. Here is Duro Olowu’s short guide to the Lagos:
Best Place To Eat in Lagos: Nok By Alara
12A Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Olowu says “Behind Alara is the only restaurant – and probably the best one”. Nok By Alara serves “elevated African cooking, diners can choose between Ethiopian red lentil stew or Senegalese grouper with vegetables over broken rice”. The outdoor space is “Fitted with a garden and grill section with live DJ sets spinning highlife to hip-hop to old school reggae”. According to Olowu, Nok is a “popular destination for the younger and hipper crowd” in Lagos.
Best Place To Party in Lagos: New Afrika Shrine
1 NERDC Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos
New Afrika Shrine which was featured recently on Anthony Bourdain’s Lagos Parts Unknown also appears in Olowu’s guide. The original Shrine, the historic music venue founded by afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, is no more. In its place is the new Shrine, a replacement run by Kuti’s children that remains the “best party in town”.
Best Place To Get Coffee / Books in Lagos: The Jazzhole
168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
The 30-year-old Jazzhole is still a hidden gem in Ikoyi. “There are really new things and really old things, and it’s just run by a guy and his wife who are really passionate about literature,” Olowu told Vogue. He always pops in there to see what they have for books and old records. Olowu describes it as “Part juice bar, part bookshop, and part record store” which counts Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie amongst its fans.
