From the classic buka joints to the equivalent “Michelin-star type” restaurants, Lagos is absolutely spoiled for options when it comes to great places to eat out. To be clear, there is no Michelin guide for Lagos yet, this is the Ofadaa Guide ?.
To celebrate the city’s wonderful and ever-evolving dining scene, we have handpicked the best places to eat in the Lagos and have a good time. After much debate at the Ofadaa HQ, this is the ultimate checklist of the Lagos’ best bites, not in any particular order.
Try Authentic Local Nigerian Food like a True “Lagosian”
- Tuck into Amala and Gbegiri with assorted meat at Lagos’ best buka joints.
- Spoil yourself with the legendary Seafood Okro dish at Yellow Chilli.
- Enjoy the culinary journey to Niger Delta with a taste of Starch and Banga Soup at Delta Pot
- Discover the magic behind Edikang Ikong at Chef Lolo’s Utazi Restaurant
- Sample the spicy peppered stew with Ofada Rice at Ajisafe Buka
- Get your hands dirty with a sumptuous plate of Efo Elegusi from Yakoyo
- Try “Ewa Agoyin” at Ghana High – likely the best cooked beans and fried stew you’ll ever eat in your lifetime.
- Bite into a Northern Nigeria delight of Tuwo shinkafa with Miyan Kuka at Season 7
- Forget Jamie Oliver and Ghanaians, discover the original Jollof Rice at L’Afric
See more: Find more Modern Bukas in Lagos
Soak up Culture and Eat in Lagos
- Discover handmade retro arts & crafts at the quaint Art Café whilst getting your breakfast fix.
- Admire the impressive art collection at Terra Kulture whilst feasting on Yam Porridge with Stew
- Immerse yourself in the exhibition called Bogobiri House; eating is optional
- Listen to the musical genre that started the Afrobeat movement at New Afrika Shrine
- Read literary greats whilst sipping African coffee at the iconic Jazz Hole
- Discover a tantalizing selection of talented local chefs and Lagos’s upcoming restaurants at the Annual GTBank Food & Drink Fair
“Michelin-Star Type” Restaurant Experiences in Lagos
- Try anything on the menu at Lou Baker’s delicious Craft Gourmet
- Start with Theibou Jenn and finish with Agege Toast with Soursop Jam at Nok by Alara, a high-end African fine dining restaurant.
- Experience Manhattan in Lagos, do weekend brunch at RSVP Lagos
- Enjoy a romantic dinner date for two at Tarragon
- Sample anything on the menu at Chef Nkesi’s Korean influenced HSE Cafe
See more: Ofadaa’s Guide to the most romantic restaurants in Lagos
Must have Nigerian Drinks in Lagos
- Drink Palm Wine in a calabash as originally intended at OfadaBoy’s Soup Lounge.
- Discover the joys of Nigeria’s famous Chapman at Caffe Tranche by Araba; alternatively the “Naughty Chapman” at Craft Gourmet is always a winner.
Late-Night Munching
- Begin the night with Pepper Soup at Abe Igi, followed by a Fura De Nunu from Oh! Toothsome
- Sample the enticing Nkwobi (spicy cow foot) or the appetising Isi Ewu (spicy goat head) at Crest Lounge
- Post the karaoke session at Shaunz, get the best tasty shawarma in Lagos from Murphis Plaza Food Court
- Satisfy your meat craving at some of Lagos’ best suya spots, definitely try Glover Court or University of Suya
See more: Ofadaa’s Essential Guide to Late-Night Dining in Lagos
Begin your Day with Brunch / Breakfast Buffet
- Treat yourself to the freshly baked blueberry muffin and Frappuccino at My Coffee Lagos. For early risers, the café opens at 7am every morning
- Enjoy a Lazy Sunday Breakfast buffet at Iyeru Okin, Renaissance Hotel
- Get the English Breakfast at appropriately named Churchill’s Pub
- Try the mean American Breakfast at Crust and Cream
- Need Starbucks in Lagos, just go to Café Neo or Vestar Coffee
- Sample the continental pastry goodies at La Brioche
- Make a trip to Yaba and discover the sensational Ada’s Pancake Hub
Discover the world cuisine in Lagos
- Get New York Style Pizza at Debonairs Pizza
- Next stop, get Italian-style thin Crust Pizza at La Taverna
- The Mexican food at Bottles is ok, but it tastes beautiful when combined with their potent margaritas.
- Make a trip to newly opened La Taverna in Lekki for some good Tex-Mex
- Authentic Thai is hard to find in Lagos which makes Orchid House a must visit.
- Take your taste buds on a journey to the Caribbean island of Jamaica with Jerk Chicken at Jamski. The Beef Patty is also pretty good.
- Best place for Indian food in Lagos is Sherlaton. Nothing fancy or trendy. Affordable, authentic and always tastes great – also open 24 hours a day.
- Head over to Red Restaurant, Eko Hotel and get the traditional Chinese Peking Duck dish
- Get the Osaka Sushi selection at Izanagi
- Devour the succulent Wagyu Beef from Shiro Lagos
- Spoil yourself with the Sea Food Plancha at B.L. Restaurant
American Style Burgers & Barbecue
- Sample the Zaddy Burger along with sensational chicken wings at Food Shack. Then top it up with the Cherry Woo Woo cocktail.
- Take the kids to The Backyard for a foodie adventure.
- Stop by Talindo Steak House and sink your teeth in to the best steak in the city.
- The Old Country Burger at BBQ & Cravings is a must have.
Get Dessert for the Road
- Visit the delicious Hans and Rene, try the Agbalumo Sorbet with puff puff
- Grab a refreshing froyo (frozen yoghurt) at Sweet Kiwi
- Any doughnut on the menu at XO Boutique Bakery is to die for but start with Lagos glazed doughnut
- Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at some of Lagos’s best dessert shops
Still undecided in Lagos, Start here
- Get a view of Atlantic ocean and watch the sunset at either Sailor Lounge or Lagoon Restaurant
- Make a family trip to Hard Rock Café for Lunch. Get a nanny and come back for the afterdark party
- Bungalow has everything you can imagine; from Mexican to Sushi to Pizza. The new space in Ikeja is pretty neat as well.
