Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and one of the most populous in Africa, is famous for its intercontinental food scene. Featuring a vibrant array of restaurants and eateries, the culinary landscape in this city is vast and varied.
Whether you fancy traditional Nigerian meals or international flavors, there is a delicacy for your taste buds.
From fine dining and picture spots on the island to local cuisines such as catfish pepper soup, varieties of rice, and Nkwobi, to pan-Asian, Ethiopian, Italian, and Japanese food, Lagos Island is the perfect destination for food connoisseurs looking to indulge in bits of everything.
For those looking to sample all this culinary haven has to offer, here are some of the best restaurants on Lagos Island that you should try.
1. The Lagoon Restaurant
- Pricing: #20,722– #44,403.
- Cuisines: Chinese, Indian, Vegetarian, Vegan Diets.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks.
- Opening Hours: Opens every day from 8 am-12 am.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- What to Expect: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Table Service, and Highchairs.
- Reservations: Reservations are required.
- Contact Desk: +234 803-806-0363
- Address: 1c Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave, Victoria Island 106104, Lagos
The Lagoon Restaurant is a hallmark of sophistication and class. This fine-dining restaurant is in the upscale neighborhood of Victoria Island on Lagos Island. It has stunning views of the Lagos Lagoon and a chic, upscale vibe.
Ideal for an intimate dining experience, the restaurant presents a delectable menu that blends traditional Nigerian flavors with international cuisine with a seafood-focused approach.
Highlights of its excellent menu include the succulent grilled lobster, the decadent seafood platter, and the highly-acclaimed signature jollof rice.
The restaurant serves beef, chicken wings, barbecue, lamb, and other grilled meats, as well as various sides and salads. The atmosphere is chic and upscale, making it an excellent spot for a special occasion or a date.
The Lagoon Restaurant has excellent food and a well-stocked bar, making it the perfect place for a luxurious meal with a drink.
2. Nok by Alara
- Pricing: minimum of #20,000/ $47 for 2 people.
- Cuisines: African cuisine.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks.
- Opening Hours: Nok by Alara opens from 12 pm-4 pm & between 6 pm-10 pm every day, while its opening hours are 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5.
- What to Expect: Reservations, outside seating, seating, alcohol served, table service, and a full bar are all available.
- Reservations: Reservations are required.
- Contact Desk: +234 908-561-4815.
- Address: No. 12A Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Nok by Alara is a must-visit destination for food lovers, offering a compelling private dining experience. The restaurant specializes in a fusion of local and international dishes with a strong focus on African continental cuisine.
The menu at Nok by Alara promises mouth-watering dishes, including smoky jollof rice, succulent grilled meats, tender fish, and expertly prepared dishes that satisfy even the most discerning palates. From its delectable plantain beignets to its signature goat rolls and aromatic Jasmine rice, Nok by Alara has it all in African continental cuisine.
The restaurant’s stylish and modern design features indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect choice for intimate and casual experiences. The bar at Nok by Alara is well-stocked with a range of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and beers, ensuring a complete dining experience.
3. 788 On the Sea
- Cuisines: Italian food, seafood
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Drink
- Opening Hours: 12 pm-10:30 pm excluding Mondays when they are closed.
- Google Rating: 4.5/ 5
- What to Expect: Reservations, a full bar with wine and beer, and live music.
- Dress code: Wearing shorts, sandals, or jeans to lunch or dinner is acceptable as long as they are paired with shoes that exude a sense of polish. However, torn or baggy clothing, athletic gear, and flip-flops are not allowed.
- Reservations: Reservations are required
- Contact Desk: +234 908 006 6113
- Address: Blue Water Scheme, Okunde, Off Remi Olowude St, Lekki, Nigeria
If you seek a delectable Asian culinary adventure and a scenic hangout spot, 788 on the Sea is the perfect destination. This private dining restaurant is on the island and boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it the ideal setting for a romantic dinner.
The lunch and dinner menus at 788 on the Sea are robust and feature Thai-spiced calamari, seafood croquettes with beurre blanc, and more. The service is impeccable and has earned the restaurant a reputation as a hidden gem in the Lagos dining scene.
Dining at 788 on the Sea is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
4. Shiro
- Cuisines: Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegan
- Meals: Food, Beverage, Lunch, Oysters
- Opening Hours: 12:30 pm- 1:30 am
- Google Rating: 4/5
- Dress code: Casual
- Reservations: Required
- Contact Desk: +234-818-629-8888
- Address: Landmark Centre, Landmark Village, Water Corporation Road, Eti-Osa, Lagos.
Since its opening in 2017, Shiro has established itself as the premier pan-Asian restaurant in the city, offering a unique blend of casual and upscale dining. With a wide range of menu options, including Japanese, sushi, Asian, contemporary, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan options, there’s something for everyone at Shiro.
It is important to note that advanced reservations are highly recommended at Shiro, as this upscale restaurant is consistently in high demand. The restaurant’s grand interior design features a high ceiling, tall statues, and well-designed lighting that creates a memorable ambiance. From the comfortable patio, diners can take in stunning views of both Landmark Beach and the open ocean.
Shiro’s food and ambiance truly set it apart from other restaurants in Lagos. The restaurant has earned the highest praise among top-tier restaurants on Lagos Island and deserves recognition as one of the best dining destinations in the city.
5. Ona
- Cuisines: American Seafood
- Pricing: #10,500-#35,000
- Meals: Dinner, Drinks
- Opening Hours: 12:30 pm -10:00 pm
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Reservations: You have to make reservations through seven rooms.com
- Contact Desk: 0-913-716-1416
- Address: 1701 Violet Yough Cl, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Ona is the latest addition to Victoria Island’s thriving art scene and is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for those seeking unique and exciting dining experiences.
As soon as you step through the doors, you’ll be greeted by the warm smile of Chef Obehi and the ambiance of a chef-driven fine dining establishment.
At Ona, traditional and international cuisine is given a modern twist, with a range of menu options to suit all tastes and preferences. There’s something for everyone, from bar snacks to a seven-course extensive menu.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the tender and flavorful beef bao stuffed with juicy tozo beef. The bar at Ona also serves a variety of cocktails, including the Tigernut Margarita and the Monkey Tail Agbalumo Sour, both of which feature local fruits and seeds infused with CBD.
6. The House
- Cuisines: African, International
- Pricing range: #2,500 – #15,000
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
- Opening Hours: 9:00 am- 12:00 am
- Google rating: 3.8/5
- Reservations: Reservations are not required
- Contact Desk: 08142077741
- Address: The House is at 4 AJ Marinho Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The House, a charming and inviting restaurant, is easily overlooked with its modest exterior amidst the flashier establishments along the street. True to its name, the restaurant has been designed to feel like a home, complete with a cozy living room, a well-stocked bar, an intimate dining area, and an inviting ambiance.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pre-night out spot or a cozy brunch location, The House is the perfect place to unwind and indulge in delicious finger food.
Take a trip down to The House and sample some of their signature dishes, like the smoke-infused Jollof Rice with peppered turkey or the juicy Charred Suya Burger, served with a generous helping of succulent meats.
7. Sketch Restaurant Lagos
- Pricing range: The pricing varies, but load your pockets.
- Meals: All things African.
- Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday from 10 am- 10 pm.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5.
- Reservations: Not required.
- Contact Desk: 0916 3065445.
- Address: No. 5 Adeola Hopewell, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Step inside the doors of this whimsical eatery, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a giant coloring diary and come to life! With its two-thirds-dimensional design and ancient Egyptian-inspired aesthetic, this restaurant is a feast for the eyes, with a touch of fantastical whimsy.
The use of clever optical illusions creates a truly unique atmosphere that is bound to ignite your imagination. And even though you might be tempted to bring pastels to add your personal touch to the walls, please refrain from doing so and enjoy the ambiance.
If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever encountered, this restaurant is the place for you.
8. Kapadoccia, Lagos
- Cuisine: Turkish and Nigerian meals.
- Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday from 10 am- 10 pm.
- Google Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Reservations: Not required.
- Contact Desk: 0916 3065445.
- Address: No. 16 Idowu Taylor Street, Lagos.
Kapadoccia Lagos has earned a reputation as the city’s finest intimate antique restaurant. The cave-themed eatery on Idowu Taylor Street exudes breathtaking beauty, making it a unique dining destination.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic fine dining experience, a casual meal with waterfront views, or something in between, Kapadocia Lagos offers a variety of options to suit your needs.
Their menu features a delightful fusion of Nigerian and Turkish cuisine, showcasing the best of both continents in every bite. From savory dishes to sweet delights, their menu is a testament to the culinary expertise of their chefs.
9. Tarragon
- Cuisines: French, desserts, and Italian
- Price range: #20,000 for 2 people max.
- Opening Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Google Rating: 4.3/ 5
- Reservations: Recommended
- Contact Desk: 0808 3355268.
- Address: 50 Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi Lagos, Ikoyi Nigeria
Tarragon is a sought-after destination for those seeking a culinary journey beyond the ordinary. This upscale restaurant offers diverse international cuisine, focusing on French and Italian specialties. From the delicious escargot to the irresistible truffle pasta, the menu is sure to impress.
The ambiance at Tarragon is elegantly chic, with a sophisticated atmosphere that makes it an ideal setting for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
Whether you are looking to celebrate a milestone or simply indulge in some of the finest food and drinks, Tarragon is the perfect place to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience.
10. Hard Rock Cafe Lagos
- Cuisines: American
- Price range: #12,000 for 2 people max.
- Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 1:30 am
- Google Rating: 4.5/ 5
- Reservations: Highly Recommended
- Contact Desk: 0808 3355268.
- Address: Located at the Landmark Village, along Water Corporation Road, Oniru, Lagos, Nigeria.
Hard Rock Cafe Lagos is the ultimate destination for those seeking a top-notch dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a business meeting or simply exploring the stunning beaches of Victoria Island, this cafe offers the perfect setting.
With a spacious two-story layout that spans 650 square meters and seating for over 250 guests indoors and outdoors, you’ll find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the ambiance.
In addition to its indoor and outdoor bar, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos also features a large outdoor terrace that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. And for those looking for a unique experience, the cafe’s swimming pool area provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience for both adults and kids.
As for the food, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos serves up classic American cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From their famous hand-made signature cocktails to the delicious dishes on their menu, you won’t be disappointed by any of the offerings at the full-service bar.
Conclusion
Lagos Island is renowned for its diverse dining scene, offering a rich tapestry of culinary options that range from traditional Nigerian delicacies to global cuisine.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed, informal meal at a local market or a luxurious, fine dining experience at a chic restaurant, you’re sure to find something that tantalizes your taste buds and satisfies your aesthetic cravings on Lagos Island.
