Love – and lust, let’s be honest – is an ever flourishing sensation in the city of Lagos.

Why? Lagos is hard.

From the incessant traffic to the insufferable people, Lagos is one city in the world that I do not recommend you do alone. It’s a one star experience, guys. Don’t do it. Whether it’s a ‘friend’, lover, partner or spouse, you NEED someone to escape this madness with – and regularly. You need a person who’s willing to wine and dine with you; slipping into sultry lights and scintillating aromas.

Luckily for you and I, there are more than a few places about the city that provide the ambience and aesthetics that scream romance. Are you looking for a location to turn up the sensuality with a ’friend’, lover, partner or spouse? Well, I have just the restaurants for you;

Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker

14 Idowu Martins St, Victoria Island, Lagos

If you’re looking for a place you and your person of interest can run off to during work hours – assuming you work in VI – Craft Gourmet is the perfect spot. A cosy cafe with exceptional natural lighting, Craft Gourmet provides the setting for light-hearted intimacy at any time of the day. Whether you’d prefer some sinful dessert while kicking it back during your break or you’d prefer to go all out with your lunch date, Craft Gourmet has got you covered.

Who Denise Recommends You Take There: If it’s a quick office break, I’d recommend you take a ‘friend’ or lover. It’s a great way to catch up on each other’s day and gossip about workplace trauma. For a romantic evening, go with someone you actually have feelings for.

Talindo Steak House

7B Karimu Kotun St, Victoria Island, Lagos

Talindo Steak House is often referred to as ‘the best restaurant you aren’t going to’ and truer words have never been uttered. Talindo Steak House serves some of the best steak in the city and that’s far from exaggeration. Asides from steak, its menu boasts of equally impressive dishes such as pasta, salads and an underrated burger. This restaurant is perfect for date nights where fine dining and fancy dresses are at the centre of the evening. The establishment has been around since 2003 so the decor is classic and old fashioned – but not in an off putting way.

In my opinion, nothing brings people together like tasty, well flavoured meats – well, except you’re vegetarian.

Who Denise Recommends You Take There: Definitely a partner or a spouse. If you’re dressing up for a romantic evening, it might as well be with someone you’re serious with. If you and your lover prefer the finer things, then this is a great option as well.

Bolivar

Plot B20 Wole Olateju Cres, Lekki, Lagos

Bolivar’s a relatively new spot in the city; they opened over the Christmas holidays. Sitting at the waterfront overlooking the link bridge, Bolivar has both the aesthetic and the intimacy. The decor is careful and exotic with a touch of the Caribbean. It’s simple, cosy and calming. The restaurant opens in the evenings, allowing visitors enjoy the cool breeze of the incoming tide and the sunset. It comes with all sorts of cosy attractions such as beach canopy beds, hammocks and loveseats for snuggling up. The orange lights really set the mood for romance and sensual activity. Tell me, what could be more perfect than snuggling up to someone you’re heavily attracted to while looking at the ocean?

Who Denise Recommends You Take There: Take your lover here, oh! I’m taking mine. Your lover deserves good, calming things too. She/He/They/Them is human too. Go there, have deep conversations, rub their receding hairline and disappear for two weeks – for good measure. Bring your ‘friends’, lovers, spouses and partners here. Take everybody here. The place is actually too beautiful to pass up. See you on the canopy beds!

La Taverna

48 Balarabe Musa Cres, Victoria Island, Lagos

La Taverna is one of those places that are great for all kinds of dates. It’s a great first date option – you can share small plates tapas-style or get a pizza while figure out if your romantic interest is a serial killer or not. You can also kick it back with groups of friends and their ‘friends’, lovers, partners and/or spouses. From an impressive selection of Chilean and Italian wines to sweet desserts, La Taverna satisfies every flavour craving there is. A mix of rustic and modern, the space will definitely keep you comfortable while setting the spark for romance.

Who Denise Recommends You Take There: La Taverna is relaxing. It’s one of those no-pressure restaurants where you can genuinely have fun and talk with your person of interest. For our non-committal brethren, La Taverna is a perfect spot because it doesn’t scream ‘I love you’. It offers a sensual experience for every occasion and really, that’s all most of us – ahem, you – need. It doesn’t matter who you bring here. Enjoy the jazz band and bring them all.

Tarragon by Culinary Academy

50 Raymond Njoku St, Ikoyi, Lagos

Tarragon by Culinary Academy is the fine dining experience you and your person of interest have been waiting for. With this restaurant, you go beyond eating delicious food in a fancy space; you experience everything around you. Created by wonderwoman, Chef Tiyan Alile, Tarragon is bound to leave a long-lasting impression on all those who visit it. To enjoy the fine dining at this restaurant, you have to make a reservation. The restaurant opens from 6pm till 11pm Tuesday through Sunday. Make sure you dress fancy while visiting this one. Ride the wave of luxury to the fullest. As a bonus, they host cooking classes!

Who Denise Recommends You Take There: I’d say take everyone for those cooking classes but honestly, no. Tarragon is the kind of restaurant you go to when you’re in LOVE love. You’re either hopelessly in love or you’re a really involved, high maintenance lover. I’m definitely not taking any ‘friends’ here. There’s rice and Netflix at home.