A List Of 19 *Actual* Essential Restaurants In Lagos
Thanks to globalisation, the world has finally caught up to Nigeria’s rich culture. Our food and events have become mainstays in global conversations surrounding cultures to explore.
As such, Lagos was included in Eater’s travel list of places to visit for great food in 2020. While this goes without saying, as there is a vast wealth of food to explore in the diverse range of restaurants that exist in the city, this list left a weird taste in my mouth.
More often than not, the western media capitalises on the claim of Africa being the new frontier to tell stories that are inauthentic, to say the least – from Nadine Ijewere’s ‘controversial’ 2017 fashion story for Stella McCartney to the multiple poorly researched pieces on our music and more recently, Eater’s list of 19 essential restaurants to try in Lagos.
The term ‘essential’ should define cardinal locations where the typical Lagos foodie frequents for good food. For a list Eater claims to have been compiled by their vast web of culinary experts across the globe, this list is very ‘interesting’. If only they reached out to actual food experts who understand the impact of the content they’re putting out, they would understand that including the “the puff puff at Marina” in a list of restaurants makes no sense.
While the writer’s intention to include ‘food hotspots’ like White House, Marina puff puff and others on the list because they are integral to the eating culture of Lagos, it contradicts the title and description as a list of “spectacular street food, chef-driven fine dining, and more in the entertainment hub of West Africa".
On that note, we, at Eat.Drink.Lagos have taken the time out to curate a proper list of essential restaurants in Lagos, you’re welcome, Eater.
Ranking on our list of the top restaurants in Lagos, Craft Gourmet is one of the must-visit spots in the city. Ask anyone around.
2. La Taverna
Your trip to Lagos is incomplete if you don’t try the pizza and delicious pasta from La Taverna.
3. Orchid House
Although the mainland gets a lot of flack for the traffic, it’s the home to Orchid House, one of the few spots that remained in Folayemi’s imaginary restaurant apocalypse, so that should mean something.
4. RSVP
5. Nok By Alara
One word: Amala! Sure, nothing can ever defeat bukka amala that is prepared with a sprinkle of grime and cholera. Nevertheless, the amala at Nok seems to be the people’s favourite and I am not surprised about this since amala is a top-tier meal.
6. Izanagi
To properly enjoy the food at Izanagi, one must simply have the coins, otherwise, the high price point could ‘hook your throat’. Otherwise, Izanagi is one of EDL’s top-pick for pan-Asian cuisine.
7. Ghana High
This list would be incomplete if I didn’t include a buck, because what is a Lagos food experience without bukka food? Why Ghana High and not the ‘others’? Well, the food here is simply better than the rest. An honourable mention is First Bank amala, Folly’s favourite amala spot.
8. Toasties By Biscuit Bone Blog
In 2016, I had the first taste of a Toastie sandwich and the taste remained with me. The flavour of the meats was just *chefs kiss*! You just can’t visit Lagos without trying a Toastie, you can’t and you shouldn’t, LOL.
9. Tarragon
Tarragon is one of the top fine-dining spots in the city, with a culinary academy which makes it also on our list of the most romantic restaurants in Lagos.
10. Talindo Steak House
One might argue that the restaurants on this list should be restricted to places that serve strictly ‘traditional Nigerian foods’ but then again, that is the beauty of the food culture in Lagos. There is a variety of foods to try in Lagos and Talindo for instance, serves steak amongst other dishes at a fairly moderate price point.
11. Ile Eros
As I mentioned above, the concept of ‘orthodox Nigerian food’ is vague in that our cuisine is subject to interpretation. Certain dishes can be classified Nigerian despite having external influences. This is what Ile Eros seeks to achieve with the meals : curating tasty Nigerian meals with Western elements.
12. Sherlaton
It is an undeniable fact that the Asian communities in Nigeria from Lebanon to India to China have a considerable impact in Lagos. As such, Asian foods such as the Shawarma have become mainstays in Nigerian cuisine. Sherlaton is one of the restaurants where you get an authentic Indian cuisine in the city.
13. Z Kitchen
14. 100 Hours
Like Ghana High, 100 Hours is one of the better bukkas in Lagos, where you’re guaranteed to have a decent street food experience.
15. HSE Gourmet
Like Craft Gourmet, HSE is one of the top-ranked restaurants by EDL readers. The menu is extensive with an impressive drinks menu, because you can’t eat out without a good drink to go with your meal.
16. Thai Thai
Being the spot for decent Thai food in the city, Thai Thai makes this list just for that reason.
17. THE HOUSE
At the House, you get iterations of classic Nigerian snacks like the puff puff and scotch eggs with a twist – in a cozy environment with blankets to keep you warm.
18. BBQ & Cravings
In my opinion, BBQ & Cravings serves some of the best burgers you’ll find in the city. And this fact alone earns them a spot on this list.
19. Syrian Club
When you look up “hidden gem”, Syrian Club should pop up. They serve arguably the best middle Eastern fare in Lagos .