Mantra Lounge & Restaurant

2/4 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos | Instagram | 0916 205 5000

Due to the incessant barrage of targeted Instagram ads — apparently, my algorithm is now perfectly optimized to deplete my bank balance — I stumbled upon Mantra. At first glance, I doubted it was located in Nigeria. The decor resembled something out of a medieval movie set, but surprisingly, it's situated right here in Victoria Island, where new restaurants seem to sprout up daily.

Mantra is new new. Their inaugural post on Instagram was a mere six weeks ago, and according to the staff, they have only been officially open for a month.

Serving as both a restaurant and lounge, Mantra invites you to "eat well, learn plenty, laugh lots, love much." The "learn plenty" aspect of their motto is clearly emphasized through their historically rich decor. Described as the "House of Heritage," Mantra's space is as aesthetically pleasing as it is comforting — showcasing a blend of traditional Arabian doors, antique European/Asian furniture, intricate wall designs, and earthy tones.

The restaurant is open from 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, while the lounge opens its doors to guests at 6pm on those days as well. In regards to the cuisine, it’s Pan-Asian, so their menu features everything from Japan’s Wasabi Buttered Prawns to India’s Biryani to Indonesia’s Nasi Goreng — which I am absolutely itching to try.

It appears this restaurant is the brainchild of Cocinero Rakesh Talwar, a chef well-known for churning out quality South Asian food. Another exciting thing about their menu is that there are clearly listed gluten-free and vegan meals, so inclusivity gets a ✅ As for their drink menu, there’s a heavy focus on signature cocktails infused with Indian spices and flavours. Mantra also claims their drinks are mostly natural, with no artificial colours or additives.

Regrettably, you'll need to part with around N8000 to indulge in their cocktail offerings, aligning with the current pricing standard in Lagos. Truthfully, the majority of their menu items fall within the fine dining price range, so brace yourself if you're considering a visit.

Warning: Mantra also has a number of house rules, including a dress code — “smart elegant, no flip flops” — which I find positively interesting.

We can’t speak to the quality of the dining or experience yet, but you can be on the lookout for a review soon.