The Best Restaurants in Nigeria

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Tucked away in a cul-de-sac in Bodija, Ibadan, Café Chrysalis is as pleasing to the eye as their food is to the palate. With an inventive menu that puts a spin on African cuisine, they provide a variety of seafood but also offer very tasty continental dishes and delicious smoothies. The restaurant is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as they take customized orders.

With one of the most beautiful views in Cross-Rivers, the Calabar Estuary, the restaurant at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel, is the best place to breakfast or have a leisurely lunch. They offer both Nigerian and European dishes, however their specialty is seafood.

With a view of a gorgeous swimming pool, Kokodome in Dugbe, Ibadan, is a delightful restaurant. Although tilting mostly towards Lebanese food, they also have a variety of local dishes, like jollof rice, pounded yam and various soups and stews. For the uninitiated, it is the best place to get a gentle introduction to amala, one of the best dishes in the southwest of Nigeria. Their thick crust pizza is also pretty good.

If you happen to be in or around Abuja, the BluCabana is a great place to eat out, particularly if you’re looking to explore Lebanese or Middle Eastern cooking. They also have vegetarian options – the hummus, shawarma, burgers and a variety of finger foods come highly recommended. The restaurant is also child-friendly.

A spacious restaurant with both outdoor and indoor dining, the Cilantro Restaurant and Lounge has a wide selection of dishes from both Indian and Chinese cuisines. It is also vegetarian-friendly with vegan options as well. Their curries and barbecue come highly recommended.

An all-day dining restaurant in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, Vista Restaurant is located within the grounds of Le Méridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort. The restaurant offers continental and local dining from Tuesdays through Sundays, but they also offer themed nights, like African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and others. Their seafood night is a delicious experience, while they also have a Sunday buffet.

Tucked away in the ancient city of Benin is 24, a pop-up restaurant catering to different tastes and need – from local dishes created in traditional ways to exotic continental meals. They provide private dinners, a cozy atmosphere, and delicious meals tailored to the needs of their clientele.

For a taste of Bulgarian and Lebanese fares, B.L. Restaurant in Lagos is the ideal place to visit. Not only are they vegetarian-friendly, they also have a wide range of barbecues, hummus, and sweets.

Although a chain restaurant, Ocean Basket is a great place to enjoy seafood in Lagos. The menu overflows with an abundance of seafood prepared with both local and continental recipes. The ambience is modern and cheerful, there are sharing platters, and the prices are decent.