As you explore the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, you'll find a mix of dining options, from international chains to local eateries. While it's easy to spot the familiar international spots, the real culinary treasures are often hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
After spending a considerable amount of time exploring Lagos, I've compiled a list of some exceptional restaurants that offer a true taste of the city's diverse flavors. This guide will help you navigate the culinary scene and find the best places to eat in Lagos.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best restaurants in Lagos, offering a variety of culinary experiences:
Top Lagos Restaurants: A Culinary Journey
- The Place (Restaurant)
I have gone to The Place almost over 30 times. I can drive all the way to their outlets either in Lekki or GRA Ikeja. The Place (Restaurant) is not big on décor, it’s basic because that is not why we are here! It is just like a cafeteria really, where you are bamboozled with options of what you want to eat.
There’s a queue at The Place most of the time so get ready to stand in line for the food. I do not think in my months of going there that I have been treated poorly. My favourite thing to have is their asun. I think I'vve had almost everything The Place sells except the Calabar food, Ekpang nkukwo : I’ve had asun, catfish, moin moin, beans, yam porridge, yamarita, prawn sauce, jollof rice, Spaghetti, fried rice, jambalaya rice, ofada rice, meat pie, scotch egg, vegetable fried rice…I can go on. I think the variety is amazing!
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When I go with Bobo we spend nothing more than N4500 and our typical order is Sisi: Asun, Spaghetti, Fried Fish/ Prawn Sauce. Bobo : Catfish, Yam Porridge, Moin moin and juice. We switch it up but this is our typical order. I love The place: the first place when I think about when I’m hungry and cannot cook is The Place.
Table: Expenditure at The Place
| Order | Items | Price (N) |
|---|---|---|
| Sisi's Order | Asun, Spaghetti, Fried Fish/Prawn Sauce | ~4500 (Total for both) |
| Bobo's Order | Catfish, Yam Porridge, Moin Moin, Juice | Included in total |
Here are a few basics about dining culture and customs, as well as food in Portugal.
In Portugal, people typically eat dinner between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Most restaurants in Lagos close by 11pm.
Prices for eating out in Lagos average around $15 for lunch and $20-30 for dinner with wine! And that’s me overestimating.
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Yes, restaurants in Lagos, and Portugal in general, are open on Sundays. Sunday is when most Europeans stop working to spend time with their families, go out to eat, and take it easy! What you might find closed are stores, supermarkets, and other service businesses.
Here are the types of restaurants you will find in Portugal:
- Seafood Restaurants: Due to Portugal’s insane coastline, and especially in the Algarve, seafood is a huge part of the local cuisine.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These often feature creative interpretations of Portuguese cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
- Churrascarias: Popular more in the interior of Portugal and the island of Madeira, churrascarias are Brazilian-style barbecue restaurants.
The Algarve, a popular tourist destination in southern Portugal (and for good reason), is known for its delicious cuisine.
- Fresh Seafood: The Algarve’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means that seafood is huge! Grilled sardines (sardinhas assadas), octopus (polvo), clams (ameijoas), and prawns (camarões) are just a few examples of the delectable seafood dishes you can enjoy in the region.
- Cataplana: The Algarve is famous for its traditional dish called cataplana, which is both the name of the cooking utensil and the stew prepared within it.
- Dom Rodrigos: For dessert, the Algarve has a little sweet treat called Dom Rodrigos. These are small almond and egg yolk pastries typically wrapped in colorful foil.
- Medronho: Although not a food item, Medronho is a traditional Algarvian liquor made from the fruit of the medronho tree, also known as the strawberry tree.
The best Lagos restaurants with a view would be the Pearl Food Trailer at the pier, and the super cute town vibe and traditional decor at Don Sebastiao on the main street.
Ultimate Lagos Nigeria Food Tour! Would You Eat This in Lagos?
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