Most young people who relocated to Lagos from other parts of Nigeria would relate to the initial starry-eyed expectation of a higher degree of luxury and fun, the assumption that their dull social life would miraculously spring to life. But it doesn’t take too long to realise that enjoying any form of recreation in Lagos takes a lot of intentionality — like making allowances for the heavy traffic Third Mainland Bridge traffic, especially for mainland residents.
Restaurant connoisseurs would tell you that for every five top-tier restaurant you count on the island, you may be hard-pressed to name two of such on the mainland. But that’s not to say that luxurious recreation and fine dining is the exclusive preserve of Island residents.
Here are seven of the finest restaurants you should try out if you’re on the mainland.
- Ocean Basket
One of the best seafood restaurants you’ll find in Lagos, Ocean Basket treats its diners to decadent servings of prawns, sushi, calamari, mussels, and other side dishes. The restaurant is spread across over 200 stores in more than 20 countries, so you can be assured of an international-standard menu. With a budget of ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 you should have an enjoyable dining experience if you are going alone.
Ocean Basket is located at two spots on the mainland, Ikeja City Mall and Ikeja GRA, and if seafood sounds like your cup of tea, then you should check out their menu.
- South East Asia Music Restaurant (aka Sea Music Restaurant)
One thing you can always look forward to at Sea Music Restaurant is the large food portions. None of that faux minimalist food portioning with five strings of pasta and a drop of sauce. The waitstaff are also warm and patient, on hand to treat you to a nice cup of tea to welcome you.
You’ll also love Sea Music if you love nature. The overhanging green plants and warm lighting set the perfect mood to keep you relaxed and at ease. If you’ve got about ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 to spend on yourself, you should consider visiting the restaurant at 64 Toyin St, Opebi 101233, Ikeja, Lagos. It opens from 11 a.m.
- La Cibo Restaurant
This restaurant more than makes up for its small space with its beautiful decor and affordable menu. You can have their special jollof rice or shredded chicken pasta for as low as ₦3,000 for instance. Soda also starts at ₦200, and with ₦1,500 you get any milkshake off the menu.
La Cibo is the perfect counter to the mischievous assumption that social media celebrities don’t have a life outside of their online fame. The restaurant is co-owned by Twitter influencer and digital strategist, Pamilerin Adegoke (@UnclePamilerin). And who knows, you just might run into him on your visit.
La Cibo is located at No. 59 Ogunlana Dr, Surulere 101241, Lagos.
- Tilapia & Tinz
Tilapia & Tinz is the perfect spot for good fish and other seafood, and its afro-centric decor and menu set it apart from other seafood restaurants you know. It’s the place to be if you’re big on serenity, class, good music, and meals with a home-made touch.
Do you really want to leave the restaurant without trying out the famed grilled tilapia? You shouldn’t. You might also want to try out the barbecue catfish or catfish peppersoup.
Walk in anytime between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day of the week for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is located at 11, Oduduwa crescent, Ikeja GRA.
- Golden Eagles Spur GRA
You want to have a great time without leaving your kids out of the experience? Golden Eagles Spur at GRA Ikeja is the ideal place for you. It’s a family-style restaurant with colourful interiors to attract visitors of all ages. It also has a playground with children-friendly slides and playhouses.
From the native and more familiar smokey jollof to English menu like waffles, cheeseburgers, steaks, calamari strips, etc, Spur caters to your food cravings with delectable servings. The restaurant also has an outlet at the Ikeja City Mall.
- Charley’s Lounge
Good food sets the mood for more fun, and this restaurant provides the extra fun to give you an all-round wonderful dining experience. At Charley’s Lounge, you get to enjoy quality and affordable food, relax, and sing karaoke if you make your visit on a Tuesday.
Charley’s Lounge is situated at 2 Alegbe Cl, Mende 105102, Lagos.
- Yellow Chilli Restaurant & Bar
Yellow Chilli is one of Lagos’ finest custodians of ethnic cuisines, and their seafood dishes are to live for. If you’re a fan of swallow foods, you should try out their seafood okra. Diners also swear by their seafood jollof and their special Jollof Fiesta. With ₦10,000, you’ll get a decent assortment of food with proteins and a drink, and waiters are on hand to cater to you from 12 noon till midnight.
So what’s the first thing you’ll be ordering off their menu when you visit the restaurant at 35, Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja G.R.A, Lagos?
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