Expats eat out more than they realise, and the right restaurants can define your Lagos experience more than almost any other factor. This shortlist covers the places that balance great food, consistent service, and an atmosphere where you will actually want to stay for three courses.
The VI and Ikoyi Shortlist
A handful of restaurants anchor expat dining — think Italian in Ikoyi, Lebanese in VI, steakhouse rooftops in Lekki. Each has a private dining room hosts can book, and the staff are used to corporate and diplomatic groups with specific privacy preferences.
See also: The Expat's Guide to Living in Lagos.
What Makes a Restaurant Expat-Friendly
Reliable reservations, flexible menus, decent wine lists, and a staff who understand dietary requirements without making it awkward. Bonus points for restaurants that do a proper brunch, because weekend brunch is the expat social currency in Lagos.
Keep reading: Victoria Island vs Ikoyi: Where Expats Actually Live in Lagos.
Host a Private Dinner
Most of these restaurants will do private takeovers for 10 to 30 guests with a week of notice. Pair one with Whispers for the guest list and you have a premium private dinner locked in without any of the usual planning chaos.