The last time this list was published, the naira was already pretty bad but now that it’s downright terrible and most likely irredeemable. Dating in Lagos is hard enough, but dating on an NYSC budget is an extreme sport.

For those who are not familiar with the lingo, NYSC is an acronym for National Youth Service Corps; which is a mandatory one year service to the nation for first degree holders where they are paid a stipend every month called allowee (short for allowance).

Many young Nigerians have mixed feelings concerning NYSC ranging from “do I really have to do this?” to “there is no way I’m doing this” and then there are the few (special people IMO) who actually look forward to it. Your allowee is just a few bucks above minimum wage (well, until Buhari approves the new one), and for many corpers, it’s the only means of survival. So, like I said, dating on an NYSC budget is an extreme reality, because one misstep could have you soaking garri till the next allowee.

Ahem. But this is why we’re here for you and so without further ado, here are a few places you can get a pretty decent meal for two for less than N10,000. (Abeg don’t go and spend all your allowee on food oh, save some eh?).

Pancake Hub

17, Jibowu Street, Yaba, Lagos

A mainland favorite, Pancake Hub is a great place to have good (breakfast) dishes without breaking the bank. As the name implies, pancakes are their forte, but they also serve a pasta meal. Their pancakes have a variety of flavors and sides, are fluffy and to die for. A regular pancake meal should set you back like N1000, but if you want to go all out and order special flavours and sides, it goes up a bit to N3000. Not bad eh?

Spur

Seven Eagles Spur - Ikeja City Mall, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos

Golden Eagles Spur - 53 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos

Amazon Spur - Landmark Towers, Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island, Lagos

Soaring Eagles Spur - Shop C41, Lekki Mall, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos

Located in Ikeja, Lekki and Victoria Island, Spur Family Restaurant is another good spot, they have different menus and a wide variety to pick from. Maybe due to the fact that it is a family restaurant, there are quite a number of platters and combos one can choose from and this can be shared between two (or more) people.

La Brioche

237 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island, Lagos

If you want to do brunch or breakfast, La Brioche at Hartley’s in Victoria Island is another ace option. This cozy brunch spot serves breakfast through the day that is inexpensive and pretty good. It could also work for a coffee date as they serve pastry as well. Also, they’ll be opening a new spot on Ligali Ayorinde soon according to gist we heard.

XO Bakery

48 Balarabe Musa Cres, Victoria Island, Lagos

My final recommendation is XO Boutique Bakery, a cute cafe nested at the back of La Taverna. The pastry is divine (hint: try the apple pie) and bubble tea from Bubbletii.

Bonus: Coffee Dates

Coffee dates are one way to stick to a strict budget, and we thankfully have quite a number of cafes where you can have such dates.

1. Cafe Jade - 7, Caroline Atounah Lekki 1, Lagos

2. Vestar Coffee - 36, Oju Olubun close, Victoria Island, Lagos

3. My Coffee - 1701, Violet Yough, Victoria Island, Lagos

If you’re looking to have something nice to tickle your tastebuds and incite happiness without spending your savings, these are a few places you can visit. You’re welcome!