The EDL Guide To Restaurants In Lagos Owned & Run By Women
The restaurant scene in Lagos has evolved immensely over the last decade and establishments are thriving. Delicious international and local cuisine, stunning aesthetics and memorable experiences are never in short supply.
Behind many of these restaurants are the skills and expertise of talented women who have made their mark on the city’s food and hospitality scene. Here are ten restaurants in Lagos run or owned by women that you should visit.
1. Tarragon
Tarragon is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Lagos with executive Chef Tiyan Alile serving up avant-garde cuisine. Chef Tiyan also founded the Culinary Academy, the country’s first culinary school. A well-accomplished Chef and teacher, Chef Tiyan has authored a story cookbook’ “Tale in a Pie” and is dedicated to developing culinary craft in Nigeria, and sharing Nigerian cuisine with the world.
2. Z Kitchen
Co-founded by Zeina Beydoun and her husband Chef Zaid Beydoun, Z Kitchen has a beautiful ambience with natural lighting, and an extensive, well thought out menu. Zeina oversees the day to day running of the restaurant and her attention to detail shows in everything, from staff conduct to the decor.
3. Toasties
With experience working in restaurants in Madrid and New York, Chef Eka Obaigbena started out experimenting with innovative toasties on her blog Biscuit Bone Blog. Since then, she’s gone on to become the executive chef of Toasties, with a wide variety of toasted sandwiches and daily specials. The restaurant prioritises using fresh ingredients.
4. Hans & Rene
Founded by Tayo Bolodeoku, Hans & Rene is the country’s first authentic gelato spot. Here, you’ll find a range of flavours that melt on your tongue and some delicious baked goods. Tayo travelled to the home of Gelato in Italy to learn the art of gelato making to spread gelato culture in Nigeria.
5. Nok
Founded by Reni Folawiyo, the cosy restaurant puts an upscale twist on local delicacies. Reni Folowiyo is one of the leading names in the Lagos luxury scene, and she brings that touch to Nok with the beautifully served dishes and glamorous gatherings, reminiscent of the Owambe parties of the ’90s.
6. RSVP
Co-founded by Maya Halabi and her husband Nahi Halabi, RSVP is one of Lagos' essential restaurants. Inspired by prohibition-era restaurants in New York, RSVP’s lane in the Lagos culinary scene involves serving new American cuisine using fresh ingredients, like many other restaurants on this list.
7. Atmosphere Rooftop, Lekki
Atmosphere Rooftop has come a long way since it’s early days thanks in part to the hard work of Chef Imoteda and General Manager Toni Aladekomo. Apart from being the perfect rooftop location for cocktails, the menu is the perfect balance of gourmet Nigerian and continental cuisine.
8. HSE
Chef Nkesi Enyioha is the founder and executive chef at HSE Gourmet. Known for her innovative fusion of culinary techniques, Chef Nkesi has over a decade of experience in the culinary arts, in both private and commercial dining. Her experience and expertise are reflected in HSE’s comprehensive menu that covers a range of cuisines and dining style, from comfort food to brunch.
9. The House
The House Lagos is more than just a restaurant, as the name implies it goes the extra mile to bring the comfort of home to dining out. Founded by Tobi Hamilton, The House is a real house that has been converted to a restaurant and social space, with rooms to suit different moods and tastes; whether you’re in the mood for lounging on a sofa watching Nexflix, or stimulating conversion over a glass of whisky.
10. Craft Gourmet
Craft Gourmet, like Nok, RSVP and a few others are on our list of the most essential and better restaurants to visit in Lagos. Born and raised in Senegal, Executive Chef and co-founder of Craft Gourmet, Loubna Fakhri-Baker created the concept for the restaurant, along with her husband, Tarek Baker, who manages the procurement and financial aspect of the business.
Love Akinkunle is a freelance writer and editor with peculiar tastebuds. When she's not telling stories, she's reading a memoir, or fantasising about magical places on the African continent.