Many of your favourite Lagos restaurants will be admitting sit-in customers for the first time in almost six months today. The last few months have put "there's food at home" into a new perspective, and we're sure you're looking forward to dining at your favourite restaurants again. 

Businesses were affected by the decline in sales, but restaurants, bars and eateries were the worst hit. It was a choice between adapting to the times or sinking, and many restaurants and bars chose to stay afloat with meal kit services, portable cocktail mixes, takeout services and food delivery menus. 

The Lagos State Government’s current move to relax lockdown regulations was received as good news by restaurants and bars, who have to apply for a certificate of compliance and submit to regular checks to stay open.

Customers have the added responsibility of wearing face masks, maintaining social distance and following restaurant seating arrangements to reduce the chance of spreading coronavirus or getting infected. Since they're operating at 50% capacity, entrance to most restaurants reopening today is by reservation only or on a first-come-first-served basis.

While we’re excited about the opportunity to dine out, it’s not without its concerns.  Texas famously reopened bars, restaurants and movie theatres at 25% capacity on May 1, and by June 26, hospitals were swarmed with daily new cases of coronavirus in the thousands.

We have to hope that this won't be the case in Lagos - so far as strict measures are taken to prevent infection and spreading the disease. So far, only a few cities globally have been able to reopen restaurants safely while maintaining a low daily infection rate. 

These are some of the restaurants reopening from today:

1. Atmosphere Rooftop

Atmosphere Rooftop is now open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm. For walk-in guests, the group size limit is 6 people and bigger groups have to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Guests are also encouraged to wear face masks.

2. Ile Eros

Ile Eros is open from Thursdays to Sundays and admits guests with reservations only. With only 16 slots per night, bookings are on a first-come-first-served basis. Expect a revamped menu and dining experience.

They're also running an Open Kitchen night on Saturday and Sunday, with a plated buffet style "all you can eat". 

3. Z Kitchen

Z Kitchen’s restaurant and bar are open to customers who make a reservation. Customers are required to wear their face masks until they are seated. 

4. Circa Lagos

Circa Lagos "encourages" customers to make a reservation before coming on, but are still offering takeout and delivery services too. 

5. Salma’s

Salma’s is taking bookings only and is closed on Mondays.

6. Nok by Alara

Nok is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm. Diners and groups larger than 4 people are required to make a reservation. 

7. Izanagi by The Blowfish Group

Reservations are "strongly advised" before dining at Izanagi. Their doors are open from 11 am to 9 pm.

8. RSVP Lagos

RSVP's restaurant and poolside is open for dine-in from 11 am every day of the week, but they're still running takeout and contactless delivery services.

9. Craft Gourmet

Craft Gourmet is sweetening the deal with a 10% discount in dine-in services today. 

10. Flowershop Cafe

Flowershop Cafe is taking safety up a notch with plexiglass separated tables for 4 and a steam disinfectant machine running continuously. Additionally, guests will have to pass through a disinfectant tunnel to enter the restaurant. 

11. Talindo Steak House

Talindo Steak House is also taking dining room guests today strictly on a reservation basis only. According to their Instagram page, all guests are required to follow their rules and guidelines.

Visit their website for reservation details.

Others

La Taverna and HSE Gourmet announced their plans to reopen safely on August 18 and 19 respectively. Other spots like The Backyard and Vanilla Moon haven't announced any reopening plans on social media, so we'll just have to wait and see if they open their doors to customers anytime soon.