EDL Guide: Where to Eat (& Drink) Outdoors on the Mainland
For the most part, Lagos weather is unbearably hot — especially this time of year — and that often makes outdoor dining a bit unattractive, even when the aesthetic is aesthetic-ing. BUT there are days when the weather gives what it’s supposed to and the idea of chilling outside after work, in the cool breeze, with a drink in hand and good food on your plate is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Island is famed for restaurants that offer these kinds of experiences – particularly because they have that waterside advantage – but there are 100% popping spots on the Mainland that we keep discovering.
Here’s a list of 6 outdoor restaurants where the vibe is right and the food is tight — or however that saying goes.
1. The Safron Rooftop (Ikeja)
location: 57 Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA
Damage > N6000 – N30000
If you’re looking for a more elegant outdoorsy experience, the Safron Rooftop is definitely one to check out. A rooftop restaurant/bar with a proper view on the Mainland? A properly rare sight.
Their menu has a lot of range, as well; everything from seafood okro to pizza, grills, Greek salad, Philly cheese steak and even options like cordon bleu and prawns thermidor. Thankfully, their dessert section also has a nice variety. Lagos restaurants like to think dessert should be restricted to brownies and ice cream, so Safron’s crème brulée and cheesecake are welcome additions. A big plus as well is their cocktails — pretty, taste great and aren’t outrageously priced. Maybe it’s a Mainland thing?
They don’t really have much going on in terms of activities though, just a really relaxing ambience, so it’s definitely more suited for intimate gatherings or a hot date (you’re welcome 😉). The staff are also really polite and helpful.
2. The RM Place (Magodo)
location: Plot 5, Block 8B, CMD Road, Magodo
Damage > N3500 – N20000
The RM place is a garden bar that’s especially popular for its (fairly priced) drinks, barbecue and grills. They have rather interesting cocktail names like “Adios Motherfucker”, amongst others, and the alcohol really do be hitting. The fan fave on their food menu is the 2kg grilled catfish (served with a side of fries or rice) which is huge enough to feed 3-5 people and that makes RM an ideal spot for a group hangout. Although they’re open from 11 AM till midnight every day, the place mostly comes alive at night.
They have an in-house DJ and occasional live band performances, but one thing that badly punctuates the experience for me is those annoying hype men. The owners also have a club, so they must have thought it was okay to bring that vibe into the bar, but it just doesn’t translate well for me at all. I have a personal grouch against hype men in unnecessary settings, but maybe some of you might like it (whyyyy thoughhh?).
Their customer service and turnaround time also aren’t great: you will WAIT just to be attended to and then to be served. Because they opened a little over a year ago, I’m just extending a little grace, and all-in-all, they’ve done well for themselves so far.
3. The Cabin (Surulere)
location: 114 Bode Thomas Street, Surulere
Damage > N3000 – N15000
The Cabin is owned by Shody, one of the country’s biggest hype-men, so when it comes to the music and overall vibe, they have it on lock. It’s a party every weekend and on some occasions, you may also be able to catch live artist performances. The Cabin is open from 2pm to midnight, except on Mondays when it’s closed, and on weekdays, they have Karaoke Tuesdays and Ladies Night on Thursdays.
They really went all out on the cabin theme with their rustic décor and lots of cool graffiti, which I love. The only downside to the space is that it’s small, which can be cosy, but also means when it’s a full house, it can easily feel suffocating. That’s probably why they require reservations from 7pm on weekends. Also, some tables are strictly bottle service though, so that’s something to look out for.
A fan fave on the menu is the 15k platter, which can conveniently feed 4-5 people (bonus points: VAT is included in the prices of the meals and drinks, so you’re not paying separately for that). Their menu has some variety and their food portions are generous, considering the prices, so you feel like you’re really getting your money’s worth.
4. Beeriga (Bariga)
location: Ileje Waterfront Jetty Terminal, Bariga
Damage > N3000 – N10000
Beeriga, a cute play on “Beer” and “Bariga”, is the first waterside bar on the Mainland and as such, it’s a great place to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. In my opinion, this place is great for vibes, but not where you go for the food because their menu is limited to finger food and a few other local dishes. It’s the perfect place to unwind with your friends after Lagos has shown you shege all week, though, especially if the club scene is too rowdy for you.
They’re only open from 4pm – midnight on Wednesdays – Sundays, and their activity list is packed: Karaoke Wednesdays, Open Mic Night, their “Saturdaze” live band experience and DJs every other night. You can top off your Beeriga experience with a boat ride on the lagoon. Unlike the other spots on the list, Beeriga doesn’t have an indoors space.
Ed note: Kunmi here 👋🏾 Beeriga’s menu may be limited but the food is good. My large group of friends and I shared a platter of beef burgers, chicken shawarmas and really yummy yam fries.
5. Afefeyeye Restaurant (Ikeja)
location: 41 Ogundana Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja
Damage > N3000 – N15000
Afefeyeye is probably one of my favourite restaurants in this Laygurss, because it just offers a very holistic experience. We’ve talked about it a few times on the blog because it’s a bit of a Mainland treasure, at this point. The restaurant, like its name, has a traditional African (mostly Yoruba) theme which is reflected in its menu, innovative décor, murals and even the very courteous waiters’ kembe outfits. The whole vibe is nostalgic and homely, but also lit!
At the terrace sitting, you can enjoy good palm wine and fairly priced local meals, while either the live band or DJ entertains the crowd – depending on the day you go. They also serve really good cocktails and some “intercontinental” menu options, which, in truth, I think are not nearly as good as the boli and fish or Jollof rice.
You can go to Afefeyeye for a certified good time from 10am – 11pm on Tuesdays to Sundays; they’re closed on Mondays. Did I mention they have an in-house cinema too? Read the full scoop on Afefeyeye here.
6. The Grid (Lagos)
location: 6 Thomas Ajufo Street, off Opebi Road, Ikeja
Damage > N3500 - N15000
The Grid is another cool outdoor space the Mainland has to offer. They have an arsty theme going on and that’s reflected pretty well in the murals and art littered around the walls indoors. For their outdoor space, it’s sort of lacking in art but it’s a nice space nonetheless.
The ambience once you come in is really chill and the servers have the customer service thing on lock; they were full of smiles and an eagerness to help. The food here is quite good as well, but it takes forever to get to you, so sit tight. I had the 17k Ocean Platter with about 3 of my friends, and I really liked their calamari strips and shrimp suya (even more than the one I had at Norma). Something to beware of: Their cocktails, which are quite heavy on the alcohol.
If you’re in the mood for dancing, you could top up your Grid experience at the lounge upstairs (their DJ had me losing my home training). The lounge is open from 6pm - 11pm from Thursday – Sunday. On Thursdays, they have their Karaoke Night, which: a) They take very seriously, complete with proper hosts and sometimes special appearances and b) is a total vibe.
What are your favourite outdoor spots on the Mainland? Tell us in the comments!
Oyinda is a writer and lover of knowledge. When she's not reading random stuff on the internet, or putting finger to keyboard, you'll find her chopping the life of her head.
