Last summer, a couple of countries that weren’t unserious with their management of COVID started pushing outdoor dining as a response to indoor dining restrictions. In some cities, streets were blocked off so that restaurant patios could take over the streets. In some cases, parking lots were taken over.

They romanticize it by calling it al fresco dining.

Well, Lagos has always been ahead of the curve. Outdoor dining in Lagos is an experience that is certainly the envy of your friends in Europe; tropical breezes by the serene lagoon, sunny weather the cloudy isles can only dream of, and perfect harmony with nature.

Here are 5 reasons why dining Alfresco in Lagos is better than anywhere else in the world.

Buzzing Friends

I know a lot of people feel awkward eating out alone; but when you dine al fresco in Lagos, you’ll always have a host of companions. The flies will attack you from all corners, and you'll have the perfect chance to test your reflexes.

If you’re more of an evening diner, not to worry. The mosquitos are always available to play some of their melodies in your ears. The more, the merrier.

Nature’s Dewy Glow

Lagos isn’t just hot. The humidity here is pretty generous. It always feels hotter than it actually is, and your perspiration always seems to linger.

Have you ever wondered why everyone here seems to be glowing on Insta? It’s the glow from that lingering sweat baby! #NoFilter.

Quality Time

For some reason, servers in Lagos seem to forget they have outside seating. It’ll take ages for them to take your order, then they’ll forget about your existence for a while. By the time your meal arrives, your drink will probably be done, and you might choke on your food before you get your refill.

The perfect opportunity to bond with your date really, you can tell your kids about how you two locked eyes while they were giving you the Heimlich manoeuvre.

It’ll take another half hour for your bill to be ready by the way, so get comfortable. On the bright side, if you have “dine and dash” on your bucket list -here’s your chance. I’m not saying you should do it o……

Skin Care QA

Ever wondered if that new SPF you bought at the overinflated exchange rate is worth it?

Well, the good news is that a lot of restaurants forget that global warming is a thing and that the sun here shines with a vengeance. Those cute umbrellas never cover the entire table or face the direction of the sun.

If you eat out regularly, and you somehow don’t have sun spots or hyperpigmentation; congratulations, your skincare haul was not in vain. Now you can confidently recommend the brand you use, and your friends will hail you as the skincare guru.

Advanced Scent Detection

If your preferred alfresco location happens to be by the water, you’re in for a sweet treat. That sweet ocean breeze will help you stay cool. And if the wind happens to change direction, you’ll catch a whiff of the unmistakable smell of our precious lagoon. After years of having to consume our scrumptious food next to these aromas, we’ve evolved a special sense of smell. We’re basically part superhuman. Jealous?

Yeah, let’s not do that.

Please, turn on the air conditioning.