The Bars, Restaurants, and Lounges to Visit as a Tourist in Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant city where music, food, and nightlife all meet in ways that become etched in the memory. Whether visiting as a tourist craving local cuisine or a foodie seeking higher-end dining or rooftop bars, Lagos offers a mix of high-end and laid-back spots to explore. Below are the best bars, restaurants, and lounges you should know as a first-time traveler.

Shiro Lagos (Victoria Island)

Shiro Lagos is an Asian restaurant and lounge renowned for its breathtaking architecture, high ceilings, and oceanfront dining. The ambiance is a blend of serenity and sophistication, perfect for romance and fine dining. Sushi platters, dim sum, and Thai curries are accompanied by their signature Lychee Martini cocktail. Shiro is transformed into a lounge in the evenings, with DJs and high-end crowd gatherings the norm.

NOK by Alára (Ikoyi)

A sophisticated African restaurant located in the trendy Alára concept store, NOK by Alára boasts beautiful art, fashion, and food fusion. The revamped Nigerian favorites on the menu are pounded yam croquettes, goat meat confit jollof rice, and tamarind-glazed suya. The NOK Garden nearby is ideal for alfresco cocktails and Afrobeat nights under the stars.

Zaza Lounge (Victoria Island)

Zaza Lounge is where one finds glitz and glamour hunters for nightlife. Comfortable seating, neon lights, and an upscale crowd place Zaza in the luxury dining category with entertainment. There is a small chops selection, seafood platter, and complete wine and cocktail list available. Celebrities DJs, parties, and a busy dance floor are here on weekends.

The House Lagos (Lekki)

The House Lagos is a multipurpose social house that has a restaurant, lounge, and co-working space. It is a hotspot for creatives and professionals in Lagos. The menu features continental and Nigerian cuisine, including their spicy grilled chicken wings, yam balls, and seafood pasta. Open-mic nights, wine tasting, and cultural themed nights are also hosted at the House.

Hard Rock Cafe (Victoria Island)

Located right on the Atlantic coast, Hard Rock Cafe Lagos offers an American classic menu of food with a rock-inspired atmosphere. Outdoor seating with ocean views, and indoor space with music memorabilia decor, make the restaurant party-friendly and family-friendly. Burgers, ribs, and cocktails like the Hurricane are signature food. It is a fun spot with live bands and karaoke nights.

Bogobiri House (Ikoyi)

For a more cultural and bohemian experience, Bogobiri House is an art-center lounge and boutique hotel. It features native Nigerian food—i.e., egusi soup, grilled fish, plantains—accompanied by live jazz, spoken word poetry readings, and art exhibitions. The wooden, earthy decor and Afrocentric ambiance make it a unique stop for any traveler.

RSVP Lagos (Victoria Island)

RSVP is a trendy American-style restaurant with a best-kept secret: the “Pool Club,” a lounge in the back of the restaurant that has a pool, DJ, and fashionable seating. The restaurant offers gourmet food like steak, truffle fries, and artisanal burgers. The Pool Club is a sophisticated daytime brunch environment that transforms into a party lounge environment at night.

Sailors Lounge (Lekki)

Situated on Lagos Lagoon, Sailors Lounge is the city’s lone floating bar. It’s a relaxed, laid-back venue to sip sundowners and unwind in the evenings. Guests enjoy cocktails like the “Drunken Sailor,” barbecue seafood platters, and comedy shows or live music. It’s an ideal venue to catch the sunset amidst local charm.

Bature Brewery (Victoria Island)

Nigeria’s first craft brewery, Bature Brewery is a laid-back hangout with locally brewed beers like their “Lagos Lager” or “Black Gold Stout.” Tacos, burgers, and plantain chips are also available at the taproom. There are open mic nights, art exhibitions, and Afrobeat music concerts to make it a trendy destination for travelers looking for a real and socializing experience.

The Observatory (Lekki)

A rooftop find tucked into Lekki Phase 1, The Observatory is all about the view. Warm lighting and urban atmospheric feel make it perfect for dinner dates and soirees. Their cocktails are innovative (order the “Lagos Sunset”), and dishes range from lamb skewers to seafood pasta, to chicken tacos. Lounge, bar, and fine dining mixed together.

Final Thoughts

Lagos is a city that does not sleep, and neither does its nightlife and food. With floating bars and rooftop lounges, art spaces and fine dining restaurants, each venue provides a different experience of the city. Whether you are looking for strong Nigerian flavors, elegant cocktails, or a soulful cultural night, these venues are must-visit places that embody the spirit of Lagos.