Lagos has quietly built a vibrant café and bakery scene that goes beyond quick coffee stops. Across the city, thoughtfully designed spaces are emerging, places where good food, quality drinks, and calm ambience come together. From artisanal bakeries to specialty coffee bars and Asian-inspired tea houses, these spots have become favourites for brunch dates, work sessions, and relaxed hangouts.
If you are exploring Lagos one café at a time or looking for new places to add to your rotation, here are some standout cafés and bakeries shaping the city’s modern food culture.
Café Hopping in Lagos Island
1. Bao Bao House Lagos
View this post on Instagram
Bao Bao House Lagos brings a refreshing Asian influence to the local café scene. Specialising in Taiwanese-style milk breads and handcrafted bubble teas, this modern bakery focuses on freshness, balance, and comfort.
The space itself is warm and inviting, with milky toned walls, wooden accents, and a clean, modern aesthetic that instantly puts you at ease. Bao Bao House is known for its soft, fluffy milk bread loaves, baked fresh daily, alongside bubble teas brewed with premium tea leaves.
From classic milk tea and brown sugar boba to matcha, strawberry matcha, and taro milk tea, the menu caters to both first-time boba drinkers and seasoned fans. It is an ideal stop for group hangouts, casual meet-ups, or a calm afternoon break.
Instagram: @baobaohq
Address: Lord’s Mall – 24c Adewunmi Adebimpe Dr, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria
2. Gather House Africa
View this post on Instagram
Gather House Africa has quickly gained attention for its bright interiors and carefully curated menu. The space feels calm and intentional, blending café culture with wellness-inspired offerings.
It is the kind of place you visit for a slow morning, creative work session, or a relaxed brunch with friends. The menu features thoughtfully prepared drinks and light bites that match the serene atmosphere.
Instagram: @gatherhouseafrica
Address: 38 Norman Williams St, Ikoyi, Lagos 101233, Lagos
3. Pause Café Espresso Bar
View this post on Instagram
Pause Café Espresso Bar remains one of Lagos’s most loved coffee spots. Known for its quality espresso and relaxed vibe, it attracts everyone from remote workers to brunch lovers and casual coffee drinkers.
The ambience is cozy without feeling crowded, making it a reliable spot when you want good coffee and a calm place to sit for a while.
Instagram: @pause_cafeespressobar
Address: Shoprite The Palms, The Palms Shopping Mall, Bisway St, Maroko, Lagos.
4. XO Bakery, Artisanal Bakes and Brunch Classics
View this post on Instagram
XO Bakery stands out for its artisanal approach to baking and beautifully presented brunch dishes. From pastries to café-style meals, everything feels carefully crafted.
It is especially popular for weekend breakfasts and casual brunch dates, offering a warm bakery atmosphere paired with consistently good food.
Instagram: @xobakery
Address: 266 Kofo Abayomi St, Victoria Island, Lagos 106104, Lagos
5. Dulce Café NG
View this post on Instagram
Dulce Café NG offers a welcoming blend of freshly baked pastries and quality coffee in a warm, relaxed setting. It is the kind of café that feels familiar and comforting, perfect for slow afternoons or quiet catch-ups.
Their baked goods are a major draw, making it a dependable stop for pastry lovers.
Instagram: @dulcecafeng
6. Pomelo Pastries Café
View this post on Instagram
Pomelo Pastries Café is a boutique bakery known for its attention to detail and rich flavours. Located in Lekki Phase 1, it has built a loyal following for its pastries and desserts.
If you appreciate small-batch baking and well-executed sweet treats, Pomelo Pastries Café is worth visiting.
Instagram: @pomelopastriescafe
7. The Bodega Emporium, Café Meets Community Space
View this post on Instagram
The Bodega Emporium blends café culture with a relaxed community feel. It works equally well as a casual meeting spot, a place to work, or somewhere to enjoy fresh bread and drinks without pressure.
The atmosphere is laid-back yet refined, making it a flexible option for different moods and occasions.
Instagram: @thebodegaemporium
8. Milk and Honey Lagos, Sweet Treats and Easy Comfort
View this post on Instagram
Milk and Honey Lagos is known for its pastries, desserts, milkshakes, and café-style drinks. With locations that attract both regulars and first-time visitors, it has become a go-to for sweet treats and casual hangouts.
It is especially popular for dessert stops and relaxed conversations over drinks and baked goods.
Instagram: @milkandhoneylagos
Address: 1, Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi Lagos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Café Hopping in Lagos Island
1. What is this guide about?
This guide highlights some of Lagos’s notable cafés and bakeries, featuring spaces known for quality food, drinks, and inviting atmospheres. It is designed to help readers discover new spots for coffee, pastries, brunch, and casual hangouts.
2. Are these cafés suitable for casual hangouts?
Yes, all the cafés and bakeries listed are suitable for casual meet-ups, relaxed dates, and social gatherings. Many also offer calm environments ideal for spending a few hours.
3. Can I work remotely from these cafés?
Some of the cafés, such as Gather House Africa, Pause Café Espresso Bar, and The Bodega Emporium, are suitable for remote work. Availability of Wi-Fi and power outlets may vary, so it is best to visit during less busy hours.
4. Do these cafés serve food as well as drinks?
Yes, most of the cafés and bakeries listed serve a combination of pastries, baked goods, light meals, and specialty drinks.
Final Thoughts
Lagos’s café and bakery scene continues to evolve, offering more than just food and drinks. These spaces provide comfort, creativity, and connection, whether you are working remotely, meeting friends, or simply taking a break from the city’s fast pace.
Leave a Reply