If you’re craving a flavorful journey through Nigeria’s diverse cuisine, Lagos has some of the best native food spots that blend authenticity with a modern twist. From local favourites like amala, ofada rice, nkwobi, and egusi soup to creatively styled dishes served in cozy, Instagram-worthy spaces, these native restaurants are making heritage food fine again.
Native Food Restaurants in Lagos
1. Ile Iyan
Ile Iyan is a traditional-themed restaurant in Lekki known for its upscale presentation of Nigerian dishes. Expect well-plated servings of pounded yam, ogbono, egusi, and designer soups, all served in an elegant environment with minimalist décor.
Budget: From ₦15,000 per person
Address: Plot 6 Muiz Banire St, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Instagram: @ileiyan_ng
Website: www.ileiyan.ng
2. Native Foods
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Native Foods NG brings a warm, family-style atmosphere to Festac. Their ofada rice with ayamase sauce is a crowd favorite, and they offer a rich spread of soups including afang, edikaikong, and ogbono. Affordable, yet deeply flavorful.
Budget: From ₦10,000 per person
Address: 32/41 Road Junction, Festac Town, Lagos
Instagram: @nativefoodsng
3. Tilapia & Tinz
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Why Visit: A seafood-focused native restaurant that serves up grilled tilapia with spicy pepper sauce, native rice, plantain, and more. The ambiance is fun and vibrant, ideal for casual gatherings or solo food adventures.
Budget: From ₦15,000 per person
Address: 11, Oduduwa crescent, Ikeja GRA, Lagos
Instagram: @tilapia.tinz
4. Ofada Boy
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Ofada Boy is practically an icon in Lagos’s food scene. Their signature dish, ofada rice in traditional leaves, served with piping hot ayamase and assorted meat, is a must-try. They also offer palm wine and vintage-themed decor that captures old-school Naija vibes.
Budget: From ₦15,000 per person
Address: 1 Mba Street, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Instagram: @ofadaboy
5. Nok by Alara
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If you want luxury with your ogbono soup, Nok by Alara is where fine dining meets native food. With dishes from across West Africa and a curated menu by top chefs, it’s a perfect place for a refined but rooted culinary experience. The aesthetics are world-class, artsy and Afro-modern.
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Budget: From ₦21,000 per person
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Address: 12A Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island, Lagos
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Instagram: @nokbyalara
6. Ofe Uto
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Known for its flavorful soups and nostalgic taste, Ofe Uto prides itself on preparing local dishes like oha, ofe nsala, and bitterleaf soup using time-honored recipes. The Lekki location makes it convenient for residents and visitors alike.
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Budget: From ₦15,000 per person
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Location: Westbrook mall by Dillon, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
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Instagram: @ofeuto
7. Ofada Heaven
If Ofada rice is what you’re after, Ofada Heaven delivers the full experience. From spicy stew to juicy meat and a smoky native rice flavor, it’s ideal for comfort food lovers. The restaurant also offers delivery and is great for takeout orders.
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Budget: From ₦15,000 per person
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Location: 62 Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere.
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Instagram: @ofadaheaven
8. Amala Sky
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Arguably one of the most popular amala joints in Lagos. It’s no-frills but consistently delivers when it comes to that thick amala, gbegiri and ewedu combo.
Address: Beside Fidelity Bank, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa, Lagos
Instagram: @amalaskylagos
Website: www.amalasky.ng
9. Ité Lagos
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A boutique-style space that merges culture with food. Ité Lagos offers a fusion experience with locally inspired Igbo dishes in an art-gallery setting.
Address: 8 Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria
Instagram: @my.ite
Frequently Asked Questions About Native Food Restaurants in Lagos
1. What is a native food restaurant?
A native food restaurant specializes in traditional Nigerian dishes, often featuring indigenous recipes from various ethnic groups such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Efik, and more. These meals may include pounded yam, amala, ofada rice, egusi soup, oha soup, nkwobi, and others.
2. How much does it cost to eat at a native food restaurant in Lagos?
Prices vary depending on the restaurant. You can expect to spend:
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From ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 per person at casual spots like Native Foods NG, Ofada Boy, or Ofe Uto.
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Around ₦21,000 or more per person at premium locations like Nok by Alara. Budget-friendly options like Amala Sky may cost less than ₦5,000 per person.
3. Are reservations required?
Reservations are generally not required for most native food restaurants, but for upscale locations like Nok by Alara or during peak hours (weekends or holidays), it is advisable to book ahead.
4. Do native food restaurants in Lagos offer delivery?
Yes. Many of these restaurants offer delivery through platforms like Glovo, Chowdeck, and Bolt Food, especially those located in Lekki, VI, and Ikeja.
5. Which native food restaurant is best for group dining or events?
Restaurants like Ofada Boy, Ile Iyan, and Ofe Uto offer spacious settings ideal for group gatherings. Ité Lagos and Nok by Alara also cater to private dining and special events.
6. Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Some native food spots offer vegetarian soups (example,, efo riro without meat or fish, beans pottage, or yam dishes). However, vegan options may be limited, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm meal customization.
Wrap Up
If you’re in the mood for palm wine and bushmeat or designer rice and goat meat pepper soup, these restaurants combine culture, taste, and comfort, making native food something to celebrate every day.
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