Valentine’s Day 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Dining in Lagos
It’s that time of the year again; red outfits are coming out of hiding, flower vendors are working in overdrive, and restaurants all over town are gearing up to host their fill of lovers. What with all the tensioning that’s been going on since last year’s ‘last to marry is a fool’ race and ‘me and mines’ pyjama pics, we just know there’ll be no slowing down this Valentine’s Day.
However, if you’re still not sure where you’ll be dining with your significant other on Wednesday, you’re in luck because we’ve gone through all the nooks and crannies of the interweb and compiled this list for you. There’s also something in here for the singles, so bookmark this and make those reservations ASAP!
FOR THE ISLANDERS
In collaboration with The Picnic Yard, Nobs and Berries has curated an uber romantic Valentine’s experience. The comprehensive package features 3-course meals, drinks, custom bento cakes, outdoor movies, a photoshoot, karaoke and games, all set in teepee tents for an added layer of intimacy. They’re also setting up blind dates for singles, so you might just meet the love of your life at Nobs and Berries. For just N50k per head, I think it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Ile Eros’s Valentine’s Day Package is the definition of a culinary adventure. With 7 courses of creatively crafted Nigerian-fusion meals, you and your date are guaranteed to have a fun and immersive dining experience. The package costs N120k per couple and comes with welcome cocktails, wine pairings with each course and a ‘personalised music serenade’. We visited Ile Eros back in 2020 and had an amazing time, read all about it here.
Sol Oniru by Box Mall, Water Corporation Road, Trinity Avenue, Oniru
If you’re a fan of lush Polynesian cuisine, Rapa Nui might just be the perfect place for you. For N75,000 per couple (exclusive of taxes), you and your S/O can treat yourselves to a set selection of 3-course meals and a bottle of wine. And when you’re done with the dining bit, you can head right out to The Box Beach and do some romantic running around like in old Nollywood movies—or not. Ps, I raved about Rapa Nui’s divine Tres Leches cake in my 2023 review.
Landmark Centre, Water Corporation Road, Trinity Avenue, Oniru
Also on the semi-beach date side is 355 Landmark’s special all-you-can-eat-buffet offering, which is a lot more inclusive. The N25k package for singles comes with a glass of wine, the N75k package for couples comes with a bottle of wine, and there’s a N140k ‘Group of 4’ package which could be great for a double-date situation or just a fun night out with your friends/family. They’re also promising ‘entertainment’—whatever that means—, gifts and music.
For a more elaborate celebration of love, you can head over to Lala’s Bistro for their ‘Lovers Feast’. Their prices are a bit more on the break-the-bank side, with a table for 2 package going for N175k, table for 4 going for N300k and table for 8 going for N580k. However, considering you’ll be getting a 5-course meal, it might actually be a fair deal. There’ll also be live jazz music and other performances. Their outdoor dining space is gorgeous; perfect for a romantic evening.
Check out our review of Lala’s Bistro here.
Speaking of breaking the bank, Mantra’s offering tiered Valentine’s packages ranging from N350k - N550k per couple. You and your partner can enjoy as much as you can eat from their special menu of the day while seated in a beautifully adorned, exclusive space. There’ll also be live music and a selfie booth. Ps, Mantra had Chef Imoteda in a chokehold, so they’re clearly the real deal.
The GoodLife Restaurant is offering their special Valentine’s package from the 14th to 16th—in case you can’t make it on the actual day. For N130k per couple, you can enjoy a three-course meal from their limited menu and a glass of house wine while being serenaded by their live band in their très chic space. Plus, the serene poolside area with a view of the ocean sets a befitting ambience for the end of the night.
Gaby Lagos, a Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of VI, is sure to deliver an elegant dining experience with their 5-course candlelit Valentine’s Dinner. The singles package goes for N120k, the basic couples package for N230k, while the couples package with a bottle of wine and champagne go for N300k and N360k, respectively. There'll be a live band and a violinist to add an extra layer of sophistication. Read all about the top-tier experience we had last year at Gaby Lagos here.
Ibiyinka Olorunbe Close, off Amodu Ojikutu Street, Victoria Island
Treat yourself and that special someone to some Italian cuisine, a bottle of wine and a live saxophone performance at Ci Gusta for N100,000 (taxes inclusive). Ps, we didn’t have a super great time there last year, but your experience might be much better. Plus, you can bank on their delicious gelato and pastries.
For N45,000 per head, you can indulge in Anchor’s selection of soups, salads, starters, main courses, dessert and wine. I think of Anchor as primarily an Indian restaurant, but their menu has a bit of other Asian and intercontinental offerings as well. You’ll also get to enjoy a live performance from their band. See all the deets of our last month’s visit to Anchor here.
Scotch Bonnet's Valentine’s deal is probably the most affordable one on the Island. For just N45k per couple, you and your S/O get to enjoy a 3-course meal and a glass of wine each. Plus, if you book your reservation today, you get 20% off to boot.
Zoe’s Bistro, part of La Cour Hotels, also has a set 3-course Valentine’s menu, but it has slightly more options than the others on this list. The meal comes with a bottle of red wine and costs N100k per couple. You have to make your booking before the end of the day, so don’t sleep on it. Check out our mini review of them here.
Also in Ikoyi, but slightly more affordable, is Da Vinci’s N80k package, which allows you to wine and dine while being serenaded with live music. The restaurant is located inside The George Lagos hotel, so you’ll also be able to dine in the hotel’s garden and poolside area.
This is for those who want a great Nigerian fusion experience and don’t want to deal with the traffic Valentine’s Day offers. Happening on the 17th and 18th of February, ABÍNIBÍ is a celebration of authentic Nigerian cuisine and culture, through a 5 course menu with a wine or fresh juice pairing. ABÍNIBÍ is a journey to authenticity, as we learn to love, understand and appreciate our true selves. At 55k per head, this seems like a pretty good deal. We featured Chef Moyo of Atije here. You can also check out the highlights of our lunch club with Atije here.
FOR THE MAINLANDERS
Wakame is arguably the Mainland’s most sophisticated restaurant, so it’s the perfect place for an intimate dinner date on this side of the Bridge. For N65k per head, you can enjoy a 5-course meal of quality Asian cuisine and a glass of wine, with some soft live music to set the ambience. We tried out their menu before they launched in 2022 and had nothing but good things to say.
Just down the road from Wakame is Safron Hotel, where you can also have a quality meal for a lot less. They have a three-course meal package, which comes with a glass of wine or chapman, for N25k per head, and a buffet package for N22k per head. Both packages come with a complimentary rose and chocolate for the lady. The hotel has a rooftop space as well as an indoor dining space on the ground floor, but you could also have your meals by the poolside if it isn’t too busy.
Check out our Safron review here.
If an activity date is more your speed, Oshey Bar’s Paint & Sip event might be just perfect for you. For just N45k per couple, you get to embrace your inner Picasso, and enjoy dinner and bottomless wine for two while you’re at it. There are only 10 slots available though, so hurry up and reserve yours!
For N200k per couple, you and that special someone can enjoy 3-course meals, welcome drinks, a bottle of wine and vape (if that’s your thing), and live performances at this Mainland gem. Ps, we had a good time when we tried them way back in 2018, but we acknowledge that a lot could have changed since then.
Amber Lagos has something for those looking to take their Valentine’s celebration to the next level. They have two packages (N100k and N150k), both offering 3-course candlelit dinners, live R&B music, backdrops for proposals/vow renewals and a kissing booth. However, the pricier package has the added bonus of a night stay at a restaurant and a surprise package with Royal Hugs.
Ofada Heaven, a 24-hour restaurant in Sankofa Lounge, is hosting a special Valentine’s Dinner, themed ‘Love Like an Ocean’. The package features a four-course candlelit dinner with karaoke, games and to top it off, a befitting live performance of Dotti the Deity’s insta-famous ‘Forever Sweet’ song. The promising experience costs N50k for singles, N100k for couples and N500k for a table of 6, so you’ll be saving quite a bit if you go as a group.
Placebo's hosting an exclusive musical concert at their Nior Hall event space. For N65k, couples get to enjoy an expansive buffet and an array of live music performances. While in their regular dining space, singles can enjoy a 3-course meal for N35k. Both packages come with unlimited mimosas and chapmans. Check out our Placebo review here.
Oeuvre Bistro doesn’t have a prix fixe Valentine’s menu, so you’ll enjoy a bit more flexibility with their vast regular menu offerings. There’ll also be a live band performance, a small comedy show and gifts.
FOOD BOXES AND DELIVERY
Beezus Kitchen’s Valentine’s package is perfect for the Netflix n Chill gang. I mean, why put yourself through the stress of Lagos traffic when you and your lover can enjoy a quality 4-course dinner in the privacy and comfort of your home? Their table for 2 package costs N200k while their table for 4 package costs N320k. Both packages come with a bottle of prosecco and a tablescape to provide the perfect setup. You could also order some flowers for an additional fee.
Note: delivery fees are separate, and the package will be coming from Lekki Phase One.
You can pre-order Homemade's Valentine's gift box for that special someone by shooting them a DM on their socials or calling +2349082888088. The box with non-alcoholic drinks goes for N20k while the boozy box goes for N28k. Ps, that special someone can also be yourself 👍🏽.
+2347049162291 (WhatsApp)
Dulce is offering a variety of gift baskets of baked goodies, chocolates et al, with prices ranging from N18k - N60k. They also have a breakfast package for 2 priced at N42k and various flavours of Bento Cakes ranging from N12k - N42k.
+2347035727288 | +2349011938616 (WhatsApp)
Rubels and Angels has set Valentine’s packages ranging from as low as N25k to as high as N120k, whatever matches your pocket.
Gourmet Twist, famed to make the best banana bread in Lagos, is offering Valentine’s boxes ranging from N16k - N33k. Each package comes with their delicious banana bread, a complimentary note card with a custom message and a variety of drink, snack or meal pairings.
From as low as N20k, you can build your own food box from Papiee’s Meatro’s vast selection of meal offerings. They’re known for their generous, affordable portions, so your partner (or you 👀) is guaranteed to have their fill of quality food.
Have a great Valentine’s!