If there is one thing that Abuja does right, it’s food. Over the years, as Abuja has become an increasingly international city, restaurants representative of nearly every world culture have sprung up. Often hidden and reclusive, many of these restaurants are only known to those who have stumbled across them by accident; others are staples that form the gravitational center of the city’s weekend life. 

Here is my ranking of the best restaurants in Abuja. Feel free to debate in the comments below if you know about any hidden jewels that didn’t make our top 15. 

15.  Mr. Bigg’s

A favorite of the locals around town, Mr. Bigg’s has several locations around the city. Mr. Bigg’s is the place to go for a wide variety of quick fixes at a budget-friendly price. Here you will find staples of the Nigerian diet like jollof rice and meat pies, as well as some continental fare. 

For a relaxed, kid friendly, and amicable fast-food experience, Mr. Bigg’s is the place to go. Oh yeah, their ice cream is pretty good too. 

87, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

14. Obudu Grill House

Located on Ladi Kwali Way, Maitama, Obudu Grill has a reputation for the finest steaks in Abuja.  The ambiance is homelike, with sturdy wooden chairs and patterned tablecloth to give it a comfortable, Southern feel. 

This is the place to go for meat-lovers in Abuja. They offer a wide selection of Beef, Lamb, Veal, and Pork, though they also offer a Chicken Menu for the less carnivorous. Their cheapest steak goes for about N7,000 so this place doesn’t go easy on the wallet, but if you have the cash or a well-off date it’s still certainly worth your time. Watch out though, they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Ladi Kwali Way, Maitama

13. Nkoyo

Nkoyo markets itself for its “authentic and flavourful Nigerian dishes”.  For those of you who either a) want to experience Nigerian food for the first time or b) experience traditional food in a fancy setting outside of your home, Nkoyo is a good place to start. Their colorful, fun environment puts patrons at ease as soon as you step inside. Their menu has a variety of traditional starters like Stock Fish and Potato Cakes, and a large assortment of traditional soups like Bitter Leaf Soup and Afang Soup. 

Nkoyo also offers a simple mixed grill and burger option for those who want something a bit more continental. Prices are quite reasonable and definitely worth what you’ll be getting. 

Malabo St, Abuja

12. Secret Garden 

Let the Secret Garden take you away to a land of exotic comfort. This bar and pizzeria is a favorite among expats and locals alike for it’s live music and jovial outdoor atmosphere. They market themselves as having the best pizza in Abuja, so that’s a reason to go if nothing else.

If you’re not in the mood for large-scale eating, bar patrons can treat themselves to a range of fresh tapas, or lounge around in their comfortable outdoor furniture. 

Riverplate Park, off Ahmadu Bello Way

11. Dunes Cafe 

Dunes is a huge multi-complex that conveniently offers both a grocery store and continental restaurant. Dunes finds its popularity in this convenience, and has truly made itself a one-stop-shop. The restaurant is a great place for kids and offers the wide variety of standard fare that you’ll find at most restaurants in Abuja. Cue in the Shawarma and Kebabs. Portions are a good size, so you won’t have to worry about leaving hungry. 

Dunes also offers a continental restaurant on their first floor if you want something a bit more high end, but for me the quality of the food is no different, so it’s not worth the extra cash.

Dunes Centre, No., 44 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Abuja

10. SFC

Some people may look at me sideways for putting an international chain on a best-restaurants list, but I must assure you that SFC is popular here in Abuja for a reason. Nigerians like myself LOVE SFC. The fare is standard fried chicken and fries, but there’s something about it that puts it leagues ahead of all the other fried chicken joints in town. 

I’m not normally one for French fries or fast food, but SFC’s French fries have made me a believer. Take your food to-go to avoid smelling like oil, and allow yourself to be taken to greasy heaven for the next few hours. 

Multiple locations, ex. No. 44, Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, FCT

9. Blue Cabana 

Like Hilton, Blue Cabana is a hub of life in the city. Though it’s location is a bit out of the way, the ambiance absolutely makes it worth the trip. The quality of the establishment is not to be understated- you step inside and feel like you’ve been transported to a well-developed resort. The staff are well-trained and friendly, and you can comfortably relax as you sit by the pool.

The food is good, the atmosphere is great, and the price is decent- all of which make it an ideal weekend option. My only remark is not to bother with their chicken wings. 

Mabushi, Abuja

8. Transcorp Hilton Abuja

I would be remiss not to put the Hilton somewhere on this list. Hilton is the most universally popular spot for eating and relaxing in Abuja, and is in some ways it is still the heartbeat of the city. There are several food options at the Hilton. They offer an Oriental restaurant that varies its menu on different days. They also offer a large range of grill food and pizza all day and night by the pool, so you can sit outside and relax while you eat.

For big eaters like myself, the most popular option at the Hilton is their buffet. Although not amazing by international standards, the fact that it’s a buffet is enough for me. They offer traditional Nigerian dishes and soups, as well as an assortment of grilled meats, veggies, and fresh breads. Prepare yourselves to leave a few pounds heavier if you opt for this option. 

1 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Abuja 900001

7. Sinoni Restaurant 

Sinoni is an unexpected Asian delight in the heart of Abuja. They are conveniently open from 12 noon to midnight, and offer an environment everyone can appreciate. They offer private rooms and a large general seating area that feels like it could be in the heart of Beijing. Their menu is enormous and varied, so you can rest assured that you will find something you’ll like. The best meals are the ones you’ve never heard of, so don’t be afraid to stray from the beaten path when choosing what you’re going to eat. 

To me, the best part of this restaurant is the circular table dining typical of Asian culture. The rotating tables allow you to share dishes family style between yourself and your friends. Sinoni’s immersive experience is one you definitely shouldn’t miss. 

Oshogbo Cl, Abuja

6. The Clubhouse Resort

If you’re a regular in Abuja, you’ve probably heard of Life Camp. Located outside of the city center, locals often head out there to swim and partake of delicious food at “Clubhouse”, as it is familiarly known. Seating is low and comfortable, and they offer a selection of typical dishes like Shawarma and fish, as well as a selection of bar drinks.

Their food is some of the best quality in Abuja. I recommend heading out there for a relaxing lunch date on a weekend if you like to people-watch, and during a weekday if you would prefer some privacy.

TAK Continental Estate, Life Camp, Abuja

5.  Chez Victor 

Chef Victor is a native of Togo, and he has incorporated the culinary themes of his home country and French Cuisine for a delicious combination in fine dining.  Labeled as French and African Cuisine, it does justice to both cultures with its range of flavor profiles. The presentation is beautiful, to the point where you may not want to eat the food and destroy the hard work that was clearly invested in the product.

Try it though, and you certainly won’t regret it. Meat lovers, Vegetarians and Chicken lovers can all find something to love at Chez Victor. 

7 Ganges St. Ministers Hill, off Avlan Ikoku St. Maitama

4. Wakkis 

Walk into Wakkis and you see a giant tandoor oven. You’re surrounded by long tables and a brick-and-wood theme that makes for an interesting culinary experience. The food itself is rich and largely portioned, true to its ethnic origins. Kebabs, curries, chicken dishes and naan are all to be found for those of us who like to stretch the limits of our taste buds with spices and flavors. 

Wakkis is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, and the building itself has been crafted with care and attention in order to take you to another world. 

171 Aminu Kano Cres, Abuja

3. Tetrazzine 

Tetrazzini is a favorite with Nigerians in and around Abuja. According to some, it’s a better version of Mr. Bigg’s, another local favorite. Tetrazzine offers high quality, fresh Nigerian food at fair prices- you can easily spend less than N1,000 for a meal! 

Tetrazzine sells every kind of Nigerian soup and dish available, from tribal favorites to general classics like Moin moin. Interestingly enough, their spaghetti is also very, very good.

Plot 546, Conakry Street, Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja, FCT

2. AJ’s

Pizza may not be for everyone, but for those who do eat it, AJ’s is overwhelmingly the number one favorite pizza place in Abuja. Though we now have chains like Dominos opening up on every corner, AJ’s holds a special place in the hearts of Abuja dwellers. With over 40 types of pizza and the option to design your own, AJ’s offers a pizza for everyone. 

When you see this box, you know things are about to get interesting. 

Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja

1. Al Basha

 Al Basha takes the number one spot on our list because it holds a special place in my heart. Al Basha offers outstanding Mediterranean food not only by Nigerian standards, but by international ones as well. Their menu offers a rich assortment of fish, chicken, vegetarian and meat dishes. Typical Mediterranean fare like Hummos, Kibbe, Kafta and more are paired with western influences like French fries and pizza.

The chicken is tender and delicious, and the food is always flavorful. Together with it’s unique and romantic environment, it is our number one recommendation for eating out in Abuja. 

11 Cassandra Crescent, off Usuma Street, Abuja

By Destiny Kanu