Food, they say, is life, and if there is one thing the residents of Abuja know how to do and do well, it is how to live life to the fullest.
Whether you are a local looking for a food adventure, japa returnee trying to reconnect with your cultural dishes, a solo traveler visiting Nigeria for the first time, on a family vacation, or simply in Abuja on a business trip, you deserve to eat good food and eat well.
Best Restaurants in Abuja
1. Uncle T
2. Blucabana restaurant and cafe
3. The Bukka
4. Cilantro Abuja
5. Duo restaurant
6. Lagos Bistro
Best Restaurants in Abuja
The truth is, restaurants can be largely a hit or miss experience for many. It’s either a combination of substandard food, poor service, inconvenient atmosphere, poor wait time, or unaffordable food. Making many people prefer homemade meals in the comfort of their homes or delivery, and while that’s no diss to the ones who love that hail our mother’s kitchen, sometimes you want to change it up a little.
That’s why we are recommending some of the best restaurants in Abuja to visit if you are looking for great service, scenic atmosphere, and affordable delicacies ranging from local and national dishes to international meals, where you get to experience home away from home.
1. Uncle T’s Diner
It would be weird, and I would be judging you with all of my heart if you came to Nigeria and didn’t deem it necessary to try out our local delicacies. For this, Uncle T has got you covered, offering local delicacies like ogbono, egusi, swallow, and of course, the global jollof rice (let’s be honest, Nigerian jollof is the best).
The restaurant also offers contemporary dishes if you are not a big local food fan or just want to eat differently. The setup is cozy and casual and makes you feel right at home with no frills, just flavors and good food, perfect for a solo food date after a long day of work, date night, or hangout with your friends.
Location: 51 Alex Ekwueme Wy, opp. Jabi Lake, Jabi, Abuja 900108, Federal Capital Territory
Budget: ₦30,000
Hours; 9;30 am – 12:00 am
2. BluCabana Restaurant
Blucabana is that spot you go to when you want good food, great ambience, a comfortable place to park your large group of friends and family, and have an enjoyable time. Picture this: an open breezy space, with a poolside view (and play area that your kids get to splash and play in, if they desire), sunshine, and the smell of grilling meat. If you prefer a sunny brunch experience or a lazy Sunday feel with a laid-back atmosphere and continental menu, then Blucabana is the right place for you. However, you should note that the Blucabana is on the pricier side of the restaurants in this line-up, so do go prepared.
Location: 1322 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Mabushi, Abuja 900108, Federal Capital Territory
Budget: ₦70,000
Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
3. The Bukka Restaurant (The Hilton Hotel)
The Bukka is a buffet-style restaurant which offers a range of continental and Nigerian dishes, ranging from an array of African dishes, from pepper soup and moimoi to continental dishes such as grilled seafood and pasta. As a plus, they offer a wide variety of desserts to choose from for those of us who have a sweet tooth and enjoy a little sweetness after marinating in flavors. Staying true to its vision of an African-continental fusion, the restaurant is tastefully decorated with a blend of modern sophistication and cultural highlights. The restaurants also offer themed nights such as the Arabian Night on Saturdays, who can say no to dinner and a show, right? It’s good to note that prices differ at the Bukka depending on the time and dates, with its dishes being more expensive during the holidays and on Sundays.
Location: 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja
Pricing: ₦30,000
Hours: 24 hours
4. Cilantro Abuja
Cilantro is renowned in Abuja for its flavorful and authentic Indian dishes, such as the butter chicken, garlic naan and lamb curries, making it the number one go to Indian restaurant in Abuja, but that doesn’t mean that is all they serve because they also have quite a mix of chinese meals as well. However, the true delight of Cilantro is its impeccable service that boasts waiters who genuinely care and want to help you, and lest I forget (because I can’t), its beautiful, spacious garden setting, which makes it both a scenic site for casual dining and special occasions as well. A must-visit when in Abuja, Cilantro is that restaurant that lives up to its reviews, no deception in between.
Location: Ibrahim Babangida Blvd, Maitama, Abuja 904101, Federal Capital Territory
Budget: ₦25,000
Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
5. Duo Restaurant
Duo restaurant and lounge is a Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern fusion restaurant that features cuisines such as the Chicken Escalope and Beef Cordon Bleu, shawarma, and even shisha. The ambience is impeccable, with great food and even better tea. While parking can be a pain, because oh well, it’s a wonderful place to eat, they make up for it with their wonderful service. With both outdoor and indoor seating options, you can choose to take your food while you people watch or enjoy your meal in the cozy indoors.
Location: 98 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja 904101, Federal Capital Territory
Budget: ₦25,000
Hours open: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
6. Lagos Bistro
Capturing the essence of Lagos (Eko) in the capital for those who can’t make it to the city that doesn’t sleep, while in Abuja. Lagos Bistro offers traditional dishes like Ewa Agoyin (Bean Pottage and stew) and Ofada rice, as well as continental dishes. The restaurant takes you to the heart of Lagos with its scenic decorations of popular danfo buses as pool tables, murals, and artwork that makes you feel like you are in the city of Lagos for real (10/10 for effort). A perfect spot for brunch, an evening gathering with friends, or even a solo hangout. Lagos Bistro is that restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously, all while providing you with good food, a beautiful atmosphere, and an experience to remember.
Location: 7 Humbori Street, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Pricing: ₦20,000
Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
So, whether you are new to Abuja, visiting on business, or taking a vacation in the federal capital, you deserve to experience great, affordable food that nourishes your stomach and enriches your soul even more. Each of these restaurants brings something unique to your dining scene that promises a memorable culinary experience. Make sure to add these best restaurants in Abuja to your bucket list and have a fun-filled experience.
