By now, I think it is safe to say that Abuja is one of the few states in the country that has the most amazing mixture of flavors: local and global cuisines, and fine dining experiences. The city has everything from great local foods to more exotic Lebanese dishes, spicy indian food to saliva-inducing Chinese and Japanese delicacies.
It is pretty safe to say that there are hardly any popular, well-known country dishes that the city doesn’t serve its many locals and tourists; you just have to know where to find them. If you are a food lover and adventurer, you can be sure that there is always something new and amazing to try in Abuja without ever leaving the city limits.
Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Abuja
1. Cantina Restaurant
2. Ciao Italy Restaurant
3. Basilico Restaurant
4. Zuma Grill
5. La Taverna.
Italian Restaurants in Abuja
For all the lovers of good pasta and great pizza, you can be sure that Abuja’s Italian restaurant scene doesn’t fail. Like all the other international fine dining restaurants, it promises flavors, rich tastes, and a good time. So, grab your imaginary passport and let’s take a journey through Abuja’s best Italian restaurants.
1. Cantina Restaurant
This is one of the most cherished spots in Abuja to get Italian comfort food. Cantina’s most treasured feature is its delicious homemade dishes that make you feel like they were made from old recipes handed down from generations before. Rich, flavorful lasagna and crunchy homemade Tacos filled with simmering hot sauces.
The starter breads in themselves could rival a bakery on their own; that’s how good they are. You have varieties to choose from, flavored cheese, garlic bread, to hot mozzarella sticks served with tasty sauces. These classic recipes evoke in you a warmth and familiarity with just one taste.
The restaurant also serves a range of drinks, from cold sweet milkshakes to cool mojitos and draught beers. And of course, would it even be an Italian restaurant if it didn’t serve wine? The restaurant boasts a large collection of red wines, champagnes, and rosé wines from all over the world to go along with your pasta and steaks.
Designed in rustic and cozy charm typical of Italy’s trattoria, think warm colored brick walls, comfortable chairs, and wooden decor. The unpretentious atmosphere invites you to relax and chat with your partner or friend long after you’ve eaten and maybe nurse a glass of wine while you converse.
Location: 33 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Price Range: 10,000 – 20,000
2. Ciao Italia Restaurant
Ciao Italia is one of the fastest rising Italian restaurants in the city of Abuja. People love everything about this spacious, nature-themed, cosy little restaurant situated right in the heart of Central Park, Abuja.
The restaurant has a large array of Pizza selections to choose with each piece more divine than the last. It could easily be ranked as the best pizza place in the city. Their Alfredo Pasta or Creamy Risotto makes cooking your pasta or rice at home look like a crime that should attract a fine.
You can end your meal with iconic Italian desserts like the Tiramisu or the cool and chilling gelatos that come in several flavors. Ciao Italia also boasts an impressive array of drinks like any good Italian restaurant should, serving everything from Italian wines and cocktails and Sodas for people who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
The decor is fantastic with cozy chairs, comfy pillows and a serene environment. The restaurant is designed in an open air layout complete with trees, lights and greenery that would make an eco-friendly architect sigh in delight.
The dining area is divided into a rustic earthy elegant dining area complete with an open kitchen so guests can witness the art of Italian cooking and an airy vibrant atmosphere for guests who prefer the outdoors and the novelty of dining amongst tall trees.
The whole area is beautiful and family-friendly, so you can bring your kids along to have a good time.
Location: Plot 174 Kur Mohammed Ave, Wuse, Abuja 900103, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 10:00 am -11:00 pm
Price Range: 15,000 – 30,000
3. Basilico Restaurant
Searching for perfect dining restaurants for your date? Basilico is where you need to go. The restaurant’s soft mellow lighting and elegant cozy aesthetic is sure to wow your date and score you a few points in her regard.
The restaurant serves a range of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. It focuses on gourmet meals, a critic’s delight wine list, and knowledgeable service from its staff.
What sets it apart from other Italian restaurants is the incorporation of Italy’s food thrill with a more Mediterranean flair. The restaurant fuses prominent Italian dishes with the occasional subtle Mediterranean culinary masterpieces like fresh seafood and Greek-inspired salads.
The menu caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians and even offers other options for people with allergies, I find this really innovative. The bar section is a cocktail aficionado’s dream come to reality with classic cocktails and creative new mixes from expert mixologists, a wine collection and spirits.
Whether it is the perfect date night location you are looking for or a place to celebrate a special occasion with family, Basilico has got you covered.
Location: 109 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse, Abuja 904101, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Price Range: 20,000 – 50,000
4. Luigi’s Restaurant, Abuja
Tucked inside the immaculate Abuja Continental Hotel, Luigi’s is the go-to choice for people craving authentic Italian dishes; cholesterol, sharp taste, and flavors combined. The restaurant serves classic Italian Pasta and Pizzas, and national staples like the deep-fried calamari with marinara sauce, with more selective regional offerings like the Fritto Misto.
The restaurant offers diverse seating arrangements to fit guests’ needs. You can enjoy a two-seat intimate dining experience with a partner, or a large gathering seating ideal for family and friends. The outdoor patio has a view of the water fountain and beautiful trees.
The portions are very generous, the price is reasonable if a bit pricey. Their staff have in-depth knowledge of the dishes and are attentive and willing to help with food and wine selection. Luigi is the ideal spot for business lunches, casual dinners, or a date night experience, combining authenticity with luxury.
Location: Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Ladi Kwali Way, Maitama, Wuse, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000
5. La Taverna, Abuja
La Taverna is a charming European Bistro located on the 5th floor of the Statement Hotel. Popular for its Spanish cuisine and authentic Italian staples. A restaurant you go to when craving a bit of casual European hospitality and an amazing fine dining experience.
The decor is warm and inviting, leaning towards the casual and rustic feel of typical European bistros. It has a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your food with a view of the city and an outdoor patio where you can dine al fresco if you prefer.
The wine bar is casually incorporated into the restaurant’s decor, with walls and walls casually lined up with delightful bottles of different beverages, everything from wines, whiskeys, vodkas, and rum to cocktails and mocktails and of course milkshakes, juice and even coffee for people who would rather not have a drink..
The restaurant hosts special food events, days when guests get to experience a particular food in depth, like Taco Tuesdays. There’s also a popular Thursday pasta event, allowing guests to try out any pasta of their choice with a glass of Frontera wine at an affordable price, whether it is the lamb ravioli or the prawn tortellini.
La Taverna is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a relaxing diner, its friendly and reliable service making it a hotspot and popular favorite for people who want the whole Italian experience without a fuss.
Location: 5th Floor, Statement Hotel, First Ave, Wuse, Abuja 900103, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Price Range: 12,000 -25,000
Coclusion
Abuja’s Italian restaurant scene is a nod to the city’s culinary diversity and ability to incorporate different global tastes into its environment without a bad reputation.
So whether you prefer the subtle elegance of Basilico, the rustic charm of Cantina, or the Casual vibe of La Caverna. Even if you you are craving a piece of Neapolitan Pizza or Ravioli Pasta, you can experience the amazing feeling of having Italian delicacies while remaining in the borders of Abuja.
Which one of these Italian restaurants will you be trying in Abuja?
