Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you haven’t sorted out your dinner plans yet — no judgment, but also, hurry up.
Whether you’re planning a dreamy first date, a long-overdue night out with your partner, or honestly just treating yourself (valid), Nigeria has a restaurant for every mood, every budget, and every love language. And because we’re feeling generous this February, we’ve rounded up the best romantic restaurants in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt to wine, dine, and make memories with your special someone.
From rooftop bars with city views to intimate fine-dining rooms and cozy garden hideaways — here are the best restaurants in Nigeria for Valentine’s Day 2026. You’re welcome.
Lagos
Lagos doesn’t do anything small, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Whether you want classic Nigerian flavours elevated to fine dining, a laid-back burger spot, or something gloriously in between, the city has you covered.
1. The House Lagos
Let’s kick off our culinary tour at The House. We’re convinced they put jazz in their food because everything is A1 and you also get to enjoy a chic and cozy new ambiance. The House is the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Go for the food, not the aesthetics.
What to Order: Their Jollof rice and smoked Turkey or their Ofada. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Everything they cook is SOOO GOOD.
Check out The House Lagos on Instagram
2. Nok By Alara
Image Credit: Eat Drink Lagos
You may roll your eyes at “bougie Amala,” but Nok’s version of this classic traditional dish is pure joy, and it has been for years. Nok is a haven for anyone who appreciates top-tier traditional West African cuisine elevated to fine dining. One visit and you’ll understand the hype.
What to Order: Their signature Amala.
Check out Nok by Alara on Instagram
3. Ona Lagos
Ona Lagos is a chef-owned restaurant that celebrates the richness of African cuisine with a beautifully modern twist. They also offer a rooftop bar perfect for enjoying the breeze and scenic views of the city — ideal for a Valentine’s evening that moves from dinner to drinks.
Check out Ona Lagos on Instagram
4. HSE Gourmet
If comfort food with a gourmet twist is your style, HSE Gourmet is the place to be. The restaurant is renowned for its upscale approach to comfort dishes, and their Ramen is worth writing home about — a perfect balance of rich broth, tender noodles, and a medley of fresh toppings that hits differently on a romantic evening.
What to Order: A steaming hot bowl of Ramen with toppings.
Check out HSE Gourmet on Instagram.
5. Cafeteria
For a more café-style vibe, head over to Cafeteria for a brunch that is both satisfying and stylish. This spot is perfect for a laid-back Valentine’s morning or an afternoon date. Their pancakes are genuinely drool-worthy, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
What to Order: The Pancakes or Chicken and waffles
6. Foodshack
When it comes to hearty, finger-licking food, Foodshack delivers with style. They’re known for dishes with bold flavours and generous portions. Foodshack is an ideal spot for a casual, fun-filled date night.
What to Order: The Honey Ribs, a combination of succulent meat glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Check Foodshaclk out on Instagram.
7. Salmas
Salmas is where to get top-tier Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to break away from the usual and try something uniquely delicious. The warm, inviting ambiance sets just the right tone for a romantic dinner that transports you and your partner straight to the Mediterranean.
What to Order: Order one of their platters to sample a little bit of everything.
Check out Salma’s on Instagram.
8. Grey Matter
For a modern twist on comfort dining, Grey Matter is where you should head. This spot is famed for its creative menu offerings that blend intercontinental and local ingredients and flavours.
What to Order: Their Tacos as well as the Sweet Potato and Goat Croquettes.
Check out Grey Matter on Instagram.
9. Locale Lagos
Locale Lagos is a hotspot for those who love gourmet one-pan dishes, sides and finger foods.
What to Order: The one-pan chicken and rice, a soul-satisfying dish of flavourful, tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice that does not miss.
10. Pitstop Lagos
Sometimes, nothing beats a classic burger. Pitstop Lagos is a burger lover’s paradise, offering a variety of creative takes on the all-time favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or something with a twist, you’ll always get a satisfying bite.
What to Order: Grab any burger on the menu.
Check out Pitstop Lagos on Instagram.
Ibadan
Don’t let anyone tell you Ibadan doesn’t know how to do Valentine’s Day. The city has a quietly impressive dining scene, from rooftop bars to fine-dining sanctuaries and this February, the options are better than ever.
1. The Five Continents
If you want a Valentine’s date that feels genuinely grand, Five Continents at the Golden Tulip Hotel is one of the top choices in Ibadan this season. This year they’re pulling out all the stops with a special Tulip Love Experience running from February 12th–15th. Think karaoke, live dancers, and a curated multi-course menu designed to make the evening feel like an event, not just a dinner. For couples who want the full cinematic Valentine’s experience, this is it.
2. The Lime Lounge
This one is for couples who love to dress up and show out. Perched on the rooftop of Bond Mall, The Lime Lounge combines stylish outdoor seating with sweeping views of Ring Road at night — the kind of view that makes everything feel a little more romantic. Add cocktails, smooth music, and a live band to the mix, and you have a genuinely solid Valentine’s atmosphere. Fair warning though: reservations are a must here. This place books up fast, so don’t sleep on it.
3. Sa’Ire Restaurant
Sa’Ire is an Afro-fusion fine dining spot in New Bodija offers a personalized five-course meal that feels less like dinner and more like an experience — intimate, unhurried, and beautifully considered. It’s the kind of place where conversations go deeper and the food matches every moment of it. For couples who want romance without the noise, Sa’Ire is as close to perfect as it gets.
4. Café Chrysalis
Café Chrysalis is one of Ibadan’s most beloved romantic spots, and it has earned that reputation honestly. Set in a charming garden-themed space in Old Bodija, it offers the kind of peaceful, unhurried ambiance that’s increasingly hard to find — trees overhead, cozy seating, soft music, and a “secret garden” atmosphere that makes the city feel very far away. It’s reliable, it’s charming, and it’s the kind of place that works just as well for a first Valentine’s together as it does for a tenth.
5. Tamberma
Tamberma is a wonderful option for couples who prefer a calm, private atmosphere over the buzz of a rooftop crowd. The restaurant has a warm, earthy feel with African-inspired décor and lighting that lands at just the right level of romantic without trying too hard. The menu spans pizzas and intercontinental dishes, so there’s something for every palate. If you want good food, a beautiful setting, and a conversation that isn’t competing with a DJ, Tamberma is exactly where you should be.
Abuja
Abuja does romantic dining with a certain effortless polish. Whether you’re after Italian authenticity, Asian-inspired rooftop elegance, or warming Indian comfort food, the capital has a table waiting for you this Valentine’s Day.
1. Ciao Italia Restaurant
Ciao Italia is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in Central Park, right in the heart of Abuja, and it makes a genuinely strong case for being one of the most romantic dinner settings in the city. Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, but the standout option is the signature birdcage-style setup — an enchanting, fairy-lit space that feels like it was designed specifically for Valentine’s evening. The menu delivers some of the most authentic Italian food in Abuja, and the wood-fired pizzas are widely considered the best in the city. Intimate, beautiful, and just the right amount of special.
2. Marks at The Park
For a date night that hits every note — great food, great views, great energy — Marks at The Park is hard to beat. This stylish rooftop restaurant in Wuse II serves a refined menu of Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine, and the sushi, Chicken Katsu, and Shrimp Gyoza have all earned a devoted following among regulars. But what really elevates the experience is the setting: as the sun dips on Valentine’s evening, the sweeping city views from the rooftop turn a great dinner into a full-on occasion. Elegant without being stiff — ideal for impressing a date.
3. Wakkis
Wakkis holds a special place in the hearts of Abuja food lovers, and for good reason — this Indian restaurant has built its entire reputation on something rare: consistency. Year after year, it delivers the kind of rich, aromatic, deeply satisfying food that keeps people coming back. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic for a reason, the prawns are bold and generous, and the warm, friendly service makes the whole experience feel genuinely welcoming. If your partner loves big, comforting flavours, Wakkis is a safe — and delicious — Valentine’s bet.
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt’s dining scene punches well above its weight, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to discover just how good it’s gotten. Here are three standout spots worth booking for the occasion.
1. Asia Town
Asia Town is Port Harcourt’s most celebrated dining destination, and it more than earns that title. Settled in the Old GRA, the restaurant’s menu spans Chinese, Thai, and Japanese cuisine alongside Nigerian dishes, making it one of the most diverse dining experiences in the city. There’s also a private dining room for couples who want to make the evening feel extra exclusive.
2. BoomTown Restaurant & Coffee Shop
BoomTown brings a relaxed but elevated energy to dining in Port Harcourt’s New GRA. The menu moves comfortably across Italian, Mexican, and American cuisines, making it a strong pick for couples with different tastes who still want to share a great meal.
3. Genesis Restaurant
Genesis has been feeding Port Harcourt for over two decades, and its staying power is entirely deserved. The restaurant brings Italian and Chinese cuisines together under one roof — an unusual pairing that somehow works beautifully — and the result is a menu that genuinely has something for everyone. Good food, warm service, and a relaxed setting that lets the evening breathe. Sometimes the classics earn their status for a reason.
