Going out for brunch is one of my favourite things to do in Lagos, whether catching up with friends or feeling fancy in my lovely Sunday outfit. There’s just something that tickles me about dining out during the day, especially when the weather is great, the ambience is appealing, and the food is good. Sign me up! I often receive requests to recommend places for a cute brunch or a work lunch, especially from my friends in the corporate world. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite places, each standing out to me for different reasons. Note that this is a subjective list from the perspective of a millennial who has lived in Lagos all her life and enjoys dining out in the city. Let’s find out what influenced my decision!
XO Bakery
XO Bakery takes the top spot on this list because, to me, it’s the BEST brunch spot in Lagos. Hear me out. The space is not only very cute and intimate but also incredibly artsy with creative decor. You can almost sense that the owner has a passion for the arts or is a creative soul. As a fellow creative, I naturally see this place as a haven, but it gets even better. The crowd here is top-notch, with other creative entrepreneurs either working, meeting with fellow creatives, or simply enjoying a meal. Now, let’s talk about the food—I am obsessed with it. The menu selection, the quality, and the attention to detail in preparing the dishes are quite noticeable with every bite. My personal favourites are their doughnuts, which have had me in a chokehold for years. I’m crazy about them, and I never visit without grabbing some to-go. I might have rambled on, but XO Bakery truly is that spot, and those who get it, well, they get it.
Address: 4a Akin Olugbade Street, Lagos
Opening Hours: 8am – 8:30pm daily
Contact: 09091111902
Brisk
Securing the second spot on my list is Brisk at Ikoyi, a place I truly love to visit. The first thing that thrills me about this spot is the food, and rightly so. Brisk has mastered the art of consistency when it comes to the quality, taste, and freshness of its menu options. My go-to dish on the menu is the Steamy Turkey Coconut, a delightful fusion of Turkey in Gravy with spicy potato cubes and coconut rice— it’s a perfect combination. Trust me; everyone I’ve recommended it to swears by it. Another part that truly impresses me is the reasonable pricing. You get value for your money every time you dine here. Brisk is also a welcoming and open restaurant with hospitable staff who remain warm from the moment you walk in until you leave. The service is excellent, and the ambience is just right for a mature and relaxed brunch setting. I particularly love their charming outdoor space for AlFresco dining; it feels like a mini Paris in Lagos to me. If you are searching for the best place in Lagos to have brunch with family, friends, or co-workers, Brisk is my top recommendation.
Address: Falomo Square Mall, Ikoyi
Opening hours: 9am – 12 am daily
Contact: 09160001805
Gazzy
New spots continue to emerge in Lagos, and it has become my tradition to explore as many as possible in search of new culinary adventures and hidden gems. Gazzy is one of our recent discoveries, earning its place on this list due to its combination of affordability and delightful cuisine. Since it opened at the end of 2023, Gazzy remains relatively undiscovered, offering more privacy and exclusivity for those who seek it.
Currently, Gazzy stands out as the go-to spot for those in need of decent yet budget-friendly meals in a serene setting. I highly recommend it as an excellent place to work from or to wait out traffic, allowing you to observe the surroundings right from the restaurant. How convenient is that? What truly impresses me about Gazzy are the drinks, which, in my opinion, are 10/10. The cocktails and smoothies are not only delicious but also surprisingly affordable. I highly recommend it!
Address: Enyo Stillwaters Service Station, Chisco Busstop, Lekki
Opening Hours: 9am – 11pm daily
Contact: 09160002684
Eric Kayser
You wouldn’t expect anything less from a global food brand like Maison Kaiser, and the Lagos branch lives up to its reputation. Eric Kayser is another spot that prioritizes consistency in the quality and taste of its offerings—a rarity that is truly cherished. With two locations in Lagos, one in Victoria Island and another in Ikoyi, Eric Kayser provides guests with a warm dining experience that resonates well during brunch. The ambience is also both family-friendly and work-friendly.
I particularly enjoy their diverse array of pastries, and I feel a taste of Paris with every bite of their croissants. The Ikoyi branch is an excellent choice for those who need a quick coffee while working or hosting meetings. The lighting here is great for photos and those vain moments, and the ice cream is a solid 10/10.
Address: 9 Osbourne Road, Ikoyi
Opening Hours: 7am – 10pm daily
Contact: 09060007275
Cactus
The real OG before IG! Is this list even complete without Cactus? If you’ve lived in Lagos long enough, you know Cactus has become a mainstay for Sunday brunches. Families love it here, and people enjoy celebrating here as well. It’s not far-fetched because this restaurant is complete with both indoor and outdoor dining options, a kids’ playground, a cafe, and a seaside view. It’s truly a complete package.
I prefer to visit during the week when there’s a smaller crowd. In the food business in Lagos, it is very easy for restaurants to lose their relevance after a while, and that can be for a variety of reasons. However, Cactus came into our city promising great food and has continued to deliver on that promise. The food here is impressive, and you can choose to enjoy your brunch at the cafe if you need some intimacy.
A wine and pizza date is one of my favourites, for a chilled catch-up. Pro Tip: Nothing beats the gelato here; it’s the best thing ever!
Address: 20-24 Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island
Opening hours: 7:30am – 10pm daily
Contact: 08181777666
These spots in Lagos resonate with my personality, taste and standards when in search of brunch. I choose them based on my preference at the moment. Regardless, there are several other nice spots to get brunch in Lagos, and you can check out the ultimate brunch guide for more recommendations.
