International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a time to honor the strength, talent, and achievements of women across every industry, including the world of food. What better way to celebrate than by dining at a restaurant owned by a woman who has poured her passion into creating unforgettable culinary experiences? This year, step into spaces where women are not just running the kitchen but redefining hospitality, flavors, and the art of dining itself. Whether you’re planning a brunch with your favorite ladies, a dinner date, or a solo treat to toast to progress, these must-visit women-owned restaurants offer the perfect setting for a meaningful celebration.

10 Women-Owned Restaurants in Nigeria To Visit

1. Myfood By Hilda Baci

Hilda Baci is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, and actress, best known for holding the Guinness World Record for marathon cooking (cook-a-thon) with an impressive 93 hours and 11 minutes in May 2023. She is the proud owner of My Food By Hilda, a sophisticated yet casual dining spot that reflects her dedication to exceptional food and warm hospitality. Here, guests can indulge in a carefully curated mix of intercontinental and Nigerian dishes, designed to delight even the most refined tastes. With a blend of elegance and practicality, My Food By Hilda caters to a diverse crowd—from those craving familiar flavors to adventurous food lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking a standout dining experience. The menu highlights the richness of Nigerian and global cuisines, offering a culinary journey that bridges culture and fosters meaningful connections.

What Customers are Saying

"After being out in f the country for sometime, eating Coconut rice and goat meat at Myfood by Hilda was the greatest way to start. Food was especially tasty, friendly staff. Want to surpass value for your money and satisfy your appetite, come here guyz. Thank me later." - Kayode Michael

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: Nigerian, Continental
  • Opening Times: 10am-10pm
  • Address: 8a Emma Abimbola Cole, Lekki Phase 1, Eti Osa 101222, Lagos

2. Z Kitchen

Z Kitchen was co-founded in 2018 by Lebanese couple Zeina Beydoun and Chef Zaid Beydoun. Located in the historic Westafco building in Victoria Island’s Saka Tinubu district, this upscale restaurant blends Nigerian and international cuisine with a refined dining experience. Its thoughtfully designed space includes a sophisticated main dining area filled with natural light, a charming enclosed courtyard garden, an intimate wine room, and a lively bar, making it a top choice for those seeking elegance and culinary excellence.

What Customers are Saying

"It was So Nice I had to Visit Twice while in Lagos." - S Shelton

Restaurant information

  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, American
  • Opening Times: 12pm-11pm
  • Address: 19 Saka Tinubu St, VI, Lagos, Nigeria

3. HSE Gourmet

Nkesi Enyioha is a seasoned chef and restaurateur, best known as the owner of HSE Gourmet, a popular dining spot in Lekki, Lagos. She launched her first restaurant, HSE Café (now HSE Gourmet), in 2016, introducing diners to a menu centered around comfort soul food. Her culinary expertise shines through in HSE’s diverse offerings, which span various cuisines and dining styles, from indulgent comfort meals to vibrant brunch selections. Building on the success of HSE Gourmet, Nkesi continued her culinary journey, leading to the creation of Sabor—a modern, casual restaurant that further showcases her passion for bold flavors and innovative dining experiences.

What Customers are Saying

"Great location, intimate space, nice outdoor eating area." - Ola Oluwo

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: Italian, American
  • Opening Times: 10am-10pm
  • Address: 25 Babatope Bejide Cres, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

4. Maple Lagos

Maple is where cultures collide in the best way possible—through food, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the vibrant energy of Lagos, this restaurant is all about celebrating life, good company, and the joy of a great meal. With a menu that brings together bold flavors from around the world—think American, French, Italian, and Jamaican dishes—every bite feels like a global adventure. And what’s a great meal without the perfect drink? The bar serves up expertly crafted cocktails and a handpicked selection of wines from across the globe. More than just a place to eat, Maple is designed for connection. Whether you're catching up with friends, meeting fellow creatives, networking with professionals, or just taking a break from the city's nonstop energy, the warm and stylish ambiance makes it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the moment.

What Customers are Saying

"Love the ambience and literally everything about this place. So it’s an easy 5-star for me. - Gabriel Fortune

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: American, French, Italian
  • Opening Times: 9am
  • Address: 9 Otunba Adedoyin Crescent Lekki phase 1,Lagos

5. The ONA Lagos

Obehi Ekhomu is on a mission to transform Nigerian cuisine and spirits while championing local farmers and artisans through her trailblazing venture, ONA Lagos. This newest culinary hotspot has quickly captured the attention of food lovers with its innovative and flavorful offerings. Led by the talented Chef Obehi, the restaurant boasts a stylish outdoor seating area, allowing guests to savor their meals while enjoying the refreshing Lagos breeze. At ONA Lagos, the menu reflects Chef Obehi’s commitment to crafting dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring a dining experience that is both exciting and deeply rooted in culinary excellence.

What Customers are Saying

"My friend invited me to dinner at Ona, and for once, I did not research the restaurant beforehand, so I had no idea what to expect. From the entrance, it was a unique experience. The security and entrance staff were exceptionally gracious and friendly, without the usual disgruntled expressions one encounters at other highly rated restaurants. The menu was another experience altogether, and kudos to our server, Favour, for explaining the different dishes to us. We opted for the Bao Down Tuesday menu at the end. The dishes' flavour profiles were distinct in a positive way, and if I ever crave something unique, I will certainly return. Overall, it was a splendid experience; a bonus was meeting other friends who came to enjoy the same. I recommend trying Ona at least once to shake things up from your usual restaurant scene." - Sikemi

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: African, French, Chinese
  • Opening Times: 12.30pm-11pm (Thu-Tue)
  • Address: 1701 Violet Yough Cl, Victoria Island, 106104, Lagos

6. NOK by Alara

Reni Folawiyo is a Nigerian lawyer-turned-fashion entrepreneur, businesswoman, and the visionary founder of Alara, West Africa’s first luxury fashion and lifestyle concept store, designed by renowned British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye. Expanding her passion for celebrating African creativity, she established NOK and NOK Garden by Alara to spotlight African cuisine. NOK by Alara is a contemporary African restaurant that serves as the culinary extension of Reni’s mission—to honor and elevate every facet of African lifestyle through food, design, and culture.

What Customers are Saying

"It's one of my favourite places.. top notch." - Adeola Obagun

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: Nigerian
  • Opening Times: 12pm-11pm (Tue-Sun)
  • Address: 12A Akin Olugbade St, Victoria Island, Lagos

7. Toasties

Eka Obaigbena honed her culinary skills at New York’s French Culinary Institute before gaining experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC and Madrid. In 2012, she launched Biscuitboneblog, a food blog dedicated to “Playing with African food,” where she experimented with blending traditional West African recipes with global cuisines. Inspired by a Heston Blumenthal cooking show, she created her now-famous Shaki Toastie—a flavorful mix of tender tripe, bufala mozzarella, and fresh basil—which sparked her journey into the sandwich business. In September 2016, she introduced TOASTIES from a small kitchen in a Lagos boutique shopping mall. Today, the brand continues to surprise and delight customers with its inventive, out-of-the-box sandwich creations.

What Customers Are Saying

"This restaurant is really soo good! Both on delivery and dining in the standard doesn’t differ. I am happy I found this resturant because I like it soo much. From the taste you can tell everything is made to a high standard and with love. The salads are such a great standard to and the avocado’s to. It can be soo hard maintaining a high standard but somehow toasties do it. Thank you. I wish this business more success." - Lakeiah Isaac

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: American, Mexican
  • Opening Times: 7am-10pm
  • Address: 113 Awolowo Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos

8. The Tearoom Lagos

Margaret Adenike Balogun is the MD/CEO of Diamondink Luxury Events and The Tearoom Lagos. Tucked away off Admiralty Way, just before the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, The Tearoom is a charming escape where floristry, great food, specialty cocktails, and some of the world’s finest teas come together. More than just a place to eat, it’s designed to be an experience—one that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Every inch of the space is picture-perfect, with a mix of vintage décor, beautiful blooms, and delightful scents that make it feel like a dream.

What Customers Are Saying

"The concept of the floral design is impressive, the food is decorated with natural edible flowers and the food tastes awesome,service is excellent ,a wonderful place to chill. Well done, Team Tea room you have tried." - Kumaraswamy Bs

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: American, Italian
  • Opening Times: 9am-10pm
  • Address: Off Wole Olateju Crescent, 6A Ogbunike St, Lekki, Lagos

9. The House

The House Lagos, founded by Tobi Hamilton, was created to offer a more relaxed and inviting social experience. Designed as a distinctive concept, it seamlessly combines fine dining, great music, and lively entertainment, providing guests with a memorable and refreshing way to connect in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting.

What Customers Are Saying

"The House is my best spot in Lagos. They have the best Smokey jollof and make the best cocktails. The service is also top notch. Highly recommend." - Oluwapelumi Aderogba

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: Jamaican,
  • Opening Times: 10am-1am
  • Address: 4 A.J. Marinho Dr, Victoria Island, Lagos

10. RSVP Restaurant

Co-founded by Maya Halabi and her husband, Nahi Halabi, R.S.V.P. is an American restaurant and bar in Victoria Island, Lagos. With its blend of industrial luxury design and a hidden bar and lounge tucked behind the restaurant, R.S.V.P. draws inspiration from Manhattan’s Prohibition-era establishments. Its commitment to freshly made dishes, an outstanding bar program, top-tier service, thoughtfully curated music, and world-class design has redefined dining standards in the city.

What Customers Are Saying

"The food is amazing and perfect portion size. The drinks are very tasty as well. Very friendly and helpful professional staff." - Natalie Mazur

Restaurant Information

  • Cuisine: American, Chinese
  • Opening Times: 11am-10.30pm
  • Address: 9 Eletu Ogabi St, Victoria Island, Lagos

Conclusion

As International Women's Day approaches, there's no better way to celebrate than by supporting women-owned restaurants that bring passion, creativity, and excellence to the dining scene. Whether you're planning a special gathering with loved ones or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable meal, these restaurants offer more than just great food—they represent resilience, innovation, and the power of women in the culinary world. So, raise a glass, savor every bite, and honor the incredible women shaping the industry, one delicious dish at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is International Women’s Day a great occasion to visit a women-owned restaurant?

International Women’s Day is a time to honor and uplift women, making it the perfect opportunity to support women entrepreneurs while enjoying a fantastic dining experience.

Do women-owned restaurants offer special menus or events for International Women’s Day?

Many women-owned restaurants celebrate the day with exclusive menus, themed events, discounts, or collaborations with female chefs and mixologists. It’s best to check their websites or social media for updates.

Are women-owned restaurants more expensive than others?

Not necessarily. Women-owned restaurants cater to different budgets, from affordable eateries to luxury dining spots. You can find options that match your celebration plans.

Why should I dine at a women-owned restaurant on International Women’s Day?

Dining at a women-owned restaurant is a great way to support female entrepreneurs, celebrate their contributions to the culinary industry, and enjoy unique dining experiences crafted with passion and creativity.

About Dinesurf

Dinesurf is your trusted companion for discovering the best dining experiences across Africa. Our team is dedicated to analyzing thousands of online reviews and ratings from diners to curate the most comprehensive and reliable restaurant guides.

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