Fine Dining On a Student Budget
When the topic of restaurants is raised, the number one question always asked is “how much does it cost to eat there?” We students are always the champions, we come out victorious in such topics. Because our lives involve enjoyment on a budget.
For those with a stringent budget and also those who go out on a budget, these restaurants offer the best cuisines and ambiance in Lagos.
YELLOW CHILLI
This is a restaurant known for their African cuisine, ranging from their seafood okra to Isi Ewu (goat head) and they don’t forget those with the knack for continental dishes. Their jollof rice fiesta is loaded with shrimps and other delicacies. Their dishes range from 3,500 — 6,000 naira which is student pocket-friendly.
They have two branches: one at Victoria island and the other at Ikeja GRA. The ambiance is good and with great lighting.
PURPLE BISTRO
Purple Bistro provides accessible and affordable fine dining options, and its proximity to UNILAG — it is located at number 3, university road — is a plus.
The food is great and every item on their menu costs less than 5000 naira. For eating in, the restaurant has a nice ambiance and a cozy feel.
Good service, good food, and ease of access make Purple Bistro an excellent choice for a quick breakfast, casual lunch, or fancy dinner.
VANILLA MOON
It is located on No. 2, Saka Jojo Street, Victoria Island. It has a very welcoming environment. The décor is trendy and appealing and has both indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
Vanilla Moon’s restaurant and bar offer an all-day dining experience from noon to midnight. Their food is very amazing. The price is what you will expect from a restaurant on the island, not expensive and not overly cheap with the range of 3,000 — 16,000 naira.
The staff is courteous and customer service is top-notch. The food delivery was top notch and the aesthetics are also very nice. This is the epitome of fine dining for me. Another eye-catching thing in this restaurant is the lights above the tables. It also has a great restroom where you can take pictures.
WOKS AND KOI
It is a Chinese restaurant known for its contemporary style of traditional Asian cuisine. It is located on 5A Doherty street off Admiralty way, Lekki. It is one of the few good Chinese restaurants in Lekki where you actually get your money’s worth. The view is quite aesthetically pleasing and the evening lights make for a very romantic setting. I may or may not have given you a destination for your next date with your significant other. Thank me later.
Their food choices range from their woks and koi special fried rice to their crab with ginger & spring onions sauce to the mid mocktails and cocktails. With a budget of 5,999, you’ve had good and proper dining. The customer service is on point, the waiters are also very professional. All around, it is a very good restaurant.
HUAHAN RESTAURANT
It is a Korean-Chinese restaurant known for its traditional style of pan-Asian cuisine which offers BBQ dishes and hot pots. It is located at 45C Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja. The restaurant prides itself on being the only authentic Korean restaurant in Lagos. Their food costs N5000 naira max including tax. However, the taxes are a lot but the experience is worth it!
When going out on dates or hanging out with friends, I always advise that one gets to know the restaurant menus beforehand just so as not to overspend and avoid awkwardness as this helps to curb and control the amount going to be spent. The issue of transportation or movement also comes into play. The way I try to beat around this is by moving together with friends when we have an event or a dinner as this also helps in managing our money.
