Restaurant
NOK by Alara
Opened in 2015 in the garden of Reni Folawiyo's Alara concept store, NOK serves contemporary dishes from across Africa and its diaspora in an art-filled setting.
Yellow Chilli
Yellow Chilli is a long-running restaurant and bar serving Nigerian and pan-African dishes such as seafood okra and jollof, with branches on Victoria Island and in Ikeja GRA.
At a glance
- Type
- Nigerian and pan-African
- Area
- Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- yellowchilling.com
Good to know
- Two floors
- Bar
- Second branch in Ikeja GRA
- Private dining in Ikeja
Why we recommend it
Yellow Chilli is one of the best-known restaurants in Lagos for Nigerian food in a comfortable, sit-down setting. Owned by Ebere Shogbola, it has two branches: the original on Oju-Olobun Close, off Bishop Oluwole Street in Victoria Island, and a second on Joel Ogunnaike Street in Ikeja GRA. Each branch is spread over two floors, and the restaurant can seat around 170 guests, which makes it a dependable choice for families and groups.
The menu focuses on Nigerian and pan-African cooking presented in a way that suits newcomers as well as regulars. The house signatures are the Jollof Fiesta, built around Nigeria's favourite rice dish, and Seafood Okra, an okra soup made with seafood. The menu also includes continental options for anyone in the group who prefers them. The bar serves cocktails, beer and soft drinks.
For visitors, Yellow Chilli is a good introduction to Nigerian food. Ask the staff to explain dishes and suggest which soup and swallow to pair. The atmosphere is relaxed and suits a long lunch or an easy dinner, and the restaurant describes itself as more than just a restaurant, aiming to celebrate Nigerian culture through food. The Ikeja branch has a private dining room and garden seating, which is useful for celebrations on the mainland.
The restaurant suits families, business lunches, first-time visitors to Nigeria and groups with mixed tastes. Prices are mid-range for Victoria Island. Booking is a good idea for larger groups and at weekends. The restaurant lists its hours as 10:00 to 22:00; check by phone if you plan to come on a public holiday.
If you are new to Nigerian food, a good approach is to order one rice dish, such as the Jollof Fiesta, and one soup with a swallow, then share them between two people. Ask for milder pepper levels if you are not used to spicy food.
The Victoria Island branch is in a central part of the island, close to Bishop Oluwole Street and within a short drive of the main hotels. The Ikeja GRA branch is a practical choice if you are staying near the airport, including at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja on the same street. Use a ride-hailing app to reach either.
Yellow Chilli FAQs
Where are the branches?
At 27 Oju-Olobun Close, Victoria Island, and at 35 Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA.
What are the signature dishes?
Jollof Fiesta and Seafood Okra.
What kind of food does it serve?
Nigerian and pan-African cooking, with continental options.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant lists its hours as 10:00 to 22:00.
Is it good for groups?
Yes. Each branch has two floors and seats around 170 guests.
Is there private dining?
The Ikeja GRA branch has a private dining room and garden seating.
Is it suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It is a good introduction to Nigerian food in a comfortable setting.
How can I contact the restaurant?
By phone on +234 814 113 0890 or by email at [email protected].