Restaurant
Marks at the Park
Japanese and Pan-Asian fine dining in Twenty One Park, Wuse 2, known for sushi, robata grilling, signature cocktails and private dining rooms for celebrations.
Tar Tar
A contemporary bistro in a quiet Wuse 2 close that blends Asian technique with Nigerian flavours, best known for seafood such as crab cakes, scallops and shrimp dumplings.
At a glance
- Type
- Asian and Nigerian fusion
- Area
- Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- tartarabuja.com
Good to know
- Cocktail bar
- Online reservations
- Seafood
Why we recommend it
Tar Tar describes itself as a contemporary Asian and Nigerian bistro, and its menu shows exactly what that means: Asian techniques adapted to local tastes, using ingredients from West Africa and further afield. It occupies a building on Sorotona Close, a quiet street off Blantyre Street in Wuse 2, and since 2022 it has been led by its founder and chief executive, Tahirah Ikharo. It regularly appears in Nigerian press coverage of Abuja's leading restaurants.
Seafood is the strength. The small plates include crispy calamari, scallops, shrimp dumplings, a fresh shrimp roll, prawn and mayo spring rolls and firecracker shrimp, and the Tar Tar crab cake is one of the dishes the restaurant highlights. There are also shrimp and tuna nigiri and, in season, grilled octopus. Nigerian favourites appear alongside, notably ewa agoyin, the mashed bean dish usually served with a rich pepper sauce, and a basket of small chops, the party snacks found at celebrations across the country. A separate drinks menu includes cocktails.
The mood is relaxed but polished, which makes Tar Tar a good choice for dates, catch-ups with friends and small celebrations. Sharing several plates is the best way to explore the menu. Prices are at the upper end of the Abuja market, with most small plates in a similar bracket, so a full meal for two adds up quickly.
Reservations can be made through the restaurant's website, and booking is sensible on Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant also takes enquiries by phone and by email. If you have allergies, particularly to shellfish, raise them when you order, as seafood features across much of the menu. Check current opening times when you book.
Nairametrics included Tar Tar in its 2026 round-up of the most expensive restaurants in Abuja, describing an upscale, contemporary experience that blends seafood with Nigerian favourites. The restaurant sums up its food philosophy as tradition, innovation and craft, which shows in the way familiar Nigerian dishes sit beside nigiri on the same menu.
Sorotona Close is in the heart of Wuse 2, a short drive from the Transcorp Hilton and the hotels of Maitama. The restaurants, malls and rooftop lounges of Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent are a few minutes away, making it easy to continue the evening with drinks nearby.
Tar Tar FAQs
What kind of food does Tar Tar serve?
Asian and Nigerian fusion, with a strong focus on seafood.
What should I order?
Popular choices include the crab cake, scallops, shrimp dumplings and crispy calamari, along with ewa agoyin and a basket of small chops.
Do I need to book?
It is wise on weekend evenings. Reservations can be made through the website, by phone or by email.
Is it expensive?
Yes, prices are at the upper end of the Abuja market.
Is there a bar?
Yes, there is a separate drinks menu that includes cocktails.
Is it suitable for people with shellfish allergies?
Seafood features heavily, so tell staff about allergies when ordering.
Where is Tar Tar?
At 5 Sorotona Close, off Blantyre Street, in Wuse 2.