Aura Abuja

Aura is a rooftop restaurant and lounge at The Lake Square Plaza on Alex Ekwueme Street, beside Jabi Lake in western Abuja. It is one of the city's favourite places for an evening out away from the crowds of Wuse 2, with a relaxed rooftop setting and views over the lake and the surrounding skyline.

The timing is part of the appeal. Aura opens daily at 16:30, so the best plan is to arrive in the late afternoon, find a table on the rooftop and watch the light change over the water as the evening air cools. It works equally well for a drink with friends after work and for a longer dinner.

The menu includes starters, salads, bruschetta, main courses, pasta, sides and desserts, and portions are designed for sharing, which makes it a good choice for groups. The drinks list suits a sundowner, and the atmosphere stays relaxed rather than clubby, so conversation is easy.

Expect to spend around the mid-range for an Abuja rooftop venue, depending on what you order; mains and drinks make up most of the bill. Dress smart casual, as many of the city's lounges apply dress codes. Book ahead for larger groups and for weekend evenings, when the best rooftop tables go first, and check the venue's social media for current hours and any events.

Aura featured in BusinessDay's December 2025 list of rooftop restaurants for easy evenings out and in Sabi Abuja's 2025 round-up of rooftop lounges, which singles out its lakeside and skyline views. Bring a light layer in the harmattan months from around December, when evenings on an open rooftop can feel cooler and the air hazier, and check the forecast in the rainy season, when storms can interrupt an outdoor evening.

Jabi is around 15 minutes by car from the Central Business District in normal traffic. Combine a visit with an afternoon at Jabi Lake, a boat ride with Jabi Boat Club or a meal at Istanbul Cafe & Restaurant in Jabi Lake Mall, then head up to Aura for sunset. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the easiest way to get there and back.