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.
Terra Kulture Restaurant
Set inside the Terra Kulture arts centre on Victoria Island, this restaurant serves Nigerian classics such as ewa agoyin, asaro and peppered meats before shows.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Nigerian
- Area
- Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- terrakulture.com
Good to know
- Inside an arts centre
- Nigerian classics
- Next to theatre
- gallery and bookshop
Why we recommend it
The Terra Kulture Restaurant is part of the Terra Kulture arts centre on Tiamiyu Savage Street in Victoria Island, founded in 2003 by Bolanle Austen-Peters. Alongside the 450-seat Terra Kulture Arena, an art gallery, a bookshop and Nigerian language classes, the restaurant serves Nigerian food to visitors who want to try local dishes in a relaxed setting.
The menu focuses on Nigerian cooking, with some continental dishes for those who want them. Local food guide Eat.Drink.Lagos picked it out for dishes such as ewa agoyin, the soft mashed beans served with a dark, spicy pepper sauce and traditionally eaten with Agege bread, asaro, a comforting yam pottage, and a range of peppered meats.
Because it shares a building with the theatre and gallery, the restaurant is a natural place to eat before or after a show at the Arena, so it can get busy around performance times. During the day it is a calmer spot for a working lunch, and you can browse the gallery and bookshop afterwards. The atmosphere is informal, and the setting, surrounded by Nigerian art and culture, makes it a good first stop for visitors new to the cuisine.
It suits first-time visitors, families, groups and anyone combining dinner with a show. Prices are moderate for Victoria Island. On show nights, eat early or book ahead, and allow enough time to finish before curtain up. Ask staff for help with unfamiliar dishes and with spice levels, as some Nigerian sauces are hot.
If you are planning to see a show at the Arena, buy your theatre tickets first and then plan dinner around the performance time. During the day, a meal here pairs well with a look at the gallery and bookshop, and you can ask at the centre about Nigerian language classes if you are staying in Lagos for a while. Bring cash as a back-up in case card machines are not working.
Tiamiyu Savage Street is in central Victoria Island, a short ride from most hotels on the island and in Ikoyi. Ride-hailing cars are the easiest way to arrive. Check the Terra Kulture website for current shows and festivals, and plan a full evening of dinner, theatre and drinks.
Terra Kulture Restaurant FAQs
Where is the restaurant?
Inside the Terra Kulture arts centre at Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island.
What kind of food does it serve?
Nigerian dishes, with some continental options.
What should I order?
Ewa agoyin, asaro (yam pottage) and peppered meats are among the recommended dishes.
Is it good before a show?
Yes. It shares the building with the 450-seat Terra Kulture Arena.
Is it expensive?
Prices are moderate for Victoria Island.
Is it suitable for first-time visitors to Nigeria?
Yes. It is a relaxed place to try traditional dishes.
What else is at Terra Kulture?
An art gallery, a bookshop, a theatre and Nigerian language classes.
How can I contact them?
By phone on +234 810 422 4137 or by email at [email protected].