Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is not just known for its politics and beautiful landscapes – it’s also a culinary hotspot. From fine dining to casual eateries, Abuja offers a diverse range of flavors that cater to both locals and international visitors. If you’re looking for where to eat in Abuja, here’s a list of the best restaurants, their locations, and their must-try dishes.

1. The Vue Restaurant
-
Location: Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Pan-Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Thai)
-
Signature Dishes: Sushi platters, Peking duck, Thai green curry
-
Why Visit: Elegant ambiance, perfect for romantic dinners and business meetings.
2. BluCabana Restaurant & Café
-
Location: 1322 Shehu Yar’Adua Blvd, Mabushi, Abuja
-
Cuisine: International & Mediterranean
-
Signature Dishes: Grilled lamb chops, shawarma, chicken kebabs
-
Why Visit: Stylish setting with a poolside view; great for both day and night dining.
3. Nkoyo Restaurant
-
Location: K-City Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Nigerian traditional dishes
-
Signature Dishes: Jollof rice, ofada rice with ayamase, goat pepper soup
-
Why Visit: A warm atmosphere with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients.
4. Wakkis Restaurant
-
Location: 171 Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Indian
-
Signature Dishes: Butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, garlic naan
-
Why Visit: Famous for its live tandoor cooking and vibrant flavors.
5. Charcoal Grill Restaurant
-
Location: No. 4 Durban St, Wuse 2, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Steakhouse & Grill
-
Signature Dishes: T-bone steak, barbecue chicken, grilled fish
-
Why Visit: Perfect for meat lovers with an extensive wine list.
6. The Secret Garden
-
Location: Riverplate Park, Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Italian & Continental
-
Signature Dishes: Wood-fired pizzas, pasta Alfredo, tiramisu
-
Why Visit: Outdoor dining with a relaxed vibe; great for weekend brunches.
7. Zuma Grill
-
Location: Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Fine Dining (Continental & African fusion)
-
Signature Dishes: Seafood platter, beef fillet with peppercorn sauce
-
Why Visit: Upscale dining experience with impeccable service.
8. Johnny Rockets
-
Location: Ceddi Plaza, CBD, Abuja
-
Cuisine: American diner
-
Signature Dishes: Classic cheeseburgers, milkshakes, onion rings
-
Why Visit: Retro-style setting with comfort food and lively music.
9. Cantina Restaurant
-
Location: 30 Yedseram St, Maitama, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Italian
-
Signature Dishes: Spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, panna cotta
-
Why Visit: Cozy and authentic Italian dining experience.
10. Salma’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
-
Location: 1075 Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja
-
Cuisine: Lebanese & Middle Eastern
-
Signature Dishes: Hummus, falafel, mixed grill platter
-
Why Visit: Rich flavors and fresh mezze platters in a chic setting.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving Nigerian local delicacies, international flavors, or fine dining, Abuja has a restaurant for every taste and occasion. Many of these restaurants also offer takeaway and delivery, making them accessible for busy city life.
FAQs
A: Zuma Grill at Transcorp Hilton, The Vue, and BluCabana are some of the best fine dining options in Abuja offering both international and fusion cuisines.
A: Nkoyo Restaurant and Wakkis are great for Nigerian flavors, offering dishes like Jollof rice, goat pepper soup, and ofada rice with ayamase sauce.
A: The Secret Garden, Johnny Rockets, and BluCabana are ideal for families with relaxed settings and kid-friendly menus.
A: Yes, The Vue, Wakkis, and Salma’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine have plenty of vegetarian dishes including salads, mezze platters, and vegetable curries.
A: Many popular restaurants such as Nkoyo, Johnny Rockets, and Charcoal Grill offer delivery services through local food delivery apps and direct orders.