Lagos ranks as the fifth richest city in Africa, and is home to over 50% of Nigeria’s wealthiest people according to Henley & Partners.
With its growing class of high-net-worth individuals, the city has become a hotspot for luxury dining, where fine cuisine thrives regardless of Nigeria’s economic fluctuations.
Home to approximately 5,400 millionaires, 16 centimillionaires, and 3 billionaires, Lagos naturally attracts an ecosystem of high-end restaurants.
Upscale neighborhoods like Victoria Island and Lekki house some of the city’s finest dining establishments, each offering an exclusive culinary experience tailored to a wealthy clientele.
But in Lagos, fine dining is not just about food—it is a statement. From opulent interiors to meticulously crafted menus and top-tier service, these restaurants provide an experience that goes beyond the plate, catering to a discerning audience that values sophistication and status.
This thriving fine dining culture is part of a larger hospitality industry that plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economy. The country’s food industry alone is valued at $209 billion, according to Rushdi Ibrahim, Managing Director of Burger King. He notes that Nigeria’s expanding middle class and growing appetite for global cuisine make it an attractive market for both local and international hospitality brands looking to expand.
In this article, we spotlight 10 founders behind some of Lagos’ most exclusive fine dining establishments—exploring their journeys, their vision, and how their ventures continue to redefine food and luxury in the city.
- Owner: Nahi Halabi(Co-founder, CEO)
- Year it started: 2014/2018
- Location: 16 Akin Adesola St/2 Musa Yar’ Adua St, Victoria Island
- Average Menu Price: N40,000 /N30,000
Nahi Halabi is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Pistachio Foods LTD, a leading name in Nigeria’s food industry. With over a decade of experience, Halabi has been a driving force behind the success of his ventures, including his role in founding R.S.V.P., an upscale restaurant and bar located in Victoria Island, Lagos. He founded the company alongside his wife, Mahi.
- Since April 2014, Halabi has been at the helm of Pistachio Foods, overseeing operations and expanding the company’s presence in the competitive food sector. In addition to his work with Pistachio Foods, he co-founded Slow Cooked LTD in 2018, further diversifying his portfolio in the hospitality industry.
- R.S.V.P., which opened in November 2014, quickly became a staple in Lagos’ dining scene, gaining recognition for its industrial luxury design, hidden bar, and exceptional food and service. Inspired by the prohibition-era restaurants of Manhattan, the venue is known for its top-tier cuisine, curated music, and world-class design. Halabi’s leadership and commitment to quality have set new standards in the Nigerian hospitality landscape.
A full dining experience per head costs as much as N40,000 per head.
