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: Loubna Fakhri-Baker
- Year it started: 2019
- Location: 1 Akin Adesola Street off Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island
- AverageMenu Price: N35,000
Loubna Fakhri-Baker, of Lebanese descent, was born and raised in Senegal before moving to Nigeria in 2008. A trailblazer in the hospitality industry, she is the co-founder of Hedonista Hospitality Group, the parent company of Craft Gourmet, Kaly Restaurant and Bar Lounge, and other renowned dining establishments in Lagos.
With a diploma from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), one of the world’s premier hospitality management schools, Loubna brings a wealth of expertise to her ventures. In 2016, she and her husband, Anu Baker, launched Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker, an open-kitchen restaurant, tea room, deli, and catering service celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and exceptional dining experience.
Under Hedonista Hospitality Group, Loubna expanded her footprint with Kaly Restaurant and Bar Lounge, a stylish and contemporary dining space known for its premium offerings and sophisticated ambiance. Kaly is typically on the higher end of the dining spectrum, with a minimum average budget of N35,000 per head. The restaurant has received glowing reviews, boasting a 4.4-star rating from 791 reviews on Google.
