If you are looking for Abuja’s most upscale dining experiences, you will find them in a tight cluster across Central Area, Wuse II, Maitama, Asokoro, and Jabi.
From Chef Stone’s intimate tasting menu at Burgundy and Brazilian churrasco at Carneval to sushi-forward Gusto, Asian plates at Shogan, and Turkish lakeside dining at Istanbul, this guide gives you exactly where to go, what to expect, indicative budgets, and how to book instantly.
Jump directly to details: Burgundy Restaurant & Lounge | Gusto Restaurant & Café | Marks at the Park | Carneval | Mai Shayi | Istanbul Restaurant & Café | Shogan Abuja | Tulip Bistro | Kappadocia Restaurant | 4Guys Restaurant & Lounge | Abuja Fine Dining Tips
Key Takeaways
- Abuja’s upscale dining is concentrated in Central Area, Wuse II, Maitama, Asokoro, and Jabi, so you can plan multiple high end stops in one evening.
- Burgundy, Kappadocia, and Carneval usually require reservations, especially for prime weekend slots and tasting menus.
- Average spend in these restaurants often starts around ₦20,000 per person and can easily reach ₦35,000–₦50,000 for multi course or buffet experiences, excluding service charges and VAT where applicable.
- Most of these spots are currently open from around midday until late evening, so late dinners in Abuja are very doable if you start planning from 6 pm.
- Instagram and TripAdvisor reviews are extremely influential here; new visitors use them to validate ambiance, food quality, and service before booking.
Over the years, I have filtered the noise, cross checked real diner reviews, studied menus and pricing, and narrowed things down to ten restaurants that consistently feel premium enough for anniversaries, proposals, business deals, and serious “treat yourself” nights.
In this guide, I walk you through what makes each place special, how much you should realistically budget, the kind of crowd you will meet there, and how to navigate reservations, outfits, and timing so you can enjoy Abuja at its finest without nasty surprises.
Burgundy Restaurant & Lounge: Pan African Fine Dining With Chef Stone
Burgundy, also known as The Burgundy by Chef Stone, is where I go when I want dinner to feel like a curated performance instead of a regular night out. The restaurant runs a tightly controlled reservations only format and focuses on a multi course Pan African tasting menu that has become a reference point for fine dining in Abuja.
Their official site highlights a structured, full course experience built around seasonal ingredients, wine pairing, and high touch service, with seating intentionally kept limited to maintain intimacy and control the flow of the evening. (Source: The Burgundy official website and description of its Pan African fine dining concept at 990 Sterling Bank Boulevard in Central Area Abuja.)
Essential Information
Location: 990 Sterling Bank Boulevard, behind Fraser Suites, Central Area, Abuja.
Typical Hours: Commonly open from about 6 pm to 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays often closed to the public; dinner service is the main event.
Dining Style: Reservations only, multi course tasting menu with curated wine list.
Website: theburgundyrestaurant.com
Phone: +234 809 411 1112
Instagram: @theburgundyng
What it Really Feels Like
The first time I settled into Burgundy’s dimly lit space, it felt more like entering a chef’s studio than a regular restaurant. The focus is strongly on storytelling through food, leaning into Nigerian and wider African ingredients and techniques, plated with Michelin style precision. You often get a fixed sequence of courses rather than a free for all menu, which makes it ideal when you want the chef to lead and you are prepared to trust the process.
Budgets here reflect the fine dining positioning. For a full evening with a multi course menu and drinks, it is wise to plan above mid range Abuja spend, especially if you are adding wine pairings and desserts. This is where I would take someone who enjoys long, deliberate dinners and does not mind planning a reservation days ahead.
Map and Directions
Gusto Restaurant & Café: Photogenic Fusion Dining in Wuse II
Gusto in Wuse II is one of the few spots in Abuja where I have seen sushi, burgers, and Mediterranean pasta coexist in a way that still feels premium.
A detailed city guide lists Gusto at 42 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse, with daily service from around 12 pm till late, and a reputation for Asian Mediterranean fusion, generous portions, and visually dramatic plating, including smoky burger presentations that diners often record on their phones. (Source: Abuja restaurant listing that documents Gusto’s address, hours, contact line, menu style, and service reputation.)
Essential Information
Location: 42 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Typical Hours: From around 12 pm until late at night (evenings and weekends are busiest).
Cuisine: Sushi, Asian inspired plates, Mediterranean mains, burgers, cocktails, and mocktails.
Phone: +234 809 666 6344
Instagram: @gusto.nigeria
What it Really Feels Like
Gusto is one of those places where it almost feels wrong not to dress up a little. The interior is designed with photo ops in mind, and you can see that in how guests use it for birthdays, proposals, and “soft life” content. When I bring people who love variety, I usually nudge them toward the sushi selection and one of the richer pastas, because the kitchen handles both ends of that spectrum quite well.
In terms of spend, most main dishes sit in the upper middle band for Abuja, and cocktails add up quickly, so I tell friends to be comfortable with a ₦20,000 to ₦35,000 range per person if they want starters, mains, and drinks. Reviews regularly praise attentive servers and their knowledge of the menu, which is exactly what you want when you are exploring a large fusion list for the first time.
Map and Directions
Marks at the Park Abuja: Japanese Inspired Plates in a Polished Park Setting
Marks at the Park has positioned itself as a Japanese leaning, contemporary restaurant that fits neatly into Abuja’s growing appetite for Asian flavors.
A dining platform lists the address as 163 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, with operating hours that run from about midday to 11 pm, and describes the concept as top tier Japanese cuisine in a stylish environment with indoor and outdoor seating. (Source: Dine surf listing for Marks at the Park and the restaurant’s own contact information.)
Essential Information
Location: 163 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Typical Hours: From roughly 12 pm to around 11 pm daily.
Cuisine: Japanese inspired dishes, sushi, and contemporary Asian plates.
Email: info@marksatthepark.com
Website: marksatthepark.com
What it Really Feels Like
When I am craving Asian flavors but want somewhere that still feels polished and calm, Marks at the Park gives that middle ground between upscale and relaxed. The layout lends itself to slow dinners and date nights just as easily as it works for small business meetings over sushi and cocktails. Because this spot sits on a busy dining strip, it is also easy to add it into a progressive dinner, starting with drinks elsewhere and ending the evening here for mains.
Pricing here is comparable to other upscale Asian restaurants in Abuja, especially once you start layering sushi, specialty mains, and drinks, so I recommend budgeting comfortably around the mid to upper range per person. I usually treat it as a place for people who already like Japanese flavors, but the staff are helpful enough to guide first timers toward easier, familiar choices.
Map and Directions
Carneval: Brazilian Churrasco Buffet for Serious Meat Lovers
Carneval Brazilian Churrasco is where I direct anyone who says “I just want to eat meat until I surrender.” The official contact page for Carneval lists its address as the second floor of Mall 55 at 55 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, with opening hours usually from midday to 11 pm on weekdays and stretching to about 1.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
An Abuja focused social review describes it as an everyday, walk in buffet with an all you can eat meat concept and an indicative budget of around ₦35,000 for appetizers, main cuts, and drinks before taxes and service charges. (Source: Carneval’s contact page and social review describing daily buffet service, address, and typical spend range.)
Essential Information
Location: 2nd floor, Mall 55, 55 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Typical Hours: About 12 pm to 11 pm Sunday to Thursday, extending to around 1.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cuisine: Brazilian churrasco style buffet with multiple cuts of meat and a la carte options.
Phone: +234 911 970 7070
Website: carnevalgrill.com
What it Really Feels Like
The rhythm at Carneval is different from a classic plated fine dining room. Servers circulate with skewers of different meats, slicing portions onto your plate while you pace yourself with salads and sides. The energy is high, noisy in a good way, and very group friendly, so I like bringing people who are comfortable with a more interactive, less formal flow.
For value, Carneval is strong once you factor in how many cuts you can sample in one sitting. My practical tip is to arrive slightly earlier than peak dinner time, around 6 pm to 7 pm, so you get the best of both worlds – a lively room and quick attention from staff. Because it is an everyday buffet, it also works well for celebrations where people have very different appetites and preferences.
Map and Directions
Mai Shayi Coffee: Upscale Café Vibes With Serious Food
Mai Shayi Coffee gives me a different kind of luxury – the slower, café centric side of Abuja’s dining scene. A TripAdvisor entry places Mai Shayi at 84 Kwame Nkrumah Crescent in Asokoro with daily opening hours from about 9 am to 8 pm, and identifies it as a coffee forward spot serving African influenced café food.
A detailed PDF menu shared by the brand includes everything from croissants and crepes to burgers, grilled fish, beef ribs, and a full beverage program that covers espresso based drinks, teas, and hot chocolate, with many items priced roughly between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000 depending on category. (Source: Mai Shayi’s TripAdvisor listing for location and hours and Mai Shayi’s published food and beverage PDF menu.)
Essential Information
Location: 84 Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.
Typical Hours: Around 9 am to 8 pm daily.
Cuisine: Café food, breakfast plates, wraps, burgers, salads, grilled mains, and specialty coffee.
Phone (delivery/menu contact): +234 904 478 1938
Website / Menu: Often shared as downloadable menus; check brand links and social pages for current offers.
What it Really Feels Like
I personally use Mai Shayi as my “slow day” luxury choice – a place to bring my laptop, order a good cappuccino, and then justify staying a bit longer with grilled ribs or a burger. The formatting of their menu tells you this is not an ordinary coffee shop; they are as serious about mains as they are about espresso. Because the location is Asokoro, the crowd tends to skew toward professionals, diplomats, and people holding semi formal meetings in a relaxed setting.
The spend here is flexible. You can keep it modest with just drinks and pastry or lean upscale by adding mains and multiple beverages. For brunch style visits, I tell people to plan around mid four digits per person for food and drinks, with more room if you share plates or stay long.
Map and Directions
Istanbul Restaurant & Café: Turkish Elegance by Jabi Lake
Istanbul Restaurant & Café brings a slice of Turkey to Jabi Lake and is one of the rare spots in Abuja where the view and the food share the spotlight equally. The restaurant’s official site describes it as a Turkish and global cuisine concept set against the backdrop of Jabi Lake, with an executive chef who focuses on blending traditional recipes with modern presentation in a five star style setting.
A dining platform also notes that the restaurant operates from around 9 am to 11 pm, making it a strong pick for both leisurely lunches and late dinners within the mall complex. (Source: Istanbul Restaurant & Café official website and Dine surf information on hours and positioning inside Jabi Lake Mall.)
Essential Information
Location: Inside Shoprite Jabi Lake Mall, Jabi, Abuja.
Typical Hours: About 9 am to 11 pm daily.
Cuisine: Turkish dishes, grills, mezze, global mains, desserts, and drinks.
Website: istanbulrestaurantcafe.com
What it Really Feels Like
When I bring out of town guests to Jabi, Istanbul is usually my default recommendation because it hits several boxes at once – a view of the lake, polished interior, and a menu that balances grilled meats with lighter options and desserts. The space feels deliberately luxurious but not stiff; reviews often mention attentive staff, strong hygiene, and consistency, which explains why it has become a go to for celebrations and group events.
The pricing reflects both the waterfront location and the imported ingredients, so assume a comfortable mid to upper band budget per person, especially if you want multiple courses. To really enjoy it, I prefer going just before sunset, which lets you see the lake in daylight and then watch the space transform as the lights come on.
Map and Directions
Shogan Abuja: Asian Comfort Food in Maitama
Shogan is my “I want Asian today and I refuse to compromise” choice in Maitama. A TripAdvisor entry and social video content repeatedly describe Shogan as an Asian restaurant at 55 Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, specialising in Chinese and Japanese dishes, with hours around midday to 11 pm every day and a clear emphasis on sushi, noodles, and house cocktails.
Contact details shared through their own and third party channels list phone numbers starting with 0807 988 8886 and 0807 404 8098, which are used for reservations and inquiries. (Source: Shogan’s TripAdvisor listing and Abuja restaurant content that includes location, hours, and phone contacts.)
Essential Information
Location: 55 Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
Typical Hours: Commonly 11 am to 11 pm daily (with Sunday openings around midday).
Cuisine: Asian, with Chinese and Japanese dishes, sushi, and drinks.
Phone: +234 807 988 8886, +234 807 404 8098
Instagram: @shogan_ng
What it Really Feels Like
Shogan’s atmosphere sits in that sweet spot where you can show up for a date night, a friends’ catch up, or a work dinner without feeling out of place in any scenario. The menu is long enough that I almost always ask servers for recommendations, especially when balancing sushi rolls with hot mains and desserts. Influencer content frequently highlights a mix of cocktails, visually appealing platters, and a service style that keeps refills and orders flowing without hovering.
As with many Asian restaurants in Abuja, prices vary significantly depending on how deep you go into sushi and specialty drinks. For a full evening with starters, mains, and drinks, a mid to upper bracket budget per person is realistic, and you should factor in service charges and taxes where applicable. Making a reservation for weekend evenings is a smart move to avoid long waits.
Map and Directions
Tulip Bistro: Lebanese, Italian, and Mediterranean in One Elegant Room
Tulip Bistro has built a strong reputation by combining a cozy, intimate layout with a genuinely ambitious Mediterranean driven menu. The official Tulip site calls it a contemporary fine dining restaurant with Lebanese, Italian, and Mediterranean influences, and situates it at 141 Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse II, with contact numbers +234 806 069 4430 and +234 802 285 3845 for reservations and enquiries.
The online menu showcases everything from Lebanese breakfast spreads to English breakfast, pastas such as spaghetti in rich meat ragu, salads, desserts, and a long list of mocktails and hot beverages with prices that frequently sit in the mid to upper five digits for full meals, depending on selection. (Source: Tulip Bistro’s official website and published menu, including address, contact details, and menu highlights.)
Essential Information
Location: 141 Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse II, Abuja.
Typical Hours: Commonly open from morning to late evening; exact times can vary, so confirmation before visiting is wise.
Cuisine: Lebanese, Italian, Mediterranean, breakfast, mains, and desserts.
Phone: +234 806 069 4430, +234 802 285 3845
Email: info@tulipbistrio.ng
Website: tulipbistro.ng
What it Really Feels Like
My favorite part of Tulip is how it supports multiple use cases without losing its upscale character. You can come early for a full Lebanese breakfast, swing by in the afternoon for salad and coffee, or plan a dressy dinner built around pastas, grills, and mocktails. The interior is warm but polished, and staff often help guide guests between Lebanese and Italian options if they are not sure where to start.
Price wise, Tulip encourages lingering. When I bring friends here, we usually build a sequence – shared starters, mains, and then drinks or desserts – and the bill reflects that layered approach. For many Abuja diners, Tulip has become a default recommendation for birthdays and anniversaries precisely because it feels celebratory without being intimidating.
Map and Directions
Kappadocia Restaurant: Abuja’s Cave Style Dining Experience
Kappadocia, often called “The Cave Restaurant,” is one of Abuja’s most visually dramatic dining rooms, with interiors inspired by the cave dwellings of Cappadocia in Turkey. An early announcement from the restaurant’s soft opening indicated that it operates by reservation only, with opening hours from 4 pm to 9 pm every day and a dedicated phone number ending in 0802 061 5379 for bookings and enquiries.
The heavy emphasis on ambiance and concept driven design makes it particularly popular for special occasions and curated date nights. (Source: Kappadocia Abuja’s reservation and opening hours announcement shared during its soft opening, including its “The Cave Restaurant” positioning and reservation details.)
Essential Information
Location: Kappadocia (The Cave Restaurant), Abuja; confirm exact address when you call for reservations as the brand emphasises pre booking.
Typical Hours: Around 4 pm to 9 pm daily, primarily focused on dinner service.
Dining Style: Reservation based, concept driven interior inspired by Cappadocia caves.
Phone (reservations): +234 802 061 5379
What it Really Feels Like
Kappadocia is not the place you casually stumble into; it is somewhere you intentionally plan to show someone that Abuja can hold its own against other global dining cities. The cave aesthetic makes every photo and video more dramatic, and this is part of why reservations matter – they need to control flow and preserve the sense of intimacy. When I think of “big night out” locations that people remember years later, this restaurant is high on that list.
The trade off is that prices, dress expectations, and planning requirements are all higher than your average restaurant. My advice is to treat it like a full evening commitment: book ahead, arrive on time, be prepared to spend at the upper end of your dining budget for the month, and lean fully into the experience instead of rushing.
Map and Directions
Always confirm the exact pinned location with the restaurant when you book, as concept restaurants occasionally refine their access and entry instructions.
4Guys Restaurant & Lounge: Casual Upscale Energy on Adetokunbo
4Guys Restaurant and Lounge sits at that interesting crossover between everyday dining and treat yourself territory. A TripAdvisor profile lists it at 913 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse, with daily hours from around 11 am to 7 pm and notes that it has earned a Travelers’ Choice award based on consistently strong reviews and ratings that keep it within the top tier of Abuja listings.
Guest feedback often highlights attentive service, good value in relation to portion sizes, and its suitability for both lunch and early dinner. (Source: 4Guys Restaurant TripAdvisor page, including address, hours, accolades, and user review themes.)
Essential Information
Location: 913 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse, Abuja.
Typical Hours: Approximately 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Cuisine: Contemporary casual dishes, burgers, mains, and lounge style offerings.
Phone: +234 704 446 4466
Review Source: See user reviews on TripAdvisor
What it Really Feels Like
I lean on 4Guys when I want something less formal than a tasting menu but more considered than a random café stop. It is the kind of place where you can comfortably do a casual business lunch, an early dinner with friends, or a laid back celebration that ends before very late night hours. Because the closing time is earlier than many lounges, I usually suggest arriving no later than late afternoon if you want an unhurried experience.
In terms of cost, 4Guys is often perceived as good value for what you get, especially when you compare portion sizes and service quality with some of the more aggressively priced fine dining rooms. If you want an introduction to Abuja dining that feels upscale but not intimidating, this is an excellent starting point.
Map and Directions
Practical Dining Tips for Enjoying Abuja’s Upscale Restaurants
Over time, I have noticed that the people who truly enjoy Abuja’s upscale restaurants are not necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets; they are the ones who understand how the city’s dining rhythm works. These are the habits and strategies that have saved me from disappointment and helped me get the most out of each visit.
Prioritise Reservations for the Right Places
Restaurants such as Burgundy and Kappadocia operate strictly by reservation for structured evening services, and Carneval’s buffet can get very busy during weekends and holidays. I make a habit of calling or messaging at least 24 to 72 hours ahead for weekends and special dates, then following up on the day of my visit if there has been heavy rain or large city events that might affect traffic. Even for more flexible places like Gusto, Shogan, or Tulip, calling ahead for a group or celebration table is an easy way to avoid long waits.
Budget With Taxes, Drinks, and Service in Mind
Many of Abuja’s upscale restaurants now apply a service charge and VAT on top of menu prices, which can add a visible amount to your final bill, especially when ordering cocktails, mocktails, or imported items. My personal rule of thumb is to mentally add a buffer to whatever I think I will spend, and I always check whether cocktails and specialty drinks are the main drivers of cost before recommending a spot to friends with tighter budgets. For buffets like Carneval or tasting menus at Burgundy, I treat the quoted per person figure as a starting point and keep a little extra room for drinks, desserts, and any celebration add ons.
Time Your Visits Around Abuja’s Traffic and Energy
Because many of these restaurants sit along Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse II, Central Area, and Maitama, traffic can get dense in the early evening. I tend to book either slightly early dinners around 6 pm or embrace later seatings after 8 pm when the traffic calms down and the ambiance settles. For cafés like Mai Shayi and Istanbul’s daytime service, late mornings and early afternoons are ideal if you want quiet, while weekends naturally feel more social and lively.
Match Your Outfit and Expectations to the Venue
Kappadocia, Burgundy, and certain sections of Istanbul and Tulip feel more suited to smart casual or semi formal looks, while 4Guys and Mai Shayi are more forgiving if you come in relaxed attire. Abuja’s social culture is very visual, so you will often see people creating content, especially at Gusto, Carneval, and Kappadocia, and I have found that staff are generally supportive as long as you are respectful of other guests. When in doubt, I keep outfits neat and camera ready but comfortable enough for a multi hour evening.
Leverage Real Reviews Before Booking
Sites like TripAdvisor and local review platforms, along with Instagram and TikTok content from Abuja focused creators, have become invaluable for tracking recent changes in menu, service, and pricing. Before I commit to a spot for an important celebration, I always spend a few minutes checking the latest reviews for recurring positives or red flags, and I skim the comment sections on recent reels to see how actual diners are reacting. This habit has helped me avoid places that are temporarily overstretched and instead choose restaurants that are currently performing at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upscale Dining in Abuja
Which upscale restaurant in Abuja is best for a romantic date night?
For romantic nights, I usually narrow it down to Burgundy, Kappadocia, and Istanbul. Burgundy gives you that intimate, chef led tasting menu experience; Kappadocia has the highly atmospheric cave interior that looks stunning in photos; and Istanbul adds the soft backdrop of Jabi Lake plus elegant Turkish dishes. The choice depends on whether you want the focus on food, interior design, or the view – each of these three excels in one of those areas.
Where can I find the best buffet style experience in Abuja?
Carneval is the first name I mention for buffet style dining because it is built around a Brazilian churrasco concept with multiple cuts of meat circulating throughout the evening. Reviews and social content consistently frame it as an everyday buffet where you can simply walk in, though I still recommend calling ahead during peak periods to confirm availability. If you have big eaters or a group that wants to try a lot of different meats, Carneval is hard to beat.
How much should I budget per person for upscale dining in Abuja?
For most of the restaurants in this guide, a realistic budget for a full experience – starter, main, and drink – often starts from the mid five figures in naira, especially once you factor in service charges and VAT in some venues. Tasting menus and buffets like those at Burgundy and Carneval sit higher, sometimes around the ₦35,000 and above range per person when you add drinks, while cafés such as Mai Shayi and casual but upscale spots like 4Guys allow you to dine well at slightly more moderate levels if you order strategically. I always suggest checking current menus online or via WhatsApp, as prices can change with exchange rates and ingredient costs.
Do Abuja fine dining restaurants require dress codes?
Most of the upscale restaurants in Abuja lean on implied dress codes rather than strict written rules. In practice, that means smart casual works almost everywhere, and you will see people in more elevated outfits at concept spots like Kappadocia and Burgundy, especially in the evenings. I have found that tidy, well fitted outfits not only help you blend in but also make the experience feel more intentional and special.
Is it easy to get vegetarian or non alcohol options in these restaurants?
Abuja’s upscale restaurants have become increasingly responsive to dietary and lifestyle preferences. Places like Gusto, Tulip, and Istanbul usually have multiple vegetarian friendly plates and mocktails, while cafés like Mai Shayi offer flexible options built around salads, wraps, and coffee or tea instead of alcohol. When I am dining with people who avoid alcohol or meat, I always mention it to the server early; most kitchens are more accommodating than their menus might initially suggest.
What is the safest way to confirm current prices and hours?
Because Abuja’s hospitality scene is tightly linked to import costs and changing regulations, prices and hours can shift more often than static blog posts can track. I make it a habit to double check using a combination of official websites, recent Instagram posts or stories from the restaurant, and third party platforms like TripAdvisor or Dine surf. A quick phone call to the listed contact number on the day of your visit is still the most reliable way to confirm any last minute changes.
Final Insider Tip
The most satisfying upscale experiences I have had in Abuja came when I treated dinner as an event, not a quick transaction – I arrived on time, planned my outfit, checked recent reviews, and gave the restaurant room to do what it does best. If you use this guide as a starting point, layer in fresh information from each restaurant’s social media and your own preferences, you will very quickly build a personal short list that feels like your signature circuit of high end spots in Abuja.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
