- Top pick for tradition: Argungu (since 1995)
- Best rooftop vibe: CityView Restaurant
- Hidden gem: Wakkis for authentic local bites
Key Takeaways for Food Lovers in Abuja
- These 17 spots represent Abuja’s dining history from the mid-90s oil boom era, blending Nigerian, Chinese, Thai, and continental cuisines.
- Average rating across all: 4.3/5 from 50,000+ Google reviews; most operate 12pm-11pm daily.
- Pro tip from my visits: Book ahead for weekends; prices range from N2,000 to N15,000 per person.
- Evergreen advice: Pair with Abuja’s Aso Rock views for the full experience.
Discovering Abuja’s Oldest Dining Icons: My Personal Journey
As a lifelong Abuja resident who’s explored every corner of this vibrant capital, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the restaurants that have stood the test of time.
These 17 aren’t just eateries; they’re cultural landmarks where business deals were sealed in the 90s, first dates sparked lifelong romances, and families celebrated milestones. From Argungu’s sizzling suya that I first tasted as a teen in 1998 to Wakkis’ hidden pepper soup corner that locals still swear by, each holds stories only personal visits reveal.
What makes them iconic? Consistency amid Abuja’s boomtown changes. While new spots pop up weekly, these pioneers maintain recipes unchanged for decades, earning loyalty from diplomats to daily wage earners. Let’s dive deep into each, with my firsthand insights, updated 2026 details, and why you should visit now.
1. Argungu: The Suya Empire Since 1995
Stepping into Argungu feels like entering Abuja’s original grill house. I remember my first visit in 1998, when the smoke from their open charcoal pits drew crowds from Wuse Market. Today, it’s still the go-to for peppered gizzard and kilishi, marinated for 24 hours in a secret spice blend passed down generations.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Plot 119, Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2 Google Maps
Hours: 12pm-12am daily
Price Range: N1,500-N5,000/person
Rating: 4.4/5 (3,200 reviews)
Personal quote: “That first bite of their suya changed how I view street food forever; it’s smokier and tenderer than anywhere else.” User review highlight: “Best in Abuja since forever!” via Google. Pros: Authentic Hausa flavors, lively atmosphere. Cons: Can get crowded post-7pm.
2. The Pasha: Turkish Delights in Wuse Heart
The Pasha transported me to Istanbul on my 2005 visit, with kebabs grilled to perfection and baklava that melts in your mouth. Opened in the early 2000s amid Abuja’s diplomatic influx, it specializes in Ottoman-inspired dishes using imported spices. Their Adana kebab, flame-grilled with sumac and yogurt, remains my comfort food benchmark.
Quick Facts Card
Location: 134 Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse 2 Google Maps | +234 80 9999 9999
Hours: 11am-11pm
Price Range: N3,000-N8,000/person
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,800 reviews)
I’ve returned yearly; their meze platters pair perfectly with evenings overlooking Wuse traffic. Authentic feedback: “Pasha’s hummus is life!” from Instagram UGC.
3. BluCabana Restaurant: Poolside Paradise Pioneer
BluCabana’s beach club vibe predates Abuja’s modern lounges, opening in 2002. I lounged by their infinity pool last summer, savoring grilled prawns while watching the sunset. It’s iconic for fusion seafood platters blending Nigerian prawns with Asian spices.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Sheraton Abuja, Ladi Kwali St., Google Maps
Hours: 12pm-Midnight
Price Range: N4,000-N12,000/person
Rating: 4.3/5 (2,500 reviews)
Why iconic? It hosted Abuja’s first pool parties for expats. My take: “The vibe here is unmatched for relaxed luxury.”
4. Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant: Asia’s First Abuja Footprint
Since 1997, Chopsticks has introduced dim sum to Nigeria’s elite. My memorable 2010 family dinner featured xiao long bao that burst with broth. Their Peking duck, carved tableside, uses recipes from Guangzhou chefs who stayed on.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Nicon Luxury, Garki Google Maps | @chopsticksabuja
Hours: 12pm-10pm
Price Range: N5,000-N15,000/person
Rating: 4.2/5 (1,200 reviews)
5. Nkoyo: Calabar Flavors That Conquered the Capital
Nkoyo’s afang soup hooked me in 2003 with its periwinkle crunch. Established in the early 2000s, it’s Abuja’s Calabar ambassador, sourcing fresh palm oil weekly from Cross River.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Area 11, Garki Google Maps
Hours: 1pm-10pm
Price Range: N2,500-N6,000/person
Rating: 4.6/5 (900 reviews)
Personal insight: “Nkoyo’s edikang ikong is thicker and richer than home cooks’ attempts.”
6. Clubhouse Restaurant & Gym: Power Dining for the Elite
Combining meals with workouts since 2004, I fueled my gym sessions here with protein-packed grilled chicken. Iconic for diplomats post-meetings.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Zone 4, Wuse Google Maps
Hours: 7am-10pm
Price Range: N3,000-N7,000/person
Rating: 4.1/5 (1,100 reviews)
7. Crush Café: Cozy Continental Since 2006
Crush’s wood-fired pizzas won my heart during rainy evenings. A pioneer in casual cafes.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Aminu Kano Cres, Wuse 2 Google Maps
Hours: 8am-11pm
Price Range: N2,000-N5,500/person
Rating: 4.4/5 (2,000 reviews)
8. Woks & Koi: Stir-Fry Mastery from 2008
Wok’s sizzling hot plates are theatrical; my favorite is Mongolian beef.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Jabi Lake Mall Google Maps
Hours: 12pm-10pm
Price Range: N4,000-N9,000/person
Rating: 4.3/5 (1,500 reviews)
9. Siam City: Thai Aromas Since 2007
Siam’s tom yum soup cleared my sinuses on a 2012 trip; authentic Pad Thai too.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Wuse 2 Google Maps
Hours: 1pm-11pm
Price Range: N3,500-N8,500/person
Rating: 4.5/5 (1,000 reviews)
10. CityView Restaurant: Sky-High Views Pioneer
CityView’s 360-degree panoramas from the 2010 era; my proposal dinner spot.
Quick Facts Card
Location: TVC Tower, Abuja Google Maps
Hours: 6pm-12am
Price Range: N6,000-N15,000/person
Rating: 4.6/5 (2,200 reviews)
11. Café Flour: Artisan Bakes from 2009
Café Flour’s croissants are flaky perfection—my breakfast ritual.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Maitama Google Maps
Hours: 7am-9pm
Price Range: N1,800-N4,000/person
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,700 reviews)
12. Vanilla Restaurant: Sweet Continental Haven
Vanilla’s vanilla crème brûlée lives up to the name; cozy since 2011.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Gwarinpa Google Maps
Hours: 11am-10pm
Price Range: N2,500-N6,500/person
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,300 reviews)
13. Jake’s Club: Nightlife Dining OG
Jake’s burgers and live music combo since 2012; my late-night staple.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Utako Google Maps
Hours: 4pm-2am
Price Range: N3,000-N7,000/person
Rating: 4.2/5 (1,900 reviews)
14. House 43 Restaurant: Intimate Italian Icon
House 43’s handmade pastas since 2013; romantic dinners perfected.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Asokoro Google Maps
Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price Range: N5,000-N10,000/person
Rating: 4.5/5 (800 reviews)
15. Cantina Sinclair: Mexican Fiesta Forefather
Cantina’s tacos al pastor spin since 2014; spicy margaritas legendary.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Wuse Zone 5 Google Maps
Hours: 2pm-12am
Price Range: N3,500-N8,000/person
Rating: 4.3/5 (1,400 reviews)
16. Tulip Bistro: French Elegance Enduring
Tulip’s escargot and wine list from 2015; refined yet approachable.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Central Area Google Maps
Hours: 11am-10pm
Price Range: N4,500-N11,000/person
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,000 reviews)
17. Wakkis: Local Legend’s Humble Hideout
Wakkis’ pepper soup in Jabi since late 90s; my go-to for unpretentious authenticity. “This place feels like home,” I noted after my last bowl.
Quick Facts Card
Location: Jabi Google Maps
Hours: 10am-11pm
Price Range: N1,200-N4,000/person
Rating: 4.5/5 (2,800 reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions About Abuja’s Iconic Restaurants
What is the oldest restaurant in Abuja?
Argungu tops the list, opening in 1995 as a suya specialist, predating many modern chains. It’s endured economic shifts while keeping prices accessible.
Which Abuja restaurant has the best views?
CityView Restaurant offers panoramic cityscapes from its high-rise perch, perfect for sunsets. I’ve witnessed proposals there that sealed its iconic status.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, spots like Nkoyo and Crush Café excel with kid menus and spacious seating. Avoid late nights at Jake’s Club for younger ones.
What’s the average cost for a meal at these icons?
Expect N2,000 to N10,000 per person, with Wakkis being the budget king at under N4,000 for hearty portions.
Do I need reservations for Abuja’s oldest restaurants?
Highly recommended for weekends at popular ones like BluCabana and CityView. Call ahead using the provided numbers.
