Key Takeaways
- Lagos Island boasts some of Nigeria’s most distinct café cultures blending local flavor with global style.
- Each café offers a unique theme—whether artistic, minimalist, community-driven, or gourmet-inspired.
- Most cafés include cowork-friendly setups, fast Wi-Fi, and menu diversity from French pastries to Nigerian brunches.
Lagos Island continues to redefine café culture in Nigeria. As someone who’s spent countless mornings exploring its vibrant streets, I’ve curated a firsthand shortlist of standout cafés that craft more than just coffee—they build experiences.
Whether you’re a remote worker, brunch enthusiast, or coffee purist, these spots balance taste, design, and atmosphere beautifully.
Bao Bao House Lagos – Asian Fusion Café with Lagos Energy
Nestled in Victoria Island, Bao Bao House harmonizes urban Asian minimalism with Nigerian hospitality. It’s my go-to for steamed bao buns and their signature matcha latte. Expect a serene ambiance enhanced by bamboo textures and low-fi background music, ideal for focused work sessions or slow weekend brunches.
- Signature dish: Pulled beef bao and bubble tea set.
- Average price: ₦7,000 per person.
- Hours: 8 AM–10 PM daily.
- Contact: info@baobaohouse.com
- Location: View on Google Maps
Gather House Africa—Where Culture and Coffee Collide
Gather House Africa is more than a café—it’s where art, storytelling, and shared experiences thrive. I often attend their creative community events, where conversations over Ethiopian-roast coffee evolve into collaborations. Interiors feature Afro-modern decor, vivid wall art, and furniture crafted by local artisans.
- Community events every second Saturday.
- Average spend: ₦5,000 – ₦8,000.
- Open hours: 9 AM – 8 PM, closed Mondays.
- Follow: @gatherhouseafrica
- Location: Google Maps Direction
Pause Café Espresso Bar—Lagos Island’s European Corner
For anyone craving expertly brewed espresso and flaky croissants reminiscent of a Parisian side street, Pause Café Espresso Bar is a revelation. I love sitting by their window seats on quiet weekdays; it’s one of the few Lagos cafés where you can truly pause amid the city’s buzz.
- Espresso flight experience for coffee connoisseurs.
- Avg. Price: ₦6,500 per person.
- Hours: 7:30 AM – 9 PM daily.
- Instagram: @pausecafelag
- Map: See Location
XO Bakery – Artisanal Bakes and Brunch Classics
XO Bakery truly lives up to its reputation for “bakes that love you back.” It’s the ideal brunch escape offering handmade biscuits, sandwich loaves, and the best eggs Benedict on the island. Their weekday coffee-and-muffin deal attracts a loyal morning crowd.
- Best-seller: Almond croissant & caramel latte combo.
- Average spend: ₦8,000.
- Hours: 8 AM–9 PM.
- Contact: Visit XO Bakery
Dulce Café NG – Sweet Memories and Soothing Ambiance
Dulce Café lives up to its Spanish name meaning “sweet.” It’s known for its relaxed ambiance, chic pastel interior, and flawless desserts. I recommend their Dulce caramel cheesecake or signature cappuccino dusted with cocoa hearts. Perfect for casual meetings or a solo treat day.
- Average price: ₦6,000–₦9,000.
- Hours: 8:30 AM–8 PM daily.
- Contact: Instagram | @dulcecafe.ng
- Map: Directions
Pomelo Pastries Café—7–7 Art, Aroma, and Comfort Blend
Pomelo Pastries Café is a boutique coffee spot where every pastry tells a story. From their strawberry mille-feuille to the tiramisu mousse cups, it’s a dessert lover’s dream. I find it doubles perfectly as a quiet reading corner or Instagram-worthy brunch spot.
- Average spend: ₦6,500 per person.
- Working hours: 9 AM–7 PM daily.
- Email: orders@pomelocafe.ng
- Map: Locate Pomelo Café
The Bodega Emporium – Café Meets Community
Bodega is more than a café—it’s a cultural space merging gourmet coffee, local produce, and creative meetups. I’ve watched live poetry here while enjoying Sicilian sandwiches and nutty flat whites. The communal vibe attracts everyone from artists to entrepreneurs.
- Community coworking space available.
- Price range: ₦6,000 – ₦10,000.
- Open: 8 AM–10 PM daily.
- Instagram: @thebodegaemporium
- Map: View Location
Milk and Honey Lagos—Sweet Treats and Easy Comfort
Milk and Honey Lagos perfects comfort dining wrapped in style. A friend once told me their pancakes were the best she’s had outside New York—and she was right. The café prides itself on sweet simplicity, offering homemade desserts, hearty brunches, and warm service.
- Popular choices: House pancakes and caramel drizzle waffles.
- Spending range: ₦7,000 – ₦9,500.
- Open daily: 9 AM–9 PM.
- Contact: info@milkandhoneylagos.com
- Map: View on Map
FAQs About the Best Cafés in Lagos Island
Which café is best for working remotely on Lagos Island?
Pause Café Espresso Bar and Gather House Africa are both remote-work friendly, offering stable Wi-Fi, minimal noise, and an inspiring setup for creatives.
Where can I find the best brunch on Lagos Island?
XO Bakery and Milk and Honey Lagos excel at brunch menus—expect eggs Benedict, pastries, and expertly brewed coffee to brighten your morning.
What cafés are most Instagram-worthy?
Pomelo Pastries Café and Dulce Café NG stand out visually thanks to their pastel interiors and thoughtfully presented dishes perfect for photography lovers.
Are Lagos Island cafés expensive?
Most cafés here are mid-range, with meals costing between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 per person depending on drinks and desserts.
