Here’s what you can expect from Marinara Restaurant Lagos
Lagos is home to some of the best culinary experiences in West Africa, and Marinara Restaurant is a top destination for lovers of Italian cuisine. Marinara offers a slice of Italy right in the heart of Lagos’ bustling metropolis, Victoria Island. Marinara offers delectable pizzas, rich pasta dishes, and an elegant dining atmosphere, whether you’re a local foodie or a tourist looking to experience authentic Italian fare.
I have visited Marina multiple times and can confidently say that it is a must-visit for anyone craving Italian flavors in Lagos. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about Marinara, from menu items, prices, and ambiance to reviews, ratings, and tips.
Key Takeaways
- Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
- Cuisine: Authentic Italian with a modern twist
- Average Cost: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per person
- Menu Highlights: Stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, seafood dishes, and decadent desserts
- Ambiance: Cozy, modern, and family-friendly
- Best For: Date nights, family dinners, business meetings
- Pros: Excellent food quality, warm ambiance, good service
- Cons: Pricey, long wait times during weekends
- Rating: 4.5/5 (based on personal experience and online reviews)
This cozy Italian retreat is located in Lagos.
It’s impossible not to feel transported to a cozy corner of Italy when you step into Marinara Restaurant. Featuring warm lighting and an earthy color palette, the restaurant’s decor is modern yet comfortable. It’s perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings since the seating arrangements are spacious, providing privacy while maintaining a communal vibe.
My visits to the restaurant have typically been busy, especially on weekends. To avoid long wait times on Fridays and Saturdays, I recommend making a reservation in advance.
Highlights:
- Outdoor seating: Marinara offers a lovely patio area for al fresco dining, perfect for enjoying the evening Lagos breeze.
- Family-friendly: The restaurant has a warm and casual atmosphere, making it a great spot for families.
- Private dining: If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Marinara has private dining rooms available for reservations.
The Menu: A Celebration of Italian Flavors
Marinara’s menu is a delightful homage to traditional Italian dishes, with a modern twist that incorporates local Nigerian ingredients. As someone who has tried a wide range of dishes from their menu, I can say that the variety is impressive, and the flavors are consistently top-notch. Whether you’re in the mood for a light pizza or a rich, creamy pasta, there’s something for every palate.
Appetizers (₦4,000 – ₦8,000)
Start your meal with one of their classic Italian appetizers. I personally recommend the Bruschetta al Pomodoro (₦4,500), a simple yet flavorful dish with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic served on crispy bread. Another favorite is the Calamari Fritti (7,500), golden-fried calamari rings served with a tangy marinara sauce.
Stone-Baked Pizzas (₦7,000 – ₦12,000)
Marinara’s pizzas are the star of the show, and for a good reason. Made with hand-stretched dough and baked in a traditional stone oven, the pizzas have the perfect balance of crispy and chewy crust. My top pick is the Pizza Margherita (₦8,500), a simple yet classic combination of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. For something more indulgent, try the Pizza Quattro Stagioni (₦11,500), which comes loaded with mozzarella, mushrooms, ham, artichokes, and olives.
Pasta & Risotto (₦8,500 – ₦15,000)
No Italian meal is complete without pasta, and Marinara does not disappoint. Their Spaghetti Carbonara (₦9,500) is a rich, creamy dish made with egg yolk, pancetta, and parmesan cheese. Another crowd-pleaser is the Risotto al Funghi (₦13,500), a comforting dish of creamy risotto cooked with wild mushrooms and a hint of truffle oil. The portion sizes are generous, and the flavors are incredibly authentic.
Seafood Specialties (₦10,000 – ₦20,000)
For seafood lovers, Marinara offers a range of fresh seafood dishes that highlight both Italian techniques and Nigerian ingredients. The Grilled King Prawns (18,500) are a must-try, served with a side of sautéed vegetables and garlic butter. Another standout dish is the Seafood Linguine (14,000), which features a mix of prawns, squid, and mussels tossed in a light tomato sauce.
Desserts (₦3,500 – ₦6,000)
Save room for dessert because Marinara’s sweet treats are the perfect way to end your meal. The Tiramisu (₦4,500) is a classic, made with layers of mascarpone cheese and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the Panna Cotta (3,800), a silky-smooth Italian dessert served with a tangy berry compote.
Top Picks from The Menu;
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Half Rack of Ribs | 24-hour marinated half rack of premium ribs slow-grilled in a smoky steak sauce, served with red potato mash, carrots, and green beans. | NGN 35,000 |
| Pan Seared Rib-eye Steak | Freshly seasoned short fillet steak grilled to perfection, served with homemade peppercorn sauce and your choice of mashed potatoes or yam puree. | NGN 40,000 |
| Grilled Chicken with Plantain Puree | Fresh, tender, and juicy grilled chicken breast served with sweet & spicy plantain puree, sautéed vegetables, and homemade peppercorn sauce. | NGN 20,000 |
| Vogue’s Grilled Fish | Whole charcoal-grilled Croaker fish served with corn, pepper sauce, and your choice of yam chips, french fries, or sweet potatoes. | NGN 16,000 |
| Grilled Garlic Butter shrimp | Freshwater prawns cooked on the grill butterfly style, coated in spicy garlic lemon butter sauce, served with fondant potatoes and buttered greens. | NGN 26,000 |
| Honey Glazed Salmon | Pan-seared salmon glazed with honey and lemon pepper sauce, served with a side of Bok Choy and steamed vegetables. | NGN 35,000 |
| Salmon Marinara | Salmon fillet delicately seasoned in Marinara tomato garlic marinade, served with bok-choy, baby carrots, and butternut squash. | NGN 40,000 |
| Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo | Fettuccini pasta cooked in a creamy Alfredo mushroom sauce with parmesan, topped with chargrilled chicken breast. | NGN 20,000 |
| Tuscan Veggie Rigatoni | Rigatoni pasta cooked with Tuscan-style veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, served with garlic bread. | NGN 15,000 |
| Seafood Linguine | Linguine pasta with ocean-raised prawns, calamari, and fish fillet, tossed in a wine-based tomato or creamy sauce. | NGN 28,000 |
| Pulled Lamb Shoulder Ragu | Flavorful pulled lamb shoulder cooked in red Ragu sauce, served with fresh tagliatelle pasta. | NGN 25,000 |
Price Overview: Fine Dining in Lagos
While Marinara is on the pricier side compared to other restaurants in Lagos, the quality of the food and the dining experience make it worth the splurge. On average, expect to spend between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000 per person, depending on what you order. A pizza and a drink might set you back around ₦10,000, but if you’re going for a full three-course meal with drinks, the bill will likely exceed ₦20,000 per person.
Here’s a breakdown of typical prices:
- Appetizers: ₦4,000 – ₦8,000
- Pizzas: ₦7,000 – ₦12,000
- Pasta & Risotto: ₦8,500 – ₦15,000
- Main Courses (Seafood/Meat): ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
- Desserts: ₦3,500 – ₦6,000
- Drinks: ₦2,500 – ₦5,000 (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Service: Attentive and Professional
Marinara’s service is another highlight of the dining experience. The staff are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations based on your preferences. During my visits, I’ve noticed that the service is consistently good, although it can slow down during peak hours, especially on weekends.
If you’re visiting on a busy evening, be prepared for a bit of a wait for your food. However, the wait staff do their best to ensure that your dining experience is pleasant from start to finish.
Reviews & Ratings: What Others Are Saying
Marinara Restaurant consistently receives high praise from both locals and tourists. With a 4.5-star rating on major review platforms like Google and TripAdvisor, it’s clear that diners love the food, ambiance, and service. Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying:
- Google Reviews (4.5/5): “The best Italian restaurant in Lagos! The pizzas are authentic, and the pasta is always cooked perfectly. The ambiance is cozy and relaxed. Perfect for a date night.”
- TripAdvisor (4.5/5): “Marinara offers a true taste of Italy in the heart of Lagos. The seafood dishes are particularly fresh, and the tiramisu is to die for! A bit pricey, but worth every penny.”
- Zomato (4/5): “Great food, lovely atmosphere, but the wait times can be long during weekends. Highly recommend the grilled prawns and seafood linguine!”
Based on both my experience and these reviews, it’s safe to say that Marinara is a top pick for Italian dining in Lagos.
Pros and Cons of Marinara Restaurant
Like any dining experience, Marinara has its strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons based on my personal experiences and online reviews.
Pros:
- Authentic Italian cuisine: The flavors are rich and true to Italian culinary traditions.
- Cozy ambiance: A warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for all occasions.
- Great service: Friendly and professional staff who are attentive to your needs.
- Diverse menu: Something for everyone, from pizzas to seafood to decadent desserts.
Cons:
- Expensive: Prices are on the higher side, making it more of a special occasion spot.
- Long wait times: During peak hours, especially weekends, expect a bit of a wait for a table and food.
- Limited parking: Victoria Island can be tricky for parking, so it’s best to arrive early or take a cab.
Get in Touch
Open: Monday-Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm
Address: Vogue Beach, Plot 2 Okunde Blue Water Scheme (off Trinity road, VI), Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
Phone: +234 816 792 8025
Website: www.voguebeachlagos.com
Tips for Visiting Marinara Restaurant
If you’re planning to visit Marinara, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your dining experience:
- Make a reservation: Especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend or for dinner. The restaurant tends to get crowded, and a reservation will save you from waiting.
- Try the seafood: While the pizzas and pasta are fantastic, Marinara’s seafood dishes are a must-try, particularly the grilled prawns and seafood linguine.
- Visit during off-peak hours: If you prefer a quieter dining experience, consider visiting for lunch or early dinner on weekdays.
- Save room for dessert: The desserts at Marinara are outstanding, so make sure to leave room for a sweet treat at the end of your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Marinara Restaurant located?
Marinara is located in Victoria Island, Lagos, a prime area known for its high-end restaurants and entertainment spots.
2. Do I need to make a reservation?
While it’s not always necessary, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially during weekends or holidays.
3. What is the average cost of dining at Marinara?
The average cost per person ranges from ₦15,000 to ₦25,000, depending on your choice of dishes and drinks.
4. Does Marinara offer takeout or delivery?
Yes, Marinara offers takeout and delivery options, but the dine-in experience is highly recommended to fully enjoy the ambiance and service.
5. Is Marinara family-friendly?
Yes, the restaurant has a warm, casual vibe that makes it suitable for families. They also offer kid-friendly options on their menu.
Conclusion: Is Marinara Worth the Hype?
If you’re in Lagos and craving a taste of Italy, Marinara Restaurant is definitely worth a visit. From its authentic dishes to its cozy ambiance and excellent service, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a family outing, or a business lunch. While it is on the pricier side, the quality of the food and the overall experience make it a worthwhile splurge.
Whether you’re digging into a stone-baked pizza or savoring a plate of seafood pasta, Marinara offers a dining experience that will transport you to the heart of Italy without leaving Lagos.
