In Lagos, the dining culture has grown into one of the city’s most dynamic industries, shaped not only by chefs and investors but also by a new wave of women entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to run a restaurant. These women are not just opening restaurants; they are building brands, curating experiences, and pushing the boundaries of what Lagosians expect from hospitality.
Here are seven women behind some of Lagos’ most celebrated restaurants.
Flower Shop Café – Malaika Najem
For Malaika Najem, hospitality was an extension of her creative journey. She began her career in jewellery-making after training at Alchimia, a school for contemporary jewellery design, before transitioning into lifestyle and hospitality. In 2015, she founded The Flowershop, which combined floral design with retail. Four years later, she launched Flower Shop Café, transforming it into a hidden gem in Victoria Island. The café blends her eye for aesthetics with a love for hospitality, offering a curated escape from Lagos’ hustle and bustle. Known for its premium menu and warm ambience, Flower Shop Café reflects Najem’s belief that dining spaces should be as much about atmosphere as they are about food.
NOK by Alara – Reni Folawiyo
Reni Folawiyo is one of the most recognised names in Lagos’ cultural and hospitality sectors. A lawyer by training, she founded ALÁRA in 2015, a concept store that has become West Africa’s leading destination for fashion, art, and design. Within that same year, she launched NOK by Alara, a fine dining restaurant located inside the ALÁRA space. NOK reimagines African cuisine with a modern approach, attracting both local and international clientele. Under Folawiyo’s leadership, it has grown into one of Lagos’ most iconic dining establishments, reflecting her wider mission to celebrate and promote African creativity on a global stage.
Noir Lagos – Marie Louise Sassine
When Noir Lagos opened its doors in 2017, it introduced something new to the city: a French-inspired casual fine dining experience. At the centre of it all is Marie Louise Sassine, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, whose career in hospitality spans more than 25 years across Switzerland, the United States, Ghana, and Nigeria. A graduate of César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland, she built her foundation with management training at Marriott Hotel in the US and Le Diwane Restaurant in Switzerland before venturing into aviation catering across West Africa. Her experience in food and beverage operations prepared her for Noir, which has since grown into one of Victoria Island’s defining dining spots. Noir is celebrated for its stylish setting, carefully crafted menu, and its ability to bring a slice of Parisian dining to Lagos.
The House Lagos – Tobi Hamilton
Founded in 2017, The House Lagos was designed to feel exactly as its name suggests, a warm, communal space that combines comfort with vibrancy. Behind it is Tobi Hamilton, an entrepreneur whose career spans strategy, marketing, and public relations. She is also the founder of Hamilton & Hamilton, a boutique agency focused on brand storytelling and business growth. Hamilton’s vision for The House was to create more than just a restaurant; she wanted a social venue where people could relax, network, and share experiences. Over the years, The House has become a fixture in Lagos’ dining and social scene, known for its inviting energy and diverse crowd.
Kaly – Loubna Fakhri-Baker
Kaly Restaurant and Bar Lounge reflects the vision of Loubna Fakhri-Baker, who co-founded Hedonista Hospitality Group. Of Lebanese descent and raised in Senegal, she moved to Nigeria in 2008 and quickly became one of Lagos’ most prominent names in hospitality. After studying at Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality management schools, she launched Craft Gourmet by Lou Baker in 2016, which set a new standard for open-kitchen dining in Lagos. By 2019, she expanded her portfolio with Kaly, a sophisticated restaurant and bar that blends contemporary design with a diverse menu. Today, Kaly is known not just for its food but also for its vibrant atmosphere, offering Lagosians and visitors an elevated dining and nightlife experience.
Slice Lagos – Tracy Nwapa
In 2010, Tracy Nwapa, a trained broadcast journalist and media professional, launched Slice Lagos, a restaurant that combined her love for design and culinary culture. Having studied in Detroit, Michigan, and worked with leading Nigerian media outlets such as Sound City and Flytime TV, Nwapa brought a media-savvy approach to her restaurant business. Slice offers a blend of cuisines in a contemporary setting, with an emphasis on style and presentation. Over more than a decade, it has become a staple on Victoria Island, known for consistently delivering a creative dining experience.
The Smiths – Taiwo Smith
The Smiths is one of Lagos’ newer entrants into the dining scene, founded in 2023 by Taiwo Smith, who co-owns the restaurant with twin, Kehinde. The pair are also behind popular dining spots Cafeteria and Maple. At The Smiths, Taiwo serves as co-founder and executive chef, dividing her time between Chicago and Lagos. The restaurant has quickly positioned itself as a cocktail room and upscale dining venue, blending international cuisines with a Lagos nightlife flair. With expertly crafted cocktails and a globally inspired menu, The Smiths has become a choice destination for those looking for a complete food and lifestyle experience.
