In March of 2020, Nigeria went into a government-imposed lockdown to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. It has been 5 months since majority of restaurants closed their doors to dine-in guests to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Lagos.
Since the lockdown, the question on the minds of most foodies is “when will restaurants reopen for dine-in guests?” Will eating out ever be the same again after COVID-19? As lockdowns start to ease around the world, restaurants are reopening but with a very different look and feel to before the coronavirus pandemic.
As states begin to reopen, there are more options for restaurateurs to increase their revenue and bring back staff. While some are choosing open for patio seating and, pretty soon, indoor dining as well, there are also some owners who are choosing to remain as takeout and/or delivery only for the time being. Whichever option is right for you, it’s important to be prepared.
On the 1st of August 2020, a directive was issued by The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to reopen restaurants for in-dining in Lagos State from the 14th of August 2020 with the provision that they must operate at 50% occupancy and also obtain a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of Lagos State Safety Commission.
Many restaurants are desperate to reopen to save their businesses from bankruptcy. Still, rules on social distancing mean restaurants are rethinking how they serve their customers. In countries such as the Netherlands, one restaurant introduced dining pods to encourage social distancing. While we have not seen dining pods in Lagos, most restaurants are doubling up on their health and safety measures and will have to adhere to social distancing measures to stay open.
For the readers courageous enough to venture out this weekend here is carefully curated list of restaurants In Lagos opening from the 14th of August and the safety measures they are taking to welcome guests back.
Talindo Steakhouse
This is the first steakhouse in Lagos established in 2003 and often referred to as Lagos’s Best Kept Secret. An establishment that has stood the test of time and remained a popular spot among politicians, celebrities, and some of the wealthiest businessmen in Africa. Talindo is always set on improving and providing you with comfort food in a fine dining setting.
We have highlighted below some safety procedures that Talindo is implementing to ensure that you have a safe, contactless, and high-quality dining experience when you visit.
Masks must be worn before entry and while seated before your meal.
All staff will be isolated on the property for 2 weeks with an hourly inspection.
Dine-in is strictly by reservations only. A rule book and digital menu will be shared with you after reservation to ensure contactless service in the restaurant.
Tables are arranged to maintain social distancing rules.
One time use menu available on site for guests.
For reservations, call +234 81 5153 0000 or visit www.talindosteakhouse.com for more information.
Noir Lagos
Noir Lagos will be opening their doors on August 14th after getting their clearance from Lagos state government. Noir is a European restaurant with a good portion of its menu dedicated to modern French cuisines located on 4a Akin Olugbade street in Victoria Island.
On the menu, you can find everything from steak, escargot, burgers, smoked salmon, salads, and much more. They have a great selection of drinks as well.
Customers can expect an entirely reorganized socially distanced environment and Noir has done the following to welcome their guests back:
- Educated the entire team on all safety procedures
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette for all staff
No mask no entry and minimum capacity - Six feet space for seating
CCX Lagos
CCX Lagos located in Victoria Island and is resuming operations on Friday, August 14th, and is very excited to be doing so. They are organizing a cookout on Saturday, August 15th which includes free cocktails. CCX is also taking various safety measures to ensure the safety of its staff and guests. The food and ambiance is great. Whether you are looking for a night on the town, location for a private party, a VIP room booking, a venue for your live performance, or a quick break from shopping, CCX Lounge is just the spot for a quick bite and a refreshing drink. It’s perfect for after works hangouts.
Call: 07062800304
Email: [email protected]
Vanilla Moon
Vanilla Moon is one of our favourites in Victoria Island. What we love about this restaurant is that not only do they serve great food, drinks, and ambiance but the management of this restaurant engages in what I call conscious business ownership. As difficult as this was on their pockets, they did not open during the lockdown, not even for deliveries. When BusinessDay asked the owners why they took this decision and they said that it was important for them to understand how the virus worked first and wanted to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. They will open on August 24th of August and are doing the following to open back up safely:
- Rearranging their staff quarters and putting social distancing measures in place
Ensuring that all staff are all healthy and trained
Deep cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and kitchen items
Call +234 9017797658 for reservations
Ile Eros
At Ile Eros love meets food. This is an authentic Nigerian restaurant with a modernist twist.
They will be reopening with these new experiences.
A Chef Tasting’s from Thursday’s – Sunday’s weekly which is a 5 – 7 course tasting plus wine/champagne/cocktails. An Open Kitchen from Saturday to Sunday which is a casual-plated all you can eat experience for a fixed price within 2hrs. Afternoon Tea from Monday to Thursday at the Parlor where you can have tea, a dessert or quick bites.
Ile Eros will be observing social distancing and highest hygiene standards possible, whilst aiming to deliver to you an unforgettable culinary experience with these extra procedures.
No Mask, No Entry. Mask can be purchased on arrival.
Reservation is advised. No groups of more than 4 are allowed for walk-ins
Tables & Chairs are disinfected regularly and all doors are manned so you don’t have to touch handles.
Extreme Distancing service available which means food can be served to you in your car.
Staff are provided with fresh gloves every hour.
For reservations, call +234 90 9646 0675 or visit www.cheferos.co/ileeros for more information.
The Good Life Restaurant by Seattle Residences
The Seattle Residences are upscale luxury serviced apartments with a restaurant and spa located in the serene enclave of Walter Carrington Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The restaurant offers in house and external guests a premium dining experience, an unrivaled waterfront view, thoughtful, creative, and elegant meals.
1) Masks must be worn by guests, temperature checks, and sanitization before entry.
2) Main Dining room is limited to 10 people.
3) Private Dining rooms (Eko, Raffia, and Cigar) are available for groups and individuals.
4) Tables and Chairs are disinfected frequently.
5) Payment is done via transfer to ensure contactless service as much as possible.
For reservation, call +234 90 2007 7771 or visit:
www.theseattleresidences.com for more information
Shiro Lagos
Shiro Lagos offers exquisite Pan Asian delicacies, ambiance, and dining experience at the Landmark Village, Lagos. Shiro Doors will be opened for dine-in, take out and delivery. Here are some of the measures they will be putting in place as they reopen into a healing environment.
1) All team members, guests, vendors will be required to wear a mask before entry, sanitize their hands before admission and after handling objects.
2) All team members, vendors, partners, and guests will be required to have their temperature taken as a condition of admittance, submit a complete health declaration form, and contact details.
3) Trough cleaning of the restaurant and back of the house daily with prescribed chemicals and kitchen, stations are sanitized every 30 mins.
4) Digital Menu option, online payment available, reduced staff during multiple shifts to maintain social distancing.
5) Tables, Chairs, Front Desk, Restrooms are disinfected hourly or after every use.
Reservations are highly advised. Call +234 81 8629 8888
