Working in Lagos is a mix of deadlines, networking, and most importantly finding the best places to eat without draining your salary before month end. Lagos is a food lover’s paradise filled with countless restaurants, food trucks, mama puts, and hidden gems. You just need to know where to look.
Whether you’re working in Lekki, Ikeja, or Victoria Island, there’s always a place serving delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices. So, grab your wallet, gather your colleagues, and let’s take a food tour of budget-friendly spots near some top workplaces in Lagos.
VI / Ikoyi (Tech and Finance Hub)
Home to companies like Flutterwave, Paystack, Access Bank, and many multinationals.
Where to eat:
Tasty Fried Chicken:
Get tasty meals starting from ₦1,200
Tastee chicken’s Instagram profile
Yellow Chilli:
A classic spot for affordable Nigerian food; jollof, ofada, small chops without draining your paycheck.
ALSO READ; Lagos living: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Expenses
Yaba
Home to Andela, CcHub, hotels, Cafeone, and numerous startups.
Where to eat:
White House (Sabo) Buka:
Jollof, assorted meats, and plantain and everything swallow. It’s a tech bro’s favourite spot for a hearty, low-cost meal.
Iya Eba:
If you love swallow, Iya Eba is perfect for you. Get eba, egusi, assorted or chicken between ₦2,500–₦4,000
Calabar Kitchen:
If you love seafood, this is your spot for affordable fresh fish, prawns, and the rich taste of southern Nigerian cooking. You can get grilled fish, plantain, and pepper sauce for ₦3,500–₦4,500
Ikeja (Business District)
Home to many multinationals, banks, companies and even Fusion
Where to eat:
University of Suya:
Your go-to for grilled meat after a long day. The suya here is well-seasoned, wallet-friendly, and a perfect match with chilled drinks. Suya sticks and bread between ₦2,000–₦2,500
Mama Ebo Canteen:
A bustling food spot offering a range of Nigerian classics from pounded yam to jollof without putting a huge hole in your pocket.
Chicken Republic:
For a quick grab-and-go meal, their “refuel meal” is a favourite amongst interns. Refuel meal: 1 piece of chicken + rice + soft drink for just ₦1,500
Lekki / Ajah (Start-up and Commercial Hub)
Home to many growing businesses, co-working spaces like Cafeone, and lifestyle companies.
Where to eat:
Amala Sky:
If you want a rich plate of amala and ewedu with assorted, this is the place. Plot 9, Block 13 Orchid Rd, Eti-Osa 101245, Lekki
The Place:
A fast-casual restaurant where you can grab well-cooked food at reasonable prices. Plot 38 Block, A10 Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Iya Meta Buka:
Hidden away in Lekki-phase 1, this buka is a favourite for lagosians who want a rich, traditional meal without exorbitant pricing.
Surulere (Creative, Sport, and Culture Hub)
Home to National Stadium, numerous media companies, and a rich mix of food vendors.
Where to eat:
Alhaja’s Canteen:
Affordable, rich, home-cooking style food.
Akara & Pap Junction:
Don’t miss this for a hearty, traditional breakfast.
Small Chops Corners:
For those nights you stay back to meet a deadline, grab some small chops or grilled delights from nearby vendors.
Final Tips
Pair up with colleagues: Split platters, buy in bulk, and cut costs together.
Ask locals: Your coworkers know the best “mama puts” that tourists or outsiders typically miss.
Watch for promotions: Some restaurants and fast food chains have daily promotions or “happy hours” perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
Internship life is hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring, overpriced meals. Lagos is packed with budget-friendly food spots that offer delicious, satisfying meals without emptying your wallet. So, whether you’re in Lekki or Ikeja, there’s always a tasty, affordable option nearby.
Now, go grab your colleagues, explore these food spots, and join the Fusion Food and Drink community to find more food locations with cheap rates and mouth-watering food.
