Abuja Cafes and Restaurants to Visit

Originally published June 11, 2021

Remember: All views and opinions expressed here are my own personal views and do not express the official views or opinions of the U.S. government. This is not an official resource. This is just a personal perspective and not everyone may agree.

Abuja is filled with countless unique cafes and restaurants. It's such a curious thing that on an unpaved road filled with wandering cattle, you can find a beautiful, upscale wine bar or cafe tucked into an unexpected corner. Here are some of the places we found!

1. Mambaah Cafe

This cute cafe is nestled in Maitama, Abuja. It's completely open, airy, and has an African theme with lots of creative details such as the thatched roof booths in the courtyard. The zobo (hibiscus) tea was delicious! On the Sunday morning we visited, the place was empty because many locals attend church for several hours. The cafe hosts weekly live music, poetry, and other events such as yoga on Saturday mornings. More info can be found on the cafe's instagram: @Mambaahcafe

2. Strobrie Cafe

This cute cafe is nestled in Garki, Abuja. The owners also use the space as a pottery center so there are always cute little pots filled with plants that you can even purchase after you finish your meal! For food and drink, we always get their teas - they are super-concentrated much like a juice. I can't pass up the chance to have avocado toast and Will loves the french toast and the crepes. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Sunday mornings are less busy and they just started doing a Sunday brunch menu. More info can be found on the cafe's instagram: @Strobrie

3. Cantina

It's a wine bar/restaurant - no Mexican food, sorry!!! It's great for dine-in dinners, but I've heard it is also good for takeaway meals and lunch. There is outside seating that reminds you you are abroad, but the modern inside with velvet chairs, brick walls, and fancy wine glasses looks straight out of a wine bar in D.C. It's amazing food (the best we've found in Abuja), reliable, and safe. We get the "hanging meat" - I'm sure it's called something way more elegant on the menu :) The wine is delicious and inexpensive!! It's also walking distance from some of our compounds so if you happen to live a short-distance away, visit this place!