Lagos Cafes You Need To Try Next: From Hidden Backrooms To Brunch Icons

Backroom Cafe - New neighborhood hideout to watch

Backroom Cafe is the kind of place Lagos locals like to gatekeep. Tucked away from the usual mall circuit, it is a new business with a small but growing fanbase and a solid 4.1 rating. The vibe is intimate, with a focus on cozy seating and a relaxed soundtrack that makes it feel more like a living room than a commercial cafe.

Why it is trending: Backroom is new, so it is still under the radar, but it already shows a strong growth score. People are starting to talk about it as a low-key alternative to the packed brunch giants. Early visitors highlight its potential for date nights and quiet catchups, which is exactly the kind of spot Lagos coffee lovers are hunting for right now.

Best for:

• Calm, crowd-free coffee runs
• First dates and intimate hangs
• People who like discovering places before they blow up

Tips:

• Go in the late afternoon for the most relaxed vibe.
• Ask staff for off-menu drink tweaks. New cafes often experiment if you are friendly.

Alex | coffee brunch wine - Polished brunch and wine darling

Alex | coffee brunch wine is a refined all-day spot that has nailed Lagos cafe aesthetics and consistency. With a 4.8 rating and hundreds of reviews, it has become a go-to for brunch meetups, coffee dates, and casual wine evenings. Expect clean interiors, thoughtful plating, and a menu that leans into comfort food with a modern twist.

Why it is trending: Alex keeps gaining momentum with fresh reviews and strong word of mouth. It hits three big Lagos cravings in one place: good coffee, proper brunch, and a relaxed wine bar feel. People rave about the service and the way it smoothly transitions from daytime laptop spot to evening hangout.

Best for:

• Weekend brunch with friends
• Coffee-first dates in a polished setting
• After-work wine without full club energy

Tips:

• Reserve ahead for weekend brunch to avoid long waits.
• If you work remotely, try late mornings on weekdays when it is quieter and still bright.

Pitstop Village - Active lifestyle cafe with community feel

Pitstop Village blends cafe culture with a wellness-forward, community vibe. Think bikes, running groups, and coffee all orbiting the same hub. The space feels open and social, with plenty of natural light and a menu that usually includes lighter, energy-friendly options alongside comfort food.

Why it is trending: Lagosians are leaning into wellness and outdoor activities, and Pitstop sits right at that intersection. Its strong rating and steady review growth show it is not just a novelty. Fitness groups, cyclists, and remote workers use it as a meetup and cool-down base, which keeps the energy high but friendly.

Best for:

• Post-workout breakfasts and coffee
• Casual meetups with a social, sporty crowd
• People-watching and light laptop work

Tips:

• Check their social pages for community rides or events that start or end at the cafe.
• Go early on weekend mornings if you want a seat away from the most active zones.

Cafeteria Nigeria - Lagos brunch powerhouse

Cafeteria Nigeria is one of the city’s most established cafe-brunch brands, with a huge volume of reviews and a loyal fanbase. Expect American-style pancakes, loaded breakfast plates, burgers, and crowd-pleasing coffee drinks. The interiors usually lean bright and Instagram-ready, and the energy is high, especially on weekends.

Why it is trending: Even as new cafes open, Cafeteria stays in the conversation thanks to its consistency and social media presence. It is a default choice for birthdays, brunch photos, and group meetups. Its large review count and solid rating show it has moved from hype to reliable classic status while still pulling in new visitors.

Best for:

• Big brunches and celebrations
• First-time visitors to Lagos looking for a safe cafe bet
• Content creators who want photogenic plates and interiors

Tips:

• Expect crowds on weekends; arrive early or be ready to queue.
• If you are not a fan of noise, aim for weekday brunch hours instead.

Abigail's Cafe - Cozy comfort with loyal regulars

Abigail's Cafe sits in that sweet spot between neighborhood joint and destination cafe. With a 4.4 rating and close to a thousand reviews, it has clearly built a strong base of regulars. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with a menu that leans into hearty meals, pastries, and easy-to-love drinks.

Why it is trending: Abigail's may not be the newest kid on the block, but its steady growth score shows it is still winning new fans. People talk about it as a dependable everyday cafe, the kind of place you return to for comfort food and familiar faces rather than just flashy decor.

Best for:

• Low-pressure meetups and solo visits
• Comfort food cravings
• Remote work sessions if you like a homier feel

Tips:

• Ask staff for their favorite dishes; regulars often swear by house specials.
• Pair a light main with a pastry or dessert if you want the full experience.

Making the most of Lagos cafe culture

Lagos cafes are evolving fast, from wellness-focused hubs to wine-friendly brunch lounges and intimate new hideouts. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on smaller, newer spots like Backroom Cafe while still enjoying established heavyweights like Cafeteria Nigeria and Alex | coffee brunch wine.

MapsBuddy helps you find the cafes that are trending now, not six months from now, so you can explore Lagos like a local who always knows the next spot.