Rate Naija: Bistro 7

BISTRO 7, Intercontinental Restaurant
273B, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
+234 1-877-6622, +234 807-668-7777

The best thing about Bistro 7, of course, is the décor and ambiance. If you squint and peer with one eye, you can almost imagine you’re nowhere near the jungle that is Lagos city but I imagine that would be rather uncomfortable doing do for an entire meal so, yeah, never mind.

This restaurant is rather hard to find. I’ve been a number of times and keep almost missing it each time but here’s a tip – keep your eyes peeled for the low, white gate with a big gold number ‘7’ plastered on it.

Now I’ll be honest and say I haven’t done much experimenting with the menu they’ve got to offer. Speaking of menu, the variety of options is adequate and by that, I mean they don’t give you one of those huge booklets that have you feeling like you’re about to swot hard for an exam from hell (*mutters ‘Café Royal’ under breath*).

I have to admit I have a hard time feeling relaxed here though. Everything is so clean and in order, and so proper and I just have to sit upright in my chair or an Anna Wintour type will march up and demand my right-to-eat-here card. Then again, maybe this is all just in my head and my village side showing itself.

I’ve had a couple of their pizza options – yummy, stringy cheese galore and the flattest crust ever so that I feel like I’m technically following my diet even though I’m chewing away on a mouthful of forbidden carbs. The hamburger is pretty decent as well, one of the better ones I’ve had in this region. Fresh, soft bun is definitely a plus. I have not had the chance to test their dessert options, nor have I been brave enough to try anything outside of the pizza/burger fare like pasta but hmm, maybe one day? In the meantime, why don’t you try ‘em out and let me know?

Pros:

Ambiance and décor on point.

Food is pretty decent. Stick to the pizza menu.

Cons:

This is not a place you can lean back and let your hair loose. It has too much of an uppity feel, IMO.

Service can be rather slow.

Ideas for improvement:

Now I’m not the expert here but I would imagine making the venue a lot friendlier would. Then again, the way the place is currently set up probably works for their target market.

3.9 stars out of 5

L.