Ilorin has quietly become one of the most enjoyable cities in Nigeria to eat well without breaking the bank. You can do proper local meals like amala, tuwo, and different soups, then switch to grills, shawarma, pizza, and neat café-style plates on the same day.
Whether you’re a visitor looking for neat dining spots or a local searching for new hangout options, this list covers different budgets and vibes. If you’re searching for restaurants in Ilorin that feel reliable, tasty, and easy to locate, start here.
Comparison Table of Restaurants in Ilorin.
| Restaurant Name | Dishes | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Amala Place | amala and soups, swallow combos | ₦2,000–₦8,000 (estimated) |
| Pronto Restaurant and Lounge | Nigerian mains, grills, cocktails and mocktails | ₦8,000–₦22,000 (estimated) |
| The Green Door Restaurant | steaks and grills, pasta, plated meals | ₦12,000–₦35,000 (estimated) |
| The Sidney | pizza, grilled proteins, sharable platters | ₦6,000–₦16,000 (estimated) |
| The Claypot Restaurant | Nigerian meals, grills, small chops | ₦6,000–₦18,000 (estimated) |
| Edibles Restaurant | rice dishes, continental plates, desserts | ₦4,500–₦14,000 (estimated) |
| Bolz Grillz | grills, burgers, bowls, pastries | ₦4,000–₦12,000 (estimated) |
| Taas Place | swallow meals, rice bowls, platters | ₦3,000–₦10,000 (estimated) |
| The Commodores Cafe and Grill | grilled chicken, pasta, platters | ₦7,000–₦18,000 (estimated) |
| Iya Yusuf Restaurant | local delicacies, swallows, soups | ₦2,500–₦8,000 (estimated) |
Top 15 Restaurants in Ilorin
1. Amala Place
Amala Place is a simple option when you want Yoruba-style swallow meals without stress. It is the kind of spot people use for quick, filling food.
Expect amala, ewedu, gbegiri, and other soup combos depending on what is available that day. It is best for budget-friendly eating and takeout.
- Location: Fate Road area, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦2,000–₦6,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner
2. Pronto Restaurant and Lounge
Pronto blends restaurant dining with lounge energy, so it suits people who want food plus a lively atmosphere. The setting is neat and it is a popular weekend hangout.
You will find Nigerian-style mains, grills, and shareable plates that are best enjoyed with friends. If you like places that feel classy but still fun, it fits well.
- Location: Taoheed Road, Basin area, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦8,000–₦22,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
3. The Green Door Restaurant
The Green Door leans into a fine dining experience with a calm ambience and careful plating. It is a strong pick for birthdays, dates, and special dinners.
Meals here feel more premium, with grills, pasta, and well-styled plates. If you want a place that feels like an occasion, this is a good option.
- Location: Bishop Close, GTBank Road, Tanke Junction area, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦12,000–₦35,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
4. The Sidney
The Sidney is one of the go-to restaurants in Ilorin when you want pizza, chilled seating, and a relaxed hangout mood. It works well for both casual eating and planned outings.
The menu is great for shareable meals like pizza and platters, and it is a nice place to sit and talk without rushing. It also suits family outings when you want something different from local food.
- Location: Catchment Close, GRA, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦6,000–₦16,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Related: Top 10 Best Amusement Parks in Ilorin (Location and Price)
5. The Claypot Restaurant
Claypot gives that restaurant and lounge feel, with a comfortable indoor space. It is good for people who like neat ambience but still want familiar Nigerian flavors.
You can order local meals, grills, and side dishes that feel filling and well-prepared. It is also a good choice when you want a sit-down dinner without too much noise.
- Location: Beatrice Anike Street, off University Road, Tanke axis, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦6,000–₦18,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
6. Edibles Restaurant
Edibles is known for clean ambience, good service, and a menu that covers both Nigerian and continental meals. It is also convenient if you are already around a mall environment.
You can go for rice dishes, chicken meals, and café-style plates, then add desserts if you want something sweet after. It works well for couples and small groups.
- Location: Palms Mall, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦4,500–₦14,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Bolz Grillz
Bolz Grillz is one of the restaurants in Ilorin people often use for grills and quick meals around a shopping area. It is casual, easy, and good for lunch when you are moving around.
You will see options like grilled chicken, burgers, food bowls, and snack-style plates. It is a smart pick if you want something tasty without a long wait.
- Location: Palms Mall, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦4,000–₦12,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
8. Taas Place
Taas Place is popular for local meals, bowls, and platters that can feed one person well or handle group orders. It is practical when you want swallow meals or filling Nigerian dishes.
The food is usually straightforward and satisfying, and the location makes it easy to visit if you are around the airport road axis.
- Location: Emirate Mall, Airport Road, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦3,000–₦10,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. The Commodores Cafe and Grill
This is one of the most consistent modern dining options among restaurants in Ilorin, especially if you like grills and well-presented meals.
The menu covers filling mains and shareable platters that work for dates and small group outings. It also feels calm enough for meetings or a quiet dinner.
- Location: Yoruba Road, Phase 2, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦7,000–₦18,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
10. Iya Yusuf Restaurant
If you want a popular local-food experience, Iya Yusuf is one of the most talked-about restaurants in Ilorin for traditional meals. It is often described as a clean, organized spot for local delicacies.
You can expect swallows, soups, and Nigerian dishes that feel like proper home-style cooking. It is great for visitors who want to try local meals in a comfortable setting.
- Location: University Road, Tanke, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦2,500–₦8,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner
11. African Pot
African Pot is a good choice when you want Nigerian meals in a calm, sit-down environment. It is often mentioned around the GRA axis for casual dining.
The menu typically includes local dishes and filling plates that work for lunch or dinner. It is a nice option if you want something familiar and steady.
- Location: Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦3,500–₦10,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Read Also: Top 12 Best Swimming Pools in Ilorin (Prices and Location)
12. Item 7 (Go)
Item 7 (Go) is known for quick meals and easy combos that work for busy days. It is a convenient choice for students and workers who want food that comes out fast.
You can expect rice combos, chicken meals, and everyday Nigerian favorites. It is also good for takeout when you do not want to sit down.
- Location: Taiwo Road, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦2,500–₦6,500 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
13. BOA Foods
BOA Foods is a strong option for people who like variety and delivery-friendly meals. It is known for bowls, rice dishes, and different Nigerian options.
Meals are usually neat and satisfying, and it works well when you are ordering for family or visitors. It is also a good pick if you want consistent portion sizes.
- Location: University Road, Oke Odo axis, Ilorin (also has a GRA outlet)
- Average meal price: ₦3,000–₦9,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
14. Grubrite Restaurant
Grubrite is a practical choice for everyday meals, especially if you want something filling without paying premium prices. It is often used for quick lunch plans.
You will typically see rice meals, chicken, and comfort-food options that are easy to order. It suits both dine-in and takeout.
- Location: Old Jebba Road axis, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦3,000–₦8,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
15. Charcoal Foods
Charcoal Foods is popular for shawarma and quick bites, especially around the Tanke Junction area. It is casual and best for fast eating rather than long sit-down dinners.
If you like spicy snacks and easy-to-grab meals, it is a good stop. Many people visit for shawarma, grills, and light meals.
- Location: Umar Audi Road, Tanke Junction, Ilorin
- Average meal price: ₦2,500–₦7,000 (estimated)
- Types of Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
What You Need to Know Before Choosing Restaurants in Ilorin
Most people exploring restaurants in Ilorin usually start around the city’s busiest food corridors.
- Popular areas to search include restaurants in Tanke, restaurants in GRA, restaurants in Fate, restaurants in Taiwo Road, restaurants in Challenge, restaurants in Unity Road, restaurants in Basin, restaurants in Sango, restaurants in Oko Erin, and restaurants in Asa Dam.
- Average meal costs depend on the vibe: local spots are cheaper, while lounges and fine dining tend to cost more once you add drinks.
- Peak dining times are Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, so expect longer waits at popular places.
- Parking is often easier around GRA and mall locations, but tighter around major junctions like Tanke and busy roads.
- Cleanliness is usually decent at established spots, but still check the dining area and restrooms before you settle in.
Cheapest Restaurants in Ilorin
Amala Place: ₦2,000–₦6,000 (estimated)
Item 7 (Go): ₦2,500–₦6,500 (estimated)
Charcoal Foods: ₦2,500–₦7,000 (estimated)
Iya Yusuf Restaurant: ₦2,500–₦8,000 (estimated)
Taas Place: ₦3,000–₦10,000 (estimated)
Most Expensive Restaurants in Ilorin
The Green Door Restaurant: ₦12,000–₦35,000 (estimated)
Pronto Restaurant and Lounge: ₦8,000–₦22,000 (estimated)
The Commodores Cafe and Grill: ₦7,000–₦18,000 (estimated)
The Claypot Restaurant: ₦6,000–₦18,000 (estimated)
The Sidney: ₦6,000–₦16,000 (estimated)
FAQs
What kind of food should I try first if I am new to Ilorin?
Start with a local swallow meal like amala with ewedu and gbegiri, or try a rice plate with well-seasoned chicken. Places like Iya Yusuf and Amala Place make it easy to sample local flavors without guessing.
Which spots are best when I want pizza or continental-style meals?
The Sidney is a popular option for pizza and shareable plates. You can also try Edibles for a mix of Nigerian and continental meals, especially if you prefer a calm mall setting.
Are there good places for a quiet date night in Ilorin?
The Green Door has a more premium, calm feel that works well for couples. The Commodores and Claypot are also good when you want a neat place where you can talk comfortably.
Where can I get fast meals if I am rushing around the city?
Bolz Grillz and Item 7 (Go) are great for quick meals you can grab without waiting too long. Charcoal Foods is also useful when you want shawarma or snack-style food on the go.
Do these restaurants work well for families with kids?
Yes, especially places like The Sidney, Edibles, and Bolz Grillz where the setting is more relaxed and meal options are familiar. For local meals, Iya Yusuf is also a comfortable choice for family eating.
What is a realistic budget for eating out in Ilorin for one person?
For local meals and quick bites, ₦2,000 to ₦8,000 usually covers a satisfying meal. Lounges and fine dining spots may push you higher, especially if you add drinks or premium grills.
Conclusion
Ilorin has a nice mix of local bukka-style comfort food, grills, pizza spots, and calmer sit-down restaurants. Whether you are eating on a budget, going out with family, or planning a date night, you will find something that fits your mood.
Try a mix of local and continental places so you can enjoy the full range of the city’s food scene. If you are exploring restaurants in Ilorin for the first time, start with two or three from different areas and build your favorites list.