Arguably one of the best Indian restaurants in Lagos, Spice Bar has become so popular that it’s now expanding into the larger downstairs space. That expansion, which should add about 150 seats should be open in September of 2013.

Spice Bar serves a combination of north Indian and Chinese cuisine in a plainly decorated, upstairs dining room. The “L” shaped room has a score of tables scattered across the white-tiled floor and a main bar in the corner where one of the proprietors takes orders and commands his army of waiters.

The downstairs space, which was effectively finished during my visit, will be much finer in design, with dark, hardwood floors and fine wooden tables in a broad, open space. There is also a full length bar with white leather chairs and a few rooms for private events. The entire scene is overlooked by an 8m tall Buddha that peacefully rests over the room.

Despite the plain decor of the upstairs room, Spice Bar was packed when we stopped by at 9PM on a Sunday. Its popularity no doubt comes from its excellent cuisine, which is generally raved about across online reviews. There is a deep variety of north Indian dishes from murgh masala to tandoori on the menu and an equally impressive array of Chinese meals available as well. The buttered chicken masala with basmati rice, which I ordered for N 3000, was fantastic. There is also a range of beer and spirits available, though my options for red wine were fairly narrow.
Spice Bar is fairly easy to find on the south side of Adeola Odeku, the main east-west street on Victoria Island. It’s possible to walk safely there from several of the island hotels, but if need be, most hotel and taxi drivers will know the name.