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CalabarCross River State

Updated 1 month ago

Best Fine Dinings in Calabar — 2026 Rankings

Looking for the best fine dining experiences in Calabar, Cross River State? Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an upscale meal, Calabar offers a growing selection of refined restaurants. Our list of 23 fine dining spots is topped by Gemba Hotel and Resort with a perfect 5-star rating, though City Grillz also boasts 5 stars from more reviews. We rank these establishments based on Google rating, review volume, recency, profile completeness, verification, and paid placement, ensuring you get a reliable guide to the finest dining in Calabar.

How the algorithm scored this23 businesses ranked

Ranked
23

businesses

Reviews analyzed
4.8K

Google reviews

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22

cover images

Last refresh
1 month ago

editorial review

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What to check before choosing fine dinings in Calabar

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23 results
  • Editor's Selection#1 in the city
    1
    Gemba Hotel and Resort — photo

    Gemba Hotel and Resort

    74.4/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars16 reviews

    Dr Joe Enobong Close PS Luxury Homes, Parliamentary Extension, Ikot Effanga, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Luxury at 5-star hotel standard with exceptional hospitality and value for money.

    • luxury
    • value for money
    • clean rooms
    • friendly staff
    • great atmosphere
    • excellent food
    Why ranked #1? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume41
    • Review recency97
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment95
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Alexander X. ★★★★★ One of the best gyms I've been to in this city. Not spacious as I would like but not a problem at all.
    • GENTLE B. ★★★★★ This place is so good, Luxury at its peak, this is a 5 star hotel standard.
  • 2
    City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar — photo

    City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar

    72.0/ 100
    5.05.0 out of 5 stars34 reviews

    124 Old Ikang Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Extra creamy and meaty shawarma with perfectly done chicken.

    • best shawarma
    • creamy
    • meaty
    • fast delivery
    • friendly staff
    • value for money
    Why ranked #2? ▾
    • Google rating95
    • Review volume51
    • Review recency53
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment100
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Hellena Fs ★★★★★ Delicious food and delivery was super fast!
    • Eve O. ★★★★★ The best shawarma I've had so far. The hotness was the first green flag🥹.It was very creamy and filling and the chicken was nicely done too.
  • 3
    The Home Restaurant and Lounge — photo

    The Home Restaurant and Lounge

    70.0/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars57 reviews

    75 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Cozy, home-like atmosphere with standout dishes like isiewu and Arabian tea.

    • serene environment
    • delicious food
    • hospitable service
    • cozy atmosphere
    • isiewu
    • arabian tea
    Why ranked #3? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency56
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • GODSUPREME S. ★★★★ Teary food. Wonderful parfait. Yummy shawama. Costly climax.
    • BTX T. ★★★★★ I went there yesterday..the atmosphere is relaxing, the osun rice was delicious but I didn't like the chicken peppers soup wasn't spicy..but I will certainly try the ogbono soup next..
  • 4
    E3 Restaurant — photo

    E3 Restaurant

    68.1/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars360 reviews₦₦

    X86F+P7P, Duke Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Buffet on Sundays offers good value at 13k per person.

    • good food
    • slow service
    • nice ambience
    • expensive
    • seafood pasta disappointing
    • buffet
    Why ranked #4? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume85
    • Review recency69
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment56
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • JE I. ★★★★★ VERY lovely ambience. I ordered the seafood pasta (take away) and ate less than half of the meal. For the VERY expensive price I paid, that food was not appealing at all. Don't think I will take the risk of trying another food after wasting some money previously. On the fair side, maybe it was just a bad day to order seafood pasta.
    • Bukky B. ★★★★ The food is good and it's a lot. I was never able to finish any of my portions. Service takes forever though and they hardly ever have fresh fruit juices.
  • 5
    Chef Zhanga Foods — photo

    Chef Zhanga Foods

    66.4/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars136 reviews

    No 1 ACB Road Federal Housing Estate, Federal Housing Esta, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #5? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume71
    • Review recency68
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment75
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Eskor E. ★★★★★ Love his energy, love the food and he gives you so much food. Great atmosphere nice and clean worth visiting if you’re in Calabar.
    • Some G. ★★★★★ Chef Zhanga is going to hate this review, because he ensures his humbleness outshines his talent. I have eaten in quite a few places in Calabar, but I would eat here everyday just for the chance to sp
  • 6
    CHEFGreen signature Local street kitchen ( The best in the city of CALABAR) — photo

    CHEFGreen signature Local street kitchen ( The best in the city of CALABAR)

    65.3/ 100
    4.94.9 out of 5 stars12 reviews

    Atekong Dr, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Best Ekpang in Calabar, available late at night from Atekong spot.

    • best ekpang
    • topnotch service
    • late night
    • hidden gem
    • friendly staff
    Why ranked #6? ▾
    • Google rating94
    • Review volume37
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment93
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★★ Chef Green makes one of the best Ekpang's in this city, and it's great that you can get it even late at night from the Atekong spot. 10/10 experience always.
    • Dr. S. ★★★★★ Hidden gem i discovered via Google maps while on a work trip to Calabar. Best ekpan I have ever had!
  • 7
    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar — photo

    Native Delicacies Restaurant Calabar

    65.1/ 100
    3.83.8 out of 5 stars1.7k reviews₦₦

    118 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Ikot Ekan Edem, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Offers locally prepared African dishes at good prices, but service and AC issues noted.

    • local dishes
    • good price
    • slow service
    • tasteless food
    • ac not working
    Why ranked #7? ▾
    • Google rating65
    • Review volume100
    • Review recency63
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment56
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel B. ★★★★ The food was very okay. The customer service needs to improve and be better.
    • THOMAS E. ★★★★ For your Peace of Mind please avoid this place, their food (coconut rice) is totally tasteless and nonsense, even a toddler cook better than whoever was in the kitchen on Friday 7th November 2025 AC
  • 8
    Domino's Pizza Calabar — photo

    Domino's Pizza Calabar

    64.2/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars460 reviews₦₦

    former, 73 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Marian road, Leopad Town, Calabar 240212, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Suya pizza and cinnamon roll deals are popular menu highlights.

    • good customer service
    • suya pizza
    • cinnamon roll deal
    • spacious environment
    • variety of pizza
    • slow improvement needed
    Why ranked #8? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume89
    • Review recency7
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Amobi V. ★★★★★ It's quite a thrilling experience, though I went there on a Monday, there wasn't much of a crowd, so I did enjoy my stay. The suya pizza is dope, a little above N5,000 for the particular size in this picture
  • 9
    Mustard Seed — photo

    Mustard Seed

    63.0/ 100
    3.93.9 out of 5 stars289 reviews₦₦

    Leopad Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #9? ▾
    • Google rating69
    • Review volume82
    • Review recency71
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Emmanuel ★★★★ I'm going to be a little bit graphic so permit me. I visited this restaurant with a senior friend of mine on the 29th of March for lunch. It turned out to be the biggest mistake of the week! The young guy who was taking orders was unnecessarily rude and arrogant. He acted with so much impunity. We both demanded for fisherman soup and white rice. It took almost 1hr for it to get to us. When it finally came, boy! I was super excited when I saw the contents of the soup but I was skeptical about how it looked - it was the strangest I've seen. My very first swallow confirmed my fears. The taste was horrible! The fish was also bad. Who in God's name uses "achi" to prepare fisherman soup?! The okra in it was forgivable. Barely 10mins into the meal, I found myself in the rest room, stooling all the liquid from my stomach. Diarrhea followed for the next 3 days. This is by far my worst experience with any Calabar restaurant. This is supposed to be a zero star rating if that was possible. I really hope this gets to the management.
  • 10
    Tummytreet Restaurant & Lounge — photo

    Tummytreet Restaurant & Lounge

    61.8/ 100
    4.94.9 out of 5 stars7 reviews

    No.3 Ntiero Close, Housing Estate Rd, off Duke Town Drive, State, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Serene ambiance with easy accessibility.

    • great food
    • serene place
    • good ambiance
    • wonderful service
    • easy accessibility
    Why ranked #10? ▾
    • Google rating94
    • Review volume30
    • Review recency29
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment77
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Eric B. ★★★★ Nice 👍🏾 food served in a serene place
    • Ani I. ★★★★★ A lovely place to be any time and any day.. What I love most about Tummy Treet is their food and the ambiance
  • 11
    Food Villa Restaurant and Bar — photo

    Food Villa Restaurant and Bar

    61.8/ 100
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars97 reviews

    124 old Ikang, Marian Road, Airport Area, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Known for creamy, meaty shawarma with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

    • creamy shawarma
    • meaty
    • spicy
    • sweet
    • prompt delivery
    • customer friendly
    Why ranked #11? ▾
    • Google rating92
    • Review volume66
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment71
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 12
    Beuberry cafe — photo

    Beuberry cafe

    61.7/ 100
    4.04.0 out of 5 stars108 reviews

    2 Old Marian Rd, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #12? ▾
    • Google rating73
    • Review volume68
    • Review recency77
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment45
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Uche N. ★★★★ Very unserious people. The lady who is supposed to be the Manager I guess could not be bothered to engage with customers, appeared rude and condescending, the waiter did not know what was on the menu or if they could make it.....and worst bit, despite the restaurant being empty a few minutes past 11.00am, they insisted they had closed the breakfast menu. Very unprofessional staff. Owners need to train their people in hospitality.
    • Isaac J. ★★★★ I was excited to visit Beuberyy based on a recommendation from a friend, but unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. After being directed to the wrong location on Google Maps and making several calls to get proper directions, we finally arrived at 11:19am, only to be told that breakfast had ended at 11:00am. While I understand cut-off times, the restaurant was empty at the time, so it was surprising that no flexibility was offered, especially for a group of four ready to order. What was more concerning was the attitude of the staff member on duty. She seemed completely uninterested, more focused on her lollipop than assisting four paying customers. There was no attempt at accommodation or even basic warmth. I hope management takes this feedback into consideration, as first impressions are important.
  • 13
    Mosby restaurant — photo

    Mosby restaurant

    60.1/ 100
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars11 reviews

    10 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Big Qua Town, Calabar 540261, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Specializes in traditional Nigerian soups like Afang and Fisherman soup.

    • traditional soups
    • afang soup
    • fisherman soup
    • excellent service
    • sunday brunch
    Why ranked #13? ▾
    • Google rating88
    • Review volume36
    • Review recency4
    • Profile completeness100
    • Review sentiment100
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 14
    Atimbo Bushmeat Joint — photo

    Atimbo Bushmeat Joint

    59.1/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars147 reviews

    X98F+F3G, Ikang Road, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Specializes in bushmeat and fresh palm wine, a must-visit for local traditional dining in Calabar.

    • bushmeat
    • fresh palm wine
    • local cuisine
    • tender meat
    • traditional dining
    Why ranked #14? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume72
    • Review recency19
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Willy H. ★★★★★ A nice hangout spot. Best to visit on Sunday mornings for fresh sweet palmwine. Boiled plantain with sauce =1k, Bush meat= 1k per piece, palmwine= 1.5k or 2k
  • 15
    Freddy's Restaurant — photo

    Freddy's Restaurant

    57.4/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars48 reviews

    95 Atekong Dr, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Offers Lebanese and international cuisine alongside freshly prepared Nigerian dishes.

    • freshly prepared dishes
    • lebanese food
    • good service
    • nice environment
    • parking available
    Why ranked #15? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume56
    • Review recency7
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment86
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Ransome I. ★★★★★ The place is nice I really enjoyed myself you have a good life style hair environment is beautiful everywhere is cool a nice
  • 16
    AMC — photo

    AMC

    56.3/ 100
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars53 reviews

    103 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Combines a pub atmosphere with an open space and outdoor feel, ideal for both lounging and partying.

    • good ambience
    • open space
    • chill spot
    • great drinks
    • good dj
    • family friendly
    Why ranked #16? ▾
    • Google rating86
    • Review volume58
    • Review recency9
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Marian E. ★★★★★ One of the best in the city of calabar
    • Giovanna J. ★★★★ Very lovely place to chill in Calabar 😎 The DJ & MC did a good Job! 👍 I was gladly entertained.
  • 17
    De Sauce Rooftop — photo

    De Sauce Rooftop

    55.2/ 100
    4.24.2 out of 5 stars99 reviews

    92 Murtala Mohammed Hwy, Ikot Ekan Edem, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Rooftop venue with a popular food spot (Munchies and Shakes) in the compound.

    • good dj
    • nice waiter
    • great aesthetics
    • amazing food
    • limited beer options
    • good ambiance
    Why ranked #17? ▾
    • Google rating80
    • Review volume67
    • Review recency5
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment78
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 18
    Tata Fish — photo

    Tata Fish

    55.0/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars870 reviews₦₦

    Atekong St, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #18? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume98
    • Review recency2
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 19
    Tatafish Restaurant — photo

    Tatafish Restaurant

    53.5/ 100
    3.73.7 out of 5 stars58 reviews₦₦

    110 Marian Hill Rd, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #19? ▾
    • Google rating60
    • Review volume59
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★ I love the point-and-kill option as it ensures you get freshly grilled fish always. The grilling is well done and tastes really nice. It's a bit tricky getting drinks especially if you don't drink alcohol, and but it's usually sorted in the end . Doubles as a viewing centre and bar so it's really rowdy and attracts all sorts. Do not recommend for kids.
    • Isah A. ★★★★ Nice treatment by the attendant
  • 20
    Backyard Terrace — photo

    Backyard Terrace

    48.0/ 100
    3.63.6 out of 5 stars118 reviews₦₦

    Plot 10 Southern Industrial Layout Ekorinom, Calabar 540211, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Combines local delicacies with football viewing and snooker.

    • reasonable price
    • friendly service
    • local delicacies
    • football
    • snooker
    • chilled beer
    Why ranked #20? ▾
    • Google rating55
    • Review volume69
    • Review recency3
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment59
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

  • 21
    The Table & Sauce Restaurant — photo

    The Table & Sauce Restaurant

    47.2/ 100
    3.63.6 out of 5 stars13 reviews

    Effiong Bassey Street, Ntioro Street, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Review analysis

    Slow food service despite good ambience and decor.

    • slow service
    • good ambience
    • poor lighting
    • inconsistent food quality
    • cozy environment
    • long wait times
    Why ranked #21? ▾
    • Google rating55
    • Review volume38
    • Review recency61
    • Profile completeness67
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Sho ★★★★ They don't seem to open during the day, and do not have any pointer or service person to actually state it. So you end up wandering aimlessly till you figure it out and leave.
    • OBETEN G. ★★★★★ Good ambience and cozy environment for dates. Great customer service, but their food is nothing to write home about. I was on a date last week, and we made an order for coconut rice, it took over an hour to get it served. Worst part of it was that the food wasn't nice. Tasted like food that has been cooked for days and rewarmed. Waisted my 13k for nothing. I can't recommend Table and Sauce to anyone. Their food doesn't make any sense.
  • 22
    Fiesta Fries — photo

    Fiesta Fries

    46.7/ 100
    3.33.3 out of 5 stars137 reviews

    105 Ndidem Usang Iso Rd, Atekong, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #22? ▾
    • Google rating40
    • Review volume71
    • Review recency69
    • Profile completeness33
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

    Recent reviews

    • Brendan J. ★★★★★ This is one of the best places to be in Calabar. It's situated at the heart of Marian just by Atekong junction. It has clean scenarios and great view of the bus roads down the front. Great service and nice dishes and drinks. I really recommend.
    • Sho ★★★★ It doesn't exist anymore. Has been closed down for over 4 years.
  • 23

    Best food restaurant

    8.6/ 100
    Not yet rated0 reviews

    by Etta gbor, Mary Slessor Ave, Efut Ekondo, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria

    Why ranked #23? ▾
    • Google rating0
    • Review volume0
    • Review recency30
    • Profile completeness0
    • Review sentiment50
    • Verification0

    Scores 0–100 per dimension. See how we rank.

Frequently asked questions

Which fine dining restaurant in Calabar has the highest rating?

Two restaurants share the top rating of 5 stars: Gemba Hotel and Resort (16 reviews) and City Grillz | Best Shawarma Calabar (34 reviews). Gemba Hotel and Resort is ranked first in our list, while City Grillz has more reviews.

What is the most reviewed fine dining spot in Calabar?

E3 Restaurant has the most reviews among fine dining options in Calabar, with 360 reviews and a rating of 4.2 stars. It also has a price level of 2, indicating moderate pricing.

Are there any fine dining restaurants in Calabar with a 4.5-star rating?

Yes, two restaurants have a 4.5-star rating: The Home Restaurant and Lounge (57 reviews) and Chef Zhanga Foods (136 reviews). Both are highly rated and popular choices.

How many fine dining restaurants are listed in Calabar?

There are 23 fine dining restaurants listed in Calabar, Cross River State. The top five include Gemba Hotel and Resort, City Grillz, The Home Restaurant and Lounge, E3 Restaurant, and Chef Zhanga Foods.

Which fine dining restaurant in Calabar has the most reviews after E3 Restaurant?

After E3 Restaurant (360 reviews), Chef Zhanga Foods has the most reviews with 136, followed by The Home Restaurant and Lounge with 57 reviews.

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