“Lagos hides some of its best experiences in the most unexpected places, and Festac is proof of that,” says food critic Opeyemi Famakin after a recent visit to La Belle Lifestyle.
Speaking on the environment, Famakin noted:
“Festac has this calm, suburban energy you don’t get on the Island. The streets are wider, the chaos is dialed down, and there’s a sense of community that makes places like La Belle Lifestyle feel like a hidden retreat. You walk in and it’s modern but unpretentious — warm lights, breezy outdoor spots. It’s the Lagos you go to when you want to breathe.”
On the cuisine, he added:
“I expected the usual Lagos bar menu — wings, fries, and vibes — but La Belle surprised me. The seafood was actually fresh, the plating had intention, and the suya slapped like it should. It’s clear they’re trying to elevate the dining experience without being pretentious.”
Famakin also paid homage to the cultural identity of the neighborhood:
“I wore the Igbo cap as a nod to the Igbo community here. Festac has long been home to some of the wealthiest Igbo businessmen in Lagos, and that heritage shows in the food culture too — hearty meals, bold flavors, no shortcuts.”
Concluding his first impressions, Famakin said:
“There’s a quiet, laid-back luxury in Festac. They don’t shout about it like the Island, but if you know where to look — in the food, the spaces, the people — you realize Festac has been enjoying life lowkey.”
“Festac People Are Enjoying Lowkey” – Opeyemi Famakin
“Lagos hides some of its best experiences in the most unexpected places, and Festac is proof of that,” says food critic Opeyemi Famakin after a recent visit to La Belle Lifestyle.
Speaking on the environment, Famakin noted:
“Festac has this calm, suburban energy you don’t get on the Island. The streets are wider, the chaos is dialed down, and there’s a sense of community that makes places like La Belle Lifestyle feel like a hidden retreat. You walk in and it’s modern but unpretentious — warm lights, breezy outdoor spots. It’s the Lagos you go to when you want to breathe.”
On the cuisine, he added:
“I expected the usual Lagos bar menu — wings, fries, and vibes — but La Belle surprised me. The seafood was actually fresh, the plating had intention, and the suya slapped like it should. It’s clear they’re trying to elevate the dining experience without being pretentious.”
Famakin also paid homage to the cultural identity of the neighborhood:
“I wore the Igbo cap as a nod to the Igbo community here. Festac has long been home to some of the wealthiest Igbo businessmen in Lagos, and that heritage shows in the food culture too — hearty meals, bold flavors, no shortcuts.”
Concluding his first impressions, Famakin said:
“There’s a quiet, laid-back luxury in Festac. They don’t shout about it like the Island, but if you know where to look — in the food, the spaces, the people — you realize Festac has been enjoying life lowkey.”
