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Ocean Basket: Your Go-To for Seafood Platters and Family Meals.

  • Writer: Ogunmoyero Moyinoluwa (King Praizz)
    Ogunmoyero Moyinoluwa (King Praizz)
  • Dec 12, 2025
  • 4 min read


Ocean Basket is a compelling narrative of global franchise success, translated beautifully to the dynamic Nigerian dining scene. Far from the high-brow, exclusive establishments favored by the networking elites, Ocean Basket occupies a crucial, beloved niche: the reliable, family-friendly seafood haven. It stands as the go-to destination for consistently fresh seafood platters, generous family meals, and a casual, Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that has earned deep loyalty from the Nigerian middle and upper classes across its various Lagos locations.



Originating in South Africa, Ocean Basket brings a distinct Mediterranean dining philosophy to Nigeria. This philosophy is centred around abundance, sharing, freshness, and a welcoming, light-hearted atmosphere. The interior design of its restaurants characterized by a clean, nautical aesthetic, bright blue and white accents, and simple wooden furniture instantly transports diners away from the Lagos hustle to a breezy, Greek-island taverna.


​This environment is intentionally designed to be non-intimidating and inclusive. It encourages large groups to gather, emphasizing the communal joy of eating. There is no dress code anxiety; the focus is purely on enjoying good company and great food. This accessibility is a major factor in its consistent popularity as the city’s favorite seafood chain.


​In the Nigerian service industry, maintaining uniform quality across multiple locations is a significant achievement. Ocean Basket excels here, which is the cornerstone of its success and reputation. Whether you visit the branches in Ikeja City Mall, Victoria Island, or Lekki, the experience is reliably the same: the same generous portions, the same flavorful sauces, and the same standard of service.

​This commitment to consistency translates directly into customer trust. Diners know exactly what they are getting when they order, making it a safe and dependable choice for celebrations, casual dinners, and weekend lunches. This assurance of quality, coupled with a perceived good value for money, makes Ocean Basket the definitive choice for accessible, high-quality seafood.


​The heart of the Ocean Basket experience lies in its legendary seafood platters. These are the brand’s signature offerings, embodying the spirit of sharing and abundance that defines the restaurant. They are meticulously arranged collections of the restaurant's best sellers, designed to feed parties of two, three, or a whole family.

​A classic Ocean Basket platter is a colourful mosaic of the sea:

  • ​Prawns and Calamari: Cooked to perfection—the prawns often grilled with a light lemon-butter marinade, and the calamari tenderly deep-fried or grilled.

  • ​Fish Fillets: Usually hake or sole, grilled or fried to a delicate flakiness.

  • ​Mussels: Steamed and served in a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce.

  • ​Accompaniments: Served traditionally with choices of chips (fries), rice (often yellow Mediterranean rice), or fresh salad, allowing diners to customize their starch and vegetable intake.

​The popularity of these platters stems from their communal nature. They provide variety, minimize decision-making for large groups, and foster interaction as diners reach across the table, creating a lively and engaging meal dynamic—the perfect setup for family bonding or team lunches.


​While rooted in the Mediterranean, Ocean Basket has successfully adapted its offering to suit the Nigerian preference for bold flavors and familiar staples.

  • ​Sauce Customization: The restaurant’s sauces are critical. While the classic Lemon-Butter and Garlic sauces are standard, the availability of a peri-peri or chili sauce option is non-negotiable for many Nigerian diners, allowing them to add that essential kick of heat.

  • ​Sides: The inclusion of rice and chips as core side options perfectly aligns with local dining habits, ensuring the meal is hearty and filling.

  • ​Sushi Integration: Recognizing the growth of sushi culture in Lagos, Ocean Basket has skillfully integrated a comprehensive and well-executed sushi menu. This addition captures a younger, more cosmopolitan demographic and broadens its appeal beyond traditional seafood lovers, positioning it as a trendy, modern dining spot.


​For families in Lagos, choosing a dining location is often a logistical challenge, requiring a place that is safe, caters to different age groups, and is relatively affordable. Ocean Basket checks all these boxes:

  1. ​Kid-Friendly Menu: The menu offers simple, attractive options for children, ensuring parents can dine without worry.

  2. ​Ample Seating: Locations are designed to accommodate large groups and strollers comfortably.

  3. ​Birthday Destination: It has become a standard setting for family birthdays and small milestone celebrations. The atmosphere is celebratory but not overly formal, making it ideal for gathering grandparents, parents, and children together.

​The emphasis on sharing and the inherently healthy nature of seafood (grilled options) also appeals to parents seeking nutritious yet delicious meals for their children.



Ocean Basket is more than a restaurant; it is an anchor of reliability in Lagos's fast-moving and ever-changing culinary landscape. It offers an escape to a sun-drenched, maritime world where the focus remains steadfastly on fresh ingredients and shared enjoyment.

​By masterfully delivering consistently high-quality, generously proportioned seafood in a warm, welcoming environment, Ocean Basket has firmly established itself as the indispensable go-to choice. Whether you are craving the comfort of grilled hake, the adventure of a sushi roll, or the ultimate satisfaction of a giant seafood platter shared with loved ones, Ocean Basket reliably delivers the taste of the sea, making it a beloved institution across the city.

 
 
 
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