From creative burgers to Sunday pancakes, power couple Abigail and Selmo bring global influences, local produce and community spirit to Lagos
– September 29, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio
Two similar concepts, connected by the same essence and vibrant flavours, where everything is homemade using local ingredients and enjoyed in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Influenced by America, travels around the world, and family and friends, Nah Nah Bah and Abigail’s Café reflect the culinary tastes and homemade recipes of Abigail Ribeiro, originally from Philadelphia (USA), and Selmo Ribeiro, a Portuguese-American from Boston – both sharing a background in hospitality and a deep love for Lagos.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Nah Nah Bah – ranked among the ‘Top 50 Burger Joints in the World’ by the Matador Network – prides itself on delivering a unique experience. Known for its flavour-packed burgers, creative cocktails and attentive service, the restaurant boasts two locations: one in Lagos and another in Praia da Luz.
Alongside its great food, Nah Nah Bah offers a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to linger over a drink, including local craft beers, whilst enjoying the laid-back rhythms of Reggae music.
This gourmet burger joint is decorated in vibrant shades of red, gold and green, a nod to Jamaica, Bob Marley, and Selmo’s passion for Reggae. Adding to the vibe, a quote from Marley himself is proudly displayed on the wall.
“Selmo’s favourite food has always been burgers so when given the chance to open his own restaurant, he knew immediately his passion for burgers would bring him success,” Abigail recalls. And he was right.
Nah Nah Bah quickly became a haven for those who share his passion. Here, every burger is crafted with fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably produced organic ingredients, complemented by house-made sauces and starters.
There’s something to suit every taste, from the classic All American Burger with cheese and homemade pickles to the exotic Toucan Burger, with grilled pineapple and bacon, perfect for first-time visitors to get a taste of what Nah Nah Bah is all about.
For a spicy kick, the Sheriff Burger or the Luís Figo will hit the spot, and vegans can enjoy the plant-based Beyond Burger. And if a burger isn’t what you’re after, the beer-battered Fish Tacos are a delicious alternative.
To round off the experience, pair your meal with a Bang Bang Margarita or a homemade sangria.
The menu reflects Selmo’s flair for creative combinations, and to make the experience even more exciting, a special burger is introduced once a month.
“We want clients to return with more friends and more family for fun times and good vibes all together,” say the owners, explaining that the name came from the Nah Nah exotic flower, blended with the Bostonian way of pronouncing ‘bar’ – a nod to Selmo’s roots.
In 2018, the couple launched their second venture: Abigail’s Café. Inspired by Abigail’s love of brunch, which she missed since she always enjoyed eating brunch with her family and friends, the concept grew from the idea that a restaurant could be not just a place to eat, but also “a social outing and a lifestyle”.
The café began with a focus on homemade, wholesome food and, four years later, expanded to include a shop offering a range of local and national products, from clothing and candles to piri-piri.
The diverse menu blends Abigail’s family recipes with regular and seasonal dishes. The Breakfast Burrito is a standout, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, followed closely by the Falafel Bowl. The Sunday Funday Pancakes – a favourite the couple make for their three children – are also not to be missed, as is The Bachelor’s Grilled Cheese, Abigail’s favourite childhood meal.
Aside from vegetarian dishes and coffee, Abigail’s Café is known for its made-to-order vegan juices and smoothies, as well as its homemade desserts.
“We want clients to feel welcome and at home, to have a good time with friends and family, and to enjoy high-quality food and drinks,” Abigail emphasises. The café’s relaxed, casual atmosphere, attentive service, and carefully curated playlist make it a friendly space, whether you choose to sit inside or on the outdoor terrace.
The inspiration to be “more than just a café but also a lifestyle brand in the community”, came from a favourite New York brunch spot, Penelope.
For the décor, Abigail chose her favourite colours to evoke the natural beauty of Lagos. The blue sofas recall the sea, whilst the wallpaper combines warm tones of yellow and orange-red with green and blue.
To preserve and showcase the heritage of this remarkable pre-1950s building, they decided to remove the drywall and expose the original bricks.
Abigail and Selmo’s projects are infused with Lagos’ blend of traditional Portuguese architecture, Algarvian culture, and a mix of locals and international ex-pats, which is also what drew them to the town in the first place.
“Our restaurants work and thrive for both communities,” Abigail explains. With both establishments now stable and recognised, they are ready to innovate. The couple has just launched their long-term passion project, The Pizza Garage, next to Nah Nah Bah Lagos, offering Neapolitan street-style pizzas and local beers.
But there are more exciting developments to come. As we were going to print, they were preparing to open an industrial prep kitchen in September, supplying food for private parties and events from Nah Nah Bah, Abigail’s Café, and The Pizza Garage.
In November, they intend to open a new space, White Rhino Sushi, serving high-quality sushi for take-away and delivery, including a home-sushi service for parties and events.
By the year’s end, Abigail and Selmo also plan to inaugurate Abigail’s luxury apartments near the café. To top it off, in the new year they will launch a new app, allowing customers to order delivery, make reservations, and earn VIP points and rewards for all their restaurants, all in one place.
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