Lagos, Portugal is a hotspot for tourists who likes the beach. Other than the beaches, Lagos is also popular for its vibrant nightlife and food scene.
Having food trips is a part of traveling. Getting to try different foods in the country you are visiting is the best way to experience their culture, especially if you try their local food.
There are a lot of restaurants in Lagos and they all have their own specialties. Some restaurants offer only traditional Portuguese cuisine while other restaurants offer a mix of Portuguese and contemporary cuisines.
One of the best restaurants in Portugal is Casinha do Petisco. This restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine that you must try if you are in Lagos. Some of the restaurants in Lagos like Casa do Prego and Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant have contemporary dishes.
In this article, we will be talking about 9 of the best places to eat in Lagos, Portugal. These restaurants offer a variety of dishes and some have vegan and vegetarian options as well. If you are ready to eat the best cataplana, steak, or even homemade bagels, read on!
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos, Portugal is situated in the Barlavento region on the Western Algarve coastline which can be found in Southern Portugal. Lagos is a popular tourist destination in Portugal because of its beaches, vibrant nightlife, historical sights, and food scene.
The restaurants in Lagos range from traditional to contemporary Portuguese cuisine. You will definitely find a restaurant in Lagos that will suit your taste.
Lagos is about 301.1 km from Lisbon and will take a little under a 3-hour drive if you go by car. You also have the option to travel from Lisbon to Lagos by train or bus. Both transportation systems will take a little longer than going by car.
A day trip from Lisbon to Lagos is definitely possible but if you want to explore Lagos, you will have to stay a little bit longer.
Best Restaurants In Lagos, Portugal
Lagos has a lot to offer in the food scene. You can find traditional Portuguese cuisine in Lagos as well as contemporary and gourmet restaurants. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan meals, there are also restaurants that offer these meals.
Most of the top restaurants in Lagos are really popular among tourists and locals alike. Expect long lines and even longer waiting times in these popular restaurants.
Most of these restaurants accept advance bookings so you can reserve a table. However, others only accept walk-ins so you really have to queue and wait for your turn.
Having said that, let’s look at some of the best restaurants that you can dine in during your stay in Lagos.
Casinha Do Petisco
If you want to eat authentic Portuguese dishes as the locals do, it is highly recommended that you go to Casinha Do Petisco. This family-run restaurant is located in the historic old town of Lagos.
This family restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as pasta and meat dishes. But, the restaurant’s specialty dishes are fish and seafood. The restaurant’s homestyle cataplana is a popular dish among diners and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. This dish is a delicious seafood stew that has clams, pork, and prawns. They also serve house wine that goes well with the dishes.
Casinha do Petisco is one of the popular restaurants in Lagos and you will most likely see a line of people waiting to be seated. If you don’t want to wait in line, it is recommended that you make a reservation via a phone call a couple of days before you want to dine in the restaurant. If you don’t have the means to call via phone, you can go directly to the restaurant and leave your name on the waitlist.
Do note that some people wait an hour before being seated. If you don’t mind the waiting time, Casinha do Petisco is worth dining in. Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash as that is the only payment method accepted in the restaurant.
Address: Rua da Oliveira 51, Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Casa Do Prego
The next restaurant in this list offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine. If you are looking for Portuguese food with a modern twist, Casa do Prego is the restaurant to go to.
Casa do Prego offers a variety of dishes for you to choose from but the place has a focus on tapas. Some of the dishes they serve are tuna steak, tuna sandwiches, and Piri Piri chicken. Casa do Prego also offers vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free food.
Casa do Prego has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy delicious food while taking in the view of Lagos. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations so it is best to go there early to have your name on the wait list or avoid a long line.
Address: Rua Trocarote de Freitas, nº 18 – 1st Floor 8600-605 Lagos, Algarve
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 1:00 PM to 11 PM
Black And White
If you already had your fill of Portuguese cuisine elsewhere and like to have coffee, Black and White offers specialty coffee. Aside from coffee, this restaurant offers breakfast and lunch items. If you are vegetarian, they also offer vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Black and White have dishes that you can enjoy such as a breakfast burrito, avocado on toast, and pancakes. While Portuguese coffee is definitely a must-try when you are in Portugal, sometimes you just want a flat white or Americano.
If you don’t want a hearty Portuguese meal to start your day, you can definitely grab a bite to eat at Black and White. If you are in a rush, Black and White also has a takeaway bakery for your pastries and coffee need. The takeaway bakery is conveniently located right next door to the main restaurant.
Address: Rua Marreiros Netto, 40, Lagos 8600-583 Portugal
Open Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM daily (kitchen closes at 3 PM)
Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant
As the name implies, this restaurant is located on top of the Carvi Beach Hotel. Luca’s rooftop restaurant is open to non-hotel guests and they serve lunch and dinner.
This restaurant offers a variety of Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine that you can enjoy while taking in the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is also live music on some days which creates a lively atmosphere and great entertainment for the guests.
Some of the dishes that the restaurant serve are lamb racks, t-bone steaks, pasta, and seafood. The restaurant does get busy so it is advisable that you make a reservation a couple of days before so you can secure a table.
Address: Adress: PRAIA DONA ANA ALGARVE, Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro, 8600-500 Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:30 NN to 3:30 PM, 6 PM to 10 PM
O Camilo
O Camilo is a restaurant on the beach so you will be dining with the ocean as your view. That is if you get seats next to the window or get outdoor seating.
This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Algarve cruising as well as contemporary dishes. O Camila serves mainly fresh fish and other seafood dishes but they also serve other dishes such as meat and salads.
The restaurant’s kitchen serves lunch and dinner and it is advisable to make reservations as the line and waiting time gets really long. To make a reservation, you can call or go directly to the restaurant. You can do walk-ons but be prepared to wait for an hour or two.
Adress: Estrada da Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo 8600-544 Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12 NN to 10 PM, Sunday 12 NN to 4 PM
Pom Pom Bagels
You’ve probably had bagels in your hometown but these homemade bagels from Portugal are worth the try. The owner of the bagel shop, Katie Pomeroy, started her business during the pandemic. She delivers homemade bagels to locals and opened a bagel shop as the bagels quickly became popular with the locals.
If you are a bagel person for breakfast (or any time of the day_, you have to try Pom Pom bagels. This bagel shop has a variety of bagel offerings. Pom Pom bagels have different flavors such as plain, poppy seed, whole grain, onion and garlic, blueberry, and more.
You can also build your own bagel or choose from the different combinations on the menu. Pom Pom Bagels also offer a lot of vegan bagels.
Address: R. Gil Vicente 4, 8600-578 Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 AM to 4 PM
The Green Room
If you want to try Mexican food, The Green Room is the place to go. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, carnitas, and chili.
The Green Room also serves cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. You will definitely find that the beverages pair well with the restaurant’s dishes. The restaurant has a friendly and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect if you want to unwind after a busy day at the beach.
Address: R. da Oliveira, 44, 8600-754 Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 NN to 11 PM
Nah Nah Bah
This restaurant is a popular burger joint in Lagos and they serve burgers as well as several starters such as chips and nachos. They also have fish tacos, salad, and desserts if you are not up for a burger.
Nah Nah Bah uses fresh produce and sustainable organic ingredients to produce their high-quality dishes. This is a great place for burger lovers, especially after spending a long day at the beach. You can’t go wrong with a juicy burger and a cold drink.
Address: Tv. do Forno 11, 8600-632 Lagos, Portugal
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday 6 PM to 11 PM
Bahia Beach Bar
This restaurant is also located at the beach and has been in operation for over 30 years. Bahia Beach Bar serves a variety of dishes such as tapas, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and fish dishes. Since the restaurant is on the beach, you will have a wonderful dining experience with amazing views of the sand and sea.
This restaurant can also cater to private parties, business events, and weddings. The space for this event can accommodate up to 200 people standing or 130 seated. The restaurant also has live music every Sunday and if you plan on dining on a Sunday, you have to make reservations for dinner.
Address: Estrada de São Roque, Meia-Praia 8600-315 Lagos
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday 6 PM to 11 PM
Conclusion
There are many places to eat when you are in Lagos. You have the option of having a traditional Portuguese meal or choosing to have a more contemporary or Western dish.
Whatever kind of food you like having, this article has listed several restaurants that may appeal to your palette. If you like to go traditional, Casinha do Petisco is the restaurant to try. If you are more of a steak person, Casa do Prego or Luca’s rooftop restaurant are both good options.
If you’re ready to book your trip to the Algarve, check out our top picks for hotels in Lagos.
