The range of restaurants in Lagos is as varied as it is tasty, with exceptional tables showcasing the treasures of the sea and Portuguese specialties. From Michelin-starred gastronomy to small traditional restaurants, discover our selection of the best places to eat in Lagos, combining authenticity and culinary refinement.
Find out all our tips based on our on-site experiences, with photos to back them up!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best restaurants in Lagos: our 3 favourites
Before discovering our detailed reviews of each establishment, take a look at our 3 absolute favorites:
- Restaurant Al Sud: an exceptional Michelin-starred gastronomic experience overlooking the ocean, where chef Louis Anjos sublimates local produce.
- Restaurant Avenida: refined bistronomic cuisine in elegant surroundings, with a breathtaking view of the marina.
- Restaurant Amorizade: delicious fusion cuisine combining French techniques and local Algarve produce in an intimate setting.
Please note that many restaurants in Lagos close during the low season, especially in winter. Be sure to check opening times before you visit.
WHERE TO STAY IN Lagos
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best hotel in Porto de Mós
Hotel Vivenda Miranda – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Ponta da Piedade
Cascade Wellness Resort Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in Meia Praia
Aparthotel Palmares Signature – See prices, photos and availability
Best hotel in the old town
Hotel Lagos Avenida – See prices, photos and availability
Best Michelin-starred and gourmet restaurants in Lagos
1. Restaurant Al Sud (1 star, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf)
Nestled in the Palmares Ocean Living & Golf complex, Restaurant Al Sud offers an exceptional dining experience. Michelin-starred chef Louis Anjos composes a daring culinary score that showcases the seafood and local produce of the Algarve. The contemporary dining room, bathed in natural light, offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
We were won over by the unique 8-course menu, which took us on a journey through local flavors. Fish comes in all shapes and textures, and seafood is sublimely delicious. Extend this luxurious experience with a stay at the Palmares Beach House Hotel, home to this prestigious address – see prices, photos and availability.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Meia Praia (15min drive from downtown Lagos)
- Type of restaurant: starred gourmet
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: single menu at €175 and wine pairing at €95
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Online booking required here
2. Restaurant Avenida (Lagos Avenida Hotel)
Overlooking the Lagos marina, Restaurant Avenida won us over with its relaxed elegance and creative cuisine. Large bay windows flood the room with natural light, creating a warm, refined atmosphere. The contemporary decor, punctuated by marine touches, perfectly reflects the spirit of the place.
Chef Roeland Klein offers a 6-course discovery menu in the evening, a popular lunch menu (starter-main course-dessert), and a high-quality breakfast menu. This is one of the most popular addresses for gourmets like us! The wine list features the finest Portuguese vintages. Take advantage of this opportunity to stay at the Lagos Avenida Hotel, home to this excellent restaurant – see prices, photos and availability.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: between bistronomic and gastronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €90 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (breakfast)
- We advise you to book online here
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Best bistronomic restaurants in Lagos
3. Restaurant Amorizade (French and Portuguese cuisine)
This culinary nugget, run by a young French couple, delighted us from the moment we arrived. The intimate bohemian-chic setting, with its magnificent wooden ceiling, creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner. The restaurant boasts a fine selection of wines to enhance your culinary experience. Oenophiles beware!
On the plate, we were won over by the finesse of the dishes, which combine traditional techniques with local Algarve produce. The scallop puff pastry with leek fondu was exquisite, while the duck confit with purée and vegetable risotto was perfectly cooked. To get the meal off to a fresh start, we indulged in their Lillet cocktail of the day, enhanced with grapefruit syrup and a touch of sparkling water.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Porto de Mós (5min drive from downtown Lagos)
- Restaurant type: French bistro
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 910 212 411
4. Restaurant Dos Artistas (old town, vegetarian options)
Let yourself be intoxicated by bold dishes that sublimate local products. Fresh cod fillet confit with grilled calamari, radish pickles, olives and a kumquat BBQ sauce. Vegetarians will love the delicious risotto with roasted red peppers, topped with sautéed asparagus and pine nuts, and enhanced with a balsamic vinegar mousse. The establishment also boasts a fine wine list.
Tucked away in a picturesque alleyway in the old town, Restaurant Dos Artistas is a popular address for gourmets. Colorful walls and works by local artists create a warm atmosphere. It’s an inspiring place, both in terms of decoration and food!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €35 and €65 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 760 659
5. Restaurant A Petisqueira (old town)
Tucked away in a charming cobbled alleyway in the old town, Restaurant A Petisqueira welcomes you in elegant contemporary surroundings. The friendly atmosphere and attentive service of the waiters, who are always on hand to give good advice, make for a very pleasant experience.
The à la carte menu features fine, gourmet dishes, enhanced by a fine selection of Portuguese wines, including the renowned Madeira wines! We were won over by their perfectly balanced tuna tartare, followed by a delicate white fish on a bed of coriander risotto. For dessert, we were tempted by the Baklava, an amazing pastry with multiple layers of nuts!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Type of restaurant: bistronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 037 406
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
Best traditional restaurants in Lagos old town
6. Restaurant Don Sebastião (vegetarian options)
A veritable institution in Lagos since 1979, Restaurant Don Sebastião perpetuates the Portuguese culinary tradition. Nestled in the heart of the old town, the establishment retains its authenticity with its rustic decor and impressive wine cellar. Don’t miss their famous Cataplana de Peixe, a seafood dish emblematic of the Algarve, or their almond tart, a local specialty!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: traditional cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 780 480
7. Restaurant Mar d’Estórias (rooftop overlooking the old town)
Perched on the roof of an old renovated building, Restaurant Mar d’Estórias offers views over the rooftops of the old town and the waterfront. The 3-level establishment houses a local crafts store on the first floor, a café-restaurant upstairs, and a rooftop bar that makes it the ideal place to watch the sunset.
Settled on the perched terrace, we opted for their signature burger, on the sound advice of our waitress. The white tuna steak, topped with caramelized onions and served with home fries, was perfectly cooked. Unaccustomed to fish burgers, we were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant revisits local products with a young, modern twist!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: contemporary Portuguese cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes (rooftop)
- Price range: between €20 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 792 165
8. Restaurant Real Portuguese Cuisine (vegetarian options)
In the heart of the historic center of Lagos, the Restaurant Real Portuguese Cuisine offers a true immersion in Portuguese gastronomy. The cuisine showcases the flavors of the Algarve through specialties such as cod confit in olive oil and garlic, served with braised potatoes, fleur de sel, broccoli and Portuguese cabbage. Vegetarians are not left out either, with dishes like zucchini moussaka with lentils. For lunch, indulge in their tapas menu of tasty dishes to share in a convivial atmosphere!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: traditional cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €25 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 917 991 817
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
Best restaurants in Lagos for a cheap family meal
9. Restaurant Casa do Prego (old town)
This must-visit restaurant in Lagos attracts locals and tourists alike for its simple, generous dishes. It offers a friendly atmosphere and excellent value for money. Their specialties include the famous Prego, a kind of sandwich with meat or fish, and their delicious grilled shrimps. With its generous portions and affordable prices, it’s the ideal place for a relaxed family meal!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: contemporary Portuguese cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 913 505 038
10. Don Gull Restaurant
Located in a slightly eccentric area of the city center, Restaurant Don Gull will surprise you with its original design. The interior decor cleverly blends vintage and industrial styles, with a whimsical world of machines. The abstract paintings hanging on the walls add an artistic touch to the whole.
The atmosphere is friendly and the setting pleasant, perfect for a family lunch or dinner. We tried their salad of the day, with its sweet and savory notes. The breaded shrimp, accompanied by blackberries and fresh mangoes, went perfectly with the salad. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their suggestions of the day.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: north of downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: contemporary cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €45 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 910 076 434
11. Restaurant Buteo Kitchen & Bar (Old Town)
In the heart of Lagos, the Buteo Kitchen & Bar welcomes you to a warm, rustic setting with traditional wooden furnishings. The restaurant offers authentic, generous and perfectly executed Portuguese cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by their specialties such as the famous piri piri chicken, Algarve hummus or their tasty octopus salad. It’s the ideal place to introduce your children to the flavors of local cuisine in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Type of restaurant: traditional cuisine
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €35 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 914 282 356
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Best seafood restaurants in Lagos
12. Restaurant O Mexilhão (old town, vegetarian options)
Located in one of Lagos’ liveliest streets, Restaurant O Mexilhão attracted us with its pleasant outdoor terrace and its display of freshly caught fish. The establishment, much sought-after by connoisseurs, also boasts an impressive Algarve wine list. Make sure you book well in advance, as tables are quickly snapped up!
Our dinner began with a delicious mushroom starter, accompanied by a glass of local rosé. The main course, fresh fish served with herbed potatoes and baby vegetables, was perfectly executed. The olive oil was to die for! To finish on a high note, don’t miss their traditional almond dessert, a roulade accompanied by a scoop of the region’s typical vanilla ice cream.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: traditional cuisine, fish and seafood
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (menu)
- Reservations strongly recommended by telephone on (+351) 912 266 885
13. Restaurant Luca’s Rooftop (overlooking Praia Dona Ana)
Perched on the roof of the Carvi Beach Hotel, Restaurant Luca’s Rooftop offers an exceptional setting with panoramic ocean views. It overlooks the famous Praia Dona Ana, one of the most beautiful beaches in Lagos! This terrace is the ideal place to contemplate a magnificent sunset over the water.
On the food side, we tried a Portuguese specialty,espetada, a delicious skewer of prawns and white fish, served with excellent local olive oil. The accompanying vegetables could have been cooked more thoroughly, but the seafood was particularly good. For a refreshing drink, try our homemade fresh fruit smoothie, which we really enjoyed!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Praia Dona Ana
- Restaurant type: Portuguese cuisine, fish and seafood
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes (rooftop with sea view)
- Price range: between €35 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (menu)
- Reservations strongly recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 760 993
Best healthy vegan restaurants in Lagos
14. Restaurant Goji Lounge Café (old town, healthy food)
Right in the historic heart of Lagos, the Restaurant Goji Lounge Café is the ideal place to enjoy a healthy, gourmet break. The restaurant offers simple, healthy and well-balanced cuisine, with vegetarian options. We opted for a complete buddha bowl with grilled chicken, hummus, curry mayonnaise, raspberry vinegar and lots of other goodies! We loved our colorful plate and homemade smoothie with red berries, pineapple and coconut. But don’t forget to bring cash, as the establishment does not accept credit cards.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Restaurant type: healthy cuisine
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 282 760 240
15. Restaurant Estudio Vegetariano (old town, not expensive)
Restaurant Estudio Vegetariano offers creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine at affordable prices. In a warm, intimate setting, the chef creates tasty dishes like their delicious eggplant and zucchini lasagne, topped with a tomato sauce and vegan basil ricotta, or their fried tempeh with a shashuka-style sauce, vegan egg and basmati rice. It’s the perfect place to discover tasty plant-based cuisine without breaking the bank!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown Lagos
- Type of restaurant: vegetarian cuisine
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Poruguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on (+351) 911 500 494
Other excellent restaurants in and around Lagos
In this bonus section, we’d like to introduce you to some other excellent restaurants that we think are well worth a visit:
- Restaurant Taninos Wine & Kitchen for its fine selection of Portuguese wines
- Jukebox Tapas & Meals for tasty tapas
- Restaurant CIUCCIO drinks and food, one of the best Italian restaurants in Lagos
- Pearl Food Trailer for its original concept and view of the marina
- Restaurant Valverde, one of the best restaurants near Lagos in Praia da Luz
