7 Best Lagos Restaurants: Low-Key to Fancy!
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There are a ton of touristy Lagos restaurants, and from experience – most are basically just “meh“.
As you walk down the main pedestrian-only street in Lagos, you’ll probably be able to spot them quickly. They are the uninspired international spots for sushi, burritos, and overly styled American “brunch” cafes where the Instagrammers hang out.
But like needles in a haystack, among the commonly chosen restaurants for convenience and comfort, there are some truly exceptional standouts! I spent a month living in Lagos last year and have tried almost all the spots in town – date night with friends almost every night! 🥳
If I were to pick my top 3 right now, they would be:
- Don Sebastiao (Traditional Portuguese)
- Restaurante Pescador (Super Local – Cash Only)
- Restaurante Dos Artistas (Michelin & Fancy)
This is a curated list of my favorite Lagos restaurants, the best of the best when it comes to both modern and traditional Portuguese cuisine (plus a really amazing Italian spot that always has a line out the door ).
7 Best Lagos Restaurants
If you’re in Lagos and wondering – what are the best restaurants near me – I am literally about to impart some golden knowledge on your aimlessly traveling self.
There are many different types of restaurants in Portugal – from Tasca style (tapas), to traditional Portuguese, to fine dining and local fish restaurants, and thanks to the Brazilian influence, even Churrascarias (grilled meats on a skewer).
My list of the best restaurants in Lagos will cover most of the types of Portuguese food you should try, and is in no particular order. So let’s dive in! 🥳
1. Pearl Food Trailer (Tasca Style)
Location: Google Link (Cash only!)
Vibe: Fresh seafood, cute views, tapas style
Technically, this is a small-time oyster bar. It serves delicious little tapas-style seafood dishes and vinho verde. It’s a fantastic spot for in-between meal times from 3pm to 6pm, when you only need a little snack, and all the restaurants in Lagos are closed for the post-lunch, pre-dinner time.
They have this super traditional Portuguese chorizo dish (which is basically a thick ass sausage). They light it on fire, and you sort of have to cook it yourself – I highly recommend it if you’re not into seafood.
There are maybe 4-5 tables out on the pier, with a fantastic view of the old town. You can eat, drink, and watch the boats go by at your leisure.
Plus it’s one of the few Lagos restaurants with a view on my list!
2. Don Sebastiao (Traditional Portuguese)
Location: Google Link
Vibe: Great for family dinner night or a nice girls’ night dinner!
I liked this place so much that I went a few times. They take reservations for the night’s first seating when they open (and I recommend you call ahead), but after that, it’s first come, first serve. There is usually a line of both locals and tourists outside the terrace – that’s how you know it’s good!
The traditional bacalhau (salted cod fish) here is excellent – but really everything on the menu is home-cooked, traditional, clean, Portuguese eating.
The inside and outdoors are both beautiful, and the service is wonderful!
It’s a nicer place, but because Lagos is a beach town, I would recommend a nice summer dress – nothing fancy. Just don’t show up like a scrub with sand on your feet!
3. Restaurante Pescador (Super Local)
Location: Google Link (Cash Only!)
Vibe: Locals only, home-cooked food
This doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you’ll soon notice that the menus are all in Portuguese, and the locals are outside eating and drinking a Super Bock or Sagres minis like it’s their backyard.
The Google reviews are mixed, so I decided to give it a shot for myself. I came here on a date with a Portuguese friend of mine, and he loved it – so, LOCAL approved! They even gave us a little shot of ginjinha (sweet Portuguese liquor made of sour cherries) at the end – on the house.
While you can get a bunch of stuff, I recommend the grilled sardines (sardinias) and the tomato rice with fish (arroz tomate). The portions are big and shareable. Your waiter can also help out if you’re stuck with wine recommendations.
🍷 PRO WINE TIP: White wine from the region of Alentejo is my favorite.
4. Don Gull (Hidden Gem!)
Location: Google Link
Vibe: Trendy gem just outside the old town
First things first, you will want to make a reservation because there are not a lot of tables, and they fill up quickly. And secondly, it’s a bit out of old town, so you’ll have to walk a bit or take your car (they have parking).
Their cocktails are super good, so this is a great little spot for a happy hour and dinner. The food is great and fresh – a more modern Portuguese menu, with a little trendy sprinkle.
5. Pomo – Pasta Bio (Best Non-Portuguese!)
Location: Google Link
Vibe: Italian AF, huge portions, lively & busy
I was only going to recommend local Portuguese restaurants in Lagos, but this Italian restaurant in Lagos is so good, that I had to include it. While many international and touristy spots are basic, this spot is as authentic as it gets.
The chef is a rotund Italian man (which in my crazy mind gives him authority in the kitchen) who generously overdoes his portion sizes. Seriously, one pasta and appetizer dish can easily serve two people.
The wine pours are almost to the top of the glass, and everything is top-notch delicious! I would know – I travel to both North Italy and South Italy regularly.
6. Restaurante Dos Artistas (Unique & Fancy)
Location: Google Link
Vibe: magical backyard garden, peaceful, won’t break the bank
Another date night spot, I think the unique part of this little Lagos restaurant is the pleasant terrace in the backyard and the classic colonial-style decor. The food is more internationally inspired cuisine but definitely has the Portuguese mixed in.
And the prices are reasonable for a Michelin rating – the tasting menu of 3 courses for about €40 and the chefs’ menu of 5 courses for €50. Plus the food is great, so much so it’s gaining the interest of Michelin Guide.
7. Avenida (Fine Dining) ⭐️
Location: Google Link
Vibe: Elegant, a food experience, fantastic wines
So this is blowing it out of the water, anniversary or birthday dinner, a super nice place. It’s located near the Marina de Lagos, with a separate entrance to Hotel Lagos Avenida.
The vibe is casual, with a bit of understated elegance, and it has a really nice contemporary design on the inside. Their wine list is particularly extensive and interesting – so definitely a spot to educate yourself on Portuguese vinos.
The chef’s focus is on cuisine prepared with local ingredients but with a modern approach – so it will include a lot of cold fusion-style dishes with lots of fish and seafood.
Types of Portuguese Restaurants
It’s not common knowledge to tourists, so here are the types of restaurants you will find in Portugal. My recommendations in Lagos align with all of these really nicely, so there’s a variety you can try!
✅ Traditional Portuguese Restaurants: These restaurants serve authentic Portuguese cuisine, including dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish), grilled sardines, cozido à portuguesa (traditional Portuguese stew), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts).
✅ Seafood Restaurants: Due to Portugal’s insane coastline, and especially in the Algarve, seafood is a huge part of the local cuisine.
✅ Tasca Restaurants: These are small, cozy spots that serve traditional Portuguese tapas-style dishes called “petiscos.” Think small plates, such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other snacks that are perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of wine (or two).
✅ Fine Dining Restaurants: These often feature creative interpretations of Portuguese cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Great for date nights!
✅ Churrascarias: Popular more in the interior of Portugal and the island of Madeira, churrascarias are Brazilian-style barbecue restaurants. They specialize in grilled meats, typically served on skewers.
FAQ: Restaurants in Lagos, Portugal
Here are a few basics about dining culture and customs, as well as food in Portugal.
What is the best restaurant to take pictures in Lagos?
The best Lagos restaurants with a view would be the Pearl Food Trailer at the pier, and the super cute town vibe and traditional decor at Don Sebastiao on the main street. Both are linked above.
Where do locals eat in Lagos?
Locals actually cook and eat at home in Lagos because a lot of the restaurants in town are aimed at tourists. Also, nothing like a home-cooked meal of your own. But since you’re traveling, and not Portuguese, you can use my guide to get you some Portuguese goodies.
If there is a restaurant where you will find locals, it would be Restaurante Pescador (Google Link). Go here and get your fish and arroz com tomate fix.
Are restaurants open in Lagos on Sundays?
Yes, restaurants in Lagos, and Portugal in general, are open on Sundays. Sunday is when most Europeans stop working to spend time with their families, go out to eat, and take it easy! What you might find closed are stores, supermarkets, and other service businesses.
That being said, some restaurants may have limited hours in smaller towns or more rural areas or may choose to close on Sundays. It’s always a good idea for you to check the schedule before visiting, especially if you have a specific one in mind.
Is Lagos Expensive to Eat Out?
I don’t think so, but I come from Austin, where a dinner with one glass of wine for a person can easily send you to a $60 bill at a mid-level restaurant in town. Prices for eating out in Lagos average around $15 for lunch and $20-30 for dinner with wine! And that’s me overestimating.
What food is the Algarve famous for?
The Algarve, a popular tourist destination in southern Portugal (and for good reason), is known for its delicious cuisine. Here are some of the foods the Algarve is famous for:
✅ Fresh Seafood: The Algarve’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means that seafood is huge! Grilled sardines (sardinhas assadas), octopus (polvo), clams (ameijoas), and prawns (camarões) are just a few examples of the delectable seafood dishes you can enjoy in the region. Not to mention the famous oven-baked cod (bacalhau).
✅ Cataplana: The Algarve is famous for its traditional dish called cataplana, which is both the name of the cooking utensil and the stew prepared within it. Cataplana typically includes a variety of seafood such as clams, prawns, and fish, along with vegetables, herbs, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
✅ Dom Rodrigos: For dessert, the Algarve has a little sweet treat called Dom Rodrigos. These are small almond and egg yolk pastries typically wrapped in colorful foil. They are both bright and delicious, making them a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
✅ Medronho: Although not a food item, Medronho is a traditional Algarvian liquor made from the fruit of the medronho tree, also known as the strawberry tree. This strong distilled spirit has a unique taste and is often enjoyed as a digestive after a meal.
These are just a few examples of the food the Algarve is famous for, but explore on your own – it’s the best way to get to know a place!
What time do people in Portugal eat dinner?
In Portugal, people typically eat dinner similar to the USA. Basically, it is common for dinner to be served between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Most restaurants in Lagos close by 11pm. The Portuguese are not like the crazy Spanish, eating at all hours of the night.
Conclusion: Best Restaurants in Lagos
And so I leave you with the restaurants in Lagos, Portugal:
- Pearl Food Trailer (Tasca Style)
- Don Sebastiao (Traditional Portuguese)
- Restaurante Pescador (Super Local)
- Don Gull (Hidden Gem!)
- Pomo – Pasta Bio (Best Non-Portuguese!)
- Restaurante Dos Artistas (Unique & Fancy)
- Avenida (Fine Dining)
Remember that it’s always a good idea to check online reviews and ratings for the most up-to-date information on restaurants in Portugal and that reservations are a good idea during the high season!
