A guide to the best restaurants in Lagos

Fresh fish of the day at Dom Sebastiao

Located in the centre of town this restaurant focuses on traditional Portuguese cuisine. The service is friendly and the food is well-presented and generously portioned. If you order the fish of the day your fish will be presented at your table for your approval before being cooked.

Imaginative international cuisine at Dos Artistas

This is a real foodie’s restaurant, with an interesting international menu. Expect imaginative dishes and inventive taste combinations. There is a terrace for outside dining and a smart indoor dining room furnished in a neo-classical style.

Tasty traditional Portuguese at Cantinho Algarvio

With an almost rustic, simple appeal the Cantinho Algarvio offers traditional Portuguese menu choices along with daily chef’s suggestions. Dine here for perfectly grilled fish and savoury rice dishes.

Simple and delicious local cuisine at Aquario

This is a small restaurant, simply decorated and located in an almost hidden location – but it’s worth seeking out. Aquario offers tasty, beautifully-presented traditional Algarve dishes, which are carefully cooked using high quality ingredients.

Seafood and sea views at Canico

Worth going to for the superb sea views alone, head to Canico for local specialities including delicately-spiced rice dishes. The fresh fish and seafood is priced by weight so you can order as large or small a portion as you like. The simply-styled dining room is also interesting, as it’s carved into solid rock walls.

Laid-back vibe and delicious wraps at Beats and Burritos

Head to Beats and Burritos for a rustic feel and relaxed, bohemian vibe. You’ll find vegan wraps and burritos, as well as tasty beef and chicken options. You can also choose your own fillings for your starter to create your favourite flavour combinations. They do take out as well, so you could grab a fruit smoothie and wrap on your way to the beach.

Delicious local and international cuisine at Restaurant Vivendo

Located close to the beachfront in the old town, Vivendo is extremely popular for its fresh and tasty food and selection of good wines. It has Mediterranean, European and Portuguese menus, which include juicy steaks and unusual specialities such as guinea fowl.

Best breakfast, brunch and lunch at Cafe Odeon

Holidays to Portugal aren’t all tapas and fresh fish. This is the place to go for American and British style breakfasts, brunches and lunches. Think golden hash browns, crisp french fries, oozing cheesy toasties and huge fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. You can go there after a late night, or pop over with the family and kids during the day.

Seafood and fish at Restaurante Calhou

If you like fresh fish and seafood Portuguese-style then this is the place for you. Serving local specialities such as octopus salad and clams, this family-run restaurant goes the extra mile to give you a friendly and attentive personal service. Relax and enjoy the informal atmosphere at Calhou.

Relaxed Portuguese and Mediterranean lunches at Chico Ze

Open only for lunch, this spot is a firm favourite with locals. Offering Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes it has a barbecue to grill meats and fish to tangy perfection. With long tables and benches it’s ideal for families and friends to enjoy a relaxed meal together. The desserts are also very good. Try their almond cake with a cup of bica cheia, which is an espresso with extra water.