Local Recommendations

There’s so much to do in Lagos, from amazing eateries to stunning beaches and outdoor activities.

Here are our personal faves.

Local Cuisine

  • Start every meal with a couvert—a classic appetiser of bread, butter, pâté, olives, cheese, and garlicky carrots.

    Here in Portugal, we love ordering a few different dishes for the table and sharing everything. It’s the best way to taste it all. Here are some of our all-time faves:

    Dourada (sea bream) | Prawns (make sure to dip your bread in the sauce!) | Polvo Frito (fried octopus) | Octopus Salad (super fresh) | Porco Preto (black Iberian pork) | Arroz de Pato (duck rice)

    And of course, pair it all with a glass of vinho verde (green wine). This young wine is native to Portugal. It’s light, crisp, and usually has a subtle sparkle. Super refreshing, especially on a warm summer night.

  • Casinha do Petisco

    One of the most popular local spots in Lagos. It can sometimes be a bit of a wait for walk-ins (especially in the summer months), so reservations are recommended. Try the house prawns!

  • Taberna da Mó

    Delicious Portuguese food and tapas right in the center of Lagos Old Town.

  • Casa do Prego

    A little on the fancier side compared to the rustic local spots, with stylish interiors and terrace seating.

  • BARBOSA

    Delicious Portuguese tapas & larger main dishes. Classy interiors with great service and incredible food.

  • Restaurante O Lamberto

    A little bit outside the town centre (but closer to the Quinta!), serving a range of local delicacies with indoor and outdoor seating.

  • Linda the Beach Bar

    Right on the Meia Praia beach front, with an amazing variety of local and bistro foods.

International Cuisine

  • Beats & Burritos

    Mexican build your own dish, or choose from the menu. Lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

  • Pomò - La pasta italiana

    Amazing pasta. They’re very popular and don’t take reservations so there’s usually a bit of a queue, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Try the Bucatini Amatriciana!

  • The Green Room

    Delicious, hearty Mexican food and great cocktails. Try the fish tacos & enchiladas!

  • Pie Lagos

    Cosy pub-style restaurant with a terrace. Craft beer, hearty pies, and other specials. Try the ribs!

  • The Garden

    Open-roof BBQ in an outdoor garden-like setting. Try the ribs or BBQ meat plate!

  • My Sushi

    All-you-can-eat sushi (~€10 + drinks)

  • Restaurante dos Artistas

    Fine dining, great for special occasions. Recommended by Michelin!

  • Nah Nah Bah

    Amazing American-style burgers in a vibrant atmosphere.

Cafés & Brunch

  • Black & White

    Australian-influence brunch spot, with the best coffee in Lagos and amazing homemade sweet treats.

  • Abigail's

    100% vegetarian brunch spot with vegan and gluten free options. Everything homemade and locally sourced (where possible).

  • Goji Lounge

    Charming brunch spot with mostly outdoor seating, well known for its Açai bowls.

  • O Ninho Family Bar

    The place for vegans. Loads of vegan pastries and menu items, including a vegan Pastel de Nata!

  • Mar D'Estórias

    A charming shop with local Portuguese products and a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the church, old town, and sea.

  • Everyday People Coffee

    A little further away (marina-side), but worth it for their super tasty sandwiches and great coffee. Also really well known for their incredible cookies—they go fast!

  • Sunrays

    Healthy homemade breakfast, brunch and lunch, only a 15 minute walk from Quinta de Lagos. Picturesque outdoor terrace seating and friendly service.

Bars

Lagos boasts a super casual nightlife, with a range of different spots for everyone. We recommend doing a little bar hop to check them all out and find your own personal faves.

If you’re looking for something in particular, here’s a quick guide.

  • Best for Games & Pool

    Beer & Co (pool table & darts), Pepper’s Bar (whole floor dedicated to lounging & boardgames), Three Monkeys (pool table), Mellow Loco (pool table & darts), Muchacha (pool table & pub games), The Tavern (pool table)

  • Best for Cocktails

    Forbidden Door (speakeasy), Pepper’s Bar, Guanabana, The Green Room

  • Best for Live Music

    Beer & Co, Guanabana, Collab Bar

  • Best for Dancing

    Muchacha, Joe’s Garage, Sinners Bar (downstairs), Mellow Loco, The Tavern

  • Rooftops

    Pepper’s Bar, The Sanctuary, Bon Vivant, Maré, SkyBar

  • Our Personal Faves

    Pepper’s Bar, Beer & Co, Guanabana, Muchacha

Bakeries & Gelato

There are gelatarias and pastry shops all around Lagos so you won’t be short on options. Late-night gelato is also super popular, with most spots staying open until midnight!

Here are a few standouts:

  • Gelícia

    Hands down the best Gelato in Lagos, with rotating specials and vegan options. There can sometimes be a bit of a queue, but it’s worth the wait.

  • Crema di Gelato

    A classic; we’ve been coming here as a family for years! Great gelato, with vegan and low-sugar options.

  • Padaria Central

    The iconic pastry shop of Lagos. Picturesque and a huge range of traditional Portuguese pastries. Make sure to try a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart)!

  • Pastelaria Gombá

    A range of amazing Portuguese pastries, renowned for its signature bolo de café (coffee cake) and pastel de nata.

  • A few more options...

    Not traditional pastries, but their baked goods are so good they deserve a mention…

    Black & White, Everyday People Coffee, G’s Cakes & Pies, London Tiger Coffee, All Things Dough

Beaches

  • Porto de Mós

    One of our personal faves—only a ~20 minute walk from the Quinta. Beautiful at sunset.

  • Praia do Camilo

    It’s on all the postcards! Long steps down (and up!), but a gorgeous beach.

  • Praia da Batata

    Local town beach. Walk along the beach and through passageways in the caves to reach two other beaches. Walk to the very end for the most picturesque one!

  • West Coast

    If you have a car, head west for some stunning beaches with amazing surf: Cordoama, Arrifana, Carrapateira, Amoreira, and Aljezur are some standouts.

Activities

  • Kayak Tours

    Explore the grottos and Lagos coastline by kayak with a guided group. Book online or head to Praia da Batata and find them at their kiosk.

  • Boat Trips (Lagos and beyond)

    Plenty of kiosks along the Marina offer these. We’ve had good experiences with Blue Fleet.

  • Dolphin Watching

    Seafaris and Blue Fleet are reliable companies.

  • Surfing

    The Surf Experience or Jah Shaka Surf Shop (day trips, lessons, and/or board rental)

  • Paddleboarding

    SUP rentals are available at Jah Shaka Surf Shop or Coast Supply Co. You can take them to explore the coastline & grottos by yourself!

  • Bike Rentals

    Coast Supply Co., or Natura do Mar for E-Bikes

  • Cliff Hike

    Self guided. A ~2 hour, easy hike along the cliffs with stunning coastline views. Start at Porto de Mós and walk towards Ponta da Piedade in time for sunset (it’s the best sunset spot in Lagos!). You can also go the opposite direction from Porto de Mós towards Luz for an equally beautiful hike, and the added bonus of exploring the charming neighbouring town!

  • ***There are plenty of other companies offering a range of activities, these are just the ones we’ve had personal experiences with. Feel free to do your own research to find the best fit for you! ***

Want More Recs?

Check out GoodTimes Lagos—they’re a go-to resource for everything happening in Lagos, from where to eat to what to do. Their weekly newsletter, Freshly Squeezed, drops every Sunday with a roundup of upcoming events, creative workshops, ceremonies, parties, and more. You can also browse past issues on their site for extra inspo.

And of course, if you’ve got any questions during your stay or need help with reservations, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help!