Renowned for its golden cliffs, breathtaking beaches, charming old town and vibrant marina, Lagos is a popular destination for Algarve visitors and locals alike. But a slightly lesser known string to its bow is its up and coming culinary scene – from romantic dinner spots with sea views to Michelin-starred tasting menus, we’ve curated a list of our top 5 favourite restaurants to try during your next trip to Lagos.
5. O Camilo – Iconic Seafood with Ocean Views
If you fancy an unforgettable dining experience, park at Dona Ana Beach and take the cliffside walk to O Camilo. Easy and scenic, it’s the perfect way to build an appetite. We recommend timing your visit with the sunset, so that you can sit back, and enjoy front row seats to nature’s spectacle right from your table.
Be sure to begin your dining experience right with the truffle and beet butters that accompany the bread basket, they are unassumingly mouth-watering. O Camilo’s comprehensive menu offers an amazing selection of fresh fish and seafood (all of which are delicious), but the grilled octopus or clams remain firm house favourites – and for very good reason! And if fish is not your thing, the Chicken O’Camilo is a great alternative. Whether you sit inside or on the terrace, it’s a must-visit spot for seafood and fish lovers.
Go for the view, stay for the food.
4. Orta by Casa Mãe – Seasonal Farm-to-Table Dining
Nestled within the boutique hotel Casa Mãe lie the fresh, crisp, airy interiors of Orta. Whilst perfect for a tranquil brunch until 11:30am, Orta is mainly renowned for its seasonal farm-to-table dishes served from lunchtime til late, using the best of local produce from artisan suppliers. Orta also offers a personalised cooking experience that enables you to forage for your food in the Casa Mãe gardens (perfect for vegetarians!) or learn to prepare local Ceviche – a fresh sea-food dish alongside Orta’s resident sous-chef.
Perfect for an intimate, sustainable, unique dining experience – and the Algarve Brûlées Trilogy is worth a detour alone!
3. Avenida Restaurante – Sophisticated & Contemporary
Perched on the edge of Lagos’ vibrant marina, you’ll find Avenida restaurante – a gorgeous extension of the stylish Lagos Avenida Hotel.
The ultra modern, tranquil, sophisticated setting, complete with soft white furnishings, hand carved wooden tables and beautiful art work really is the perfect place to treat your tastebuds after a long day in the Lagos sun.
Request a table on the bar and observe the michelin star chefs craft each show stopping dish, turning fresh, local ingredients into genuine works of art. Some of our favourites include the salt-crusted sea bass, the Iberian pork with shrimp gyoza, and the epic Algarve-inspired dessert featuring carob, orange, almond, sweet potato, and medronho.
You can go à la carte or treat yourself to the six-course tasting menu, and be sure to ask for expert recommendations from their award winning sommelier, Joana Reis.
With unmatched service and a strict “No Beachwear” dresscode, Avenida is an excellent choice for those seeking an exclusive upscale dining experience in Lagos.
2. Al Sud – Michelin-Starred Dining with a Bay View
Aiming for the stars? Then head to Al Sud at Onyria Palmares Golf Resort just outside Lagos. Tucked inside the stylish Clubhouse, this Michelin-starred gem offers an intimate, elegant setting where each dish celebrates the flavours of the Algarve.
In the kitchen, Chef Louis Anjos creates refined, contemporary dishes with a strong focus on local ingredients, especially fresh fish and seafood from the Sagres market, plus top-quality local meats. His signature tasting menu, “A Discovery,” is a 10-course journey through the region’s flavours, think prawns, turbot, snapper, Iberian pork, all beautifully balanced and full of character. Get ready for a sensory experience like no other. At Al Sud, every dish is as stunning to look at as it is unforgettable to taste, a true explosion of flavours, textures, and creativity. This is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that will stay with you. Go ahead, treat yourself to one of the Algarve’s most acclaimed dining destinations, you won’t regret it.
1. Restaurante dos Artistas – Fine Dining in the Historic Centre
Finally, our top spot is awarded to The Restaurante dos Artistas.
Dos Artistas have spent the best part of 25 years perfecting their craft and have really excelled, gaining Michelin recognition in 2024 as an excellent restaurant.
The dining area boasts a classic-colonial-style decor and the outdoor terrace is an excellent choice for groups or special occasions.
With a selection of garden, ocean & chef menus, there is something for everyone no matter your food preferences or hunger levels! A great introduction to the chefs’ magic (without overdoing it) is the “3 Moments Menu”, consisting of beautifully presented amuse bouche, starter, main course, and dessert. This menu is updated every two weeks, making each visit a unique and exciting experience!
Don’t forget to ask for the sommelier’s wine pairing suggestions to truly make your dining experience epic.
From Michelin-starred tasting menus to authentic seafood by the sea, these five standout spots truly capture the authentic quality of Lagos’s food scene. So whether you’re looking to relocate to this gorgeous Algarve town or simply visiting, be sure to give one of these spots a try!
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