Yulia Saf 
The best restaurants in Lagos, Portugal are Bahia Beach Bar for fresh seafood by the sand and Don Sebastiao for Michelin-recommended Cataplana. Couples love Restaurante dos Artistas, and Restaurante Prato Cheio serves the best budget Cataplana in town.
Bom dia, traveler, welcome to your ultimate virtual gourmet trip around Lagos! I visited this charming seaside town with my family and absolutely loved the abundant dining scene – it was way beyond my expectations! While I was there, I got to experience some of the best cafes and restaurants in Lagos.
I couldn’t keep my excitement all to myself, so today, I share with you the 23 top-rated eateries, coffee places, and bars of Lagos! Some I visited, some were recommended to me by friends, but all are definitely the best in their category! I picked these for food quality, review scores, value across budgets, and how well each one fits a particular occasion or type of traveler.
My absolute favorite was Bahia Beach Bar with their delicious seafood and top-notch location, but there are many more visit-worthy places I’m happy to tell you about!
For starters, check out this handy map with all the places I’ll talk about in this post:
| Name | Area | Cuisine/vibe | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahia Beach Bar | São Roque Beach | Seafood, beach bar | €€ | Couples, families, best beach dining |
| Don Sebastiao | Rua 25 de Abril | Portuguese fine dining, Michelin-listed | €€€ | Special occasions, Cataplana lovers |
| Restaurante Prato Cheio | R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro | Traditional Portuguese | € | Budget diners wanting authentic Cataplana |
| Restaurante dos Artistas | R. Cândido dos Reis | Fine dining, tasting menus | €€€ | Couples, celebration dinners |
| O Ninho Family Bar | R. de Estrema | Healthy brunch, kid-friendly | €€ | Families with babies or small kids |
Best Lagos restaurant for every occasion:
- Best fresh seafood by the beach: Bahia Beach Bar
- Best cataplana (local favorite): Casinha do Petisco
- Best cataplana on a budget: Restaurante Prato Cheio
- Best Michelin-recommended dinner: Don Sebastiao
- Best fine-dining tasting menu: Restaurante dos Artistas
- Best Italian: Pomò
- Best all-round coffee and brunch: Black and White Coffee Shop
- Best specialty coffee: The Studio Roaster & Café
- Best with kids: O Ninho Family Bar
- Best sunset drinks: Bon Vivant
- Best pastéis de nata (oldest bakery): Padaria Central
- Best burger: Nah Nah Bar
1. Artesão – must-loved brunch spot on the Marina
Artesão is one of the iconic brunch places just by the Marina. It has an open terrace, some of the best coffee in town, and delicious cocktails! They make their own food as well (the presentation is just adorable). So you can choose how you want to spend your time on the terrace, admiring the nice views and soaking in the Lagos sun!
I haven’t had the chance to visit this place yet, but it was a friend’s recommendation. And judging by other visitors’ reviews, it’s certainly worth placing at the top of the list!
Why visit: amazing food and location
Must-try item: chicken wings, dulce de leche pancakes
Location: Marina De Lagos Lojas 11/12
2. Pomò – the best Italian restaurant in town
Pomò is one of the best places in Lagos to try authentic Italian food. Their focus is on pasta, but they also have amazing desserts. Everything from food portions to how they serve them (pasta is served in the pan directly) to the staff is just unbeatable! And their pasta comes with gluten-free options, how great!
They do have long lines (the place has gone viral on TikTok), but they will even treat you to a glass of prosecco when the queue is too long! I recommend visiting outside rush hour.
Why visit: homemade pasta, generous portions
Must-try item: starter cheese board, truffle burrata pasta
Location: R. Infante de Sagres 56
3. Bahia Beach Bar – the nicest beach bar for fresh seafood
Here’s one of the nicest beach bars I visited in Lagos! It’s located on the huge São Roque Beach, has modern décor, amazing seafood, and a bunch of beach loungers where you can have drinks delivered right to you! For the food, you need to come to the restaurant, though!
I love the combination of dishes here, especially their tuna steak. I think it’s the signature dish of the restaurant! Everyone comes back for it! You can visit this place as a couple or with family; they also have a great kids’ menu!
Why visit: delicious seafood on the beach, great kids’ menu
Must-try item: squid, tuna steak
Location: Estr. de Sao Roque
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4. O Ninho Family Bar – the best family bar in Lagos
Are you visiting Lagos with babies or small kids? Don’t think twice – bring them to O Ninho Family Bar! Think healthy and fresh food and drinks, the cutest decorations and food presentation, and tons of toys and books for the kids to enjoy!
Plus, they make almost all of their dishes vegan or gluten-free! The kitchen is pretty small, though, so you may have to wait a bit longer to get your meal if there are crowds. But it’ll be so worth it!
Why visit: kid-friendly, homey vibe
Must-try item: fruit pancakes
Location: R. de Estrema 31
5. Favo Café – a central place for people-watching
Favo lies on the main street in Lagos and has one of the nicest brunch menus around! It’s the perfect place to grab a bite after exploring central Lagos. One of the main ideas of the restaurant (it even says so on the menu) is for you to be able to sit and enjoy people-watching, all while indulging in delicious food!
They have a simple yet delicious menu with a must-try breakfast brioche (garlic, bacon, and eggs) and yummy pancakes! And if you’re like me and you love your cappuccino with that thick, fluffy foam, you’ll love the one at Favo!
Why visit: central location, great food
Must-try item: breakfast brioche, fruit pancakes
Location: Av. dos Descobrimentos 31
6. Black and White Coffee Shop – best overall coffee place in town
If you have time for just one coffee place in Lagos, make it this one! Black and White is the absolute gem loved by locals and tourists alike. You can tell they’re a big thing just by the line that forms here on weekends, so ideally, stop by on other days!
The smell of their espresso is just out of this world, and the food presentation is a 10/10! Black and White is best for breakfast, but you can also grab coffee to go!
Why visit: amazing coffee + brunch
Must-try item: breakfast burrito, pancakes, cappuccino
Location: R. Marreiros Netto 40
7. Padaria Central – the most authentic bakery in Lagos
Padaria Central is the favorite bakery, always serving amazing pastries at pretty affordable prices! I’m a pastry-type gal AND an early bird, so I can totally see myself eating here for breakfast every day when I go back (they open at 7 AM, which is super early for Lagos).
Padaria Central is one of the oldest bakeries in Lagos, it was established in 1926!
I definitely recommend visiting in the morning when everything is super fresh! The line can get long pretty quickly, but the staff handles it so well that you’ll get your pastry super quickly. Their best-seller is the pastel de nata, the egg custard tart everyone in Portugal is crazy about! So if you’ve never had one, this is the perfect place to try it!
Why visit: the best pastry
Must-try item: pastel de nata
Location: R. Primeiro de Maio 23
8. The Studio Roaster & Café – the best specialty coffee
Are you a coffee aficionado? Try the specialty brews over at The Studio Roaster & Café, I’m sure you’ll love them! Pair your coffee with a nice selection of food (my favorites are banana bread and avocado toast), then grab a bag of their freshly roasted beans to take home!
This place is popular with digital nomads, so feel free to visit with your laptop! You’ll also spot families and couples, so this spot really caters to everyone! By the way, they don’t charge extra for oat milk coffee, which I think is pretty nice!
Why visit: specialty coffee
Must-try item: oat milk coffee, cappuccino, banana bread
Location: Soeiro da Costa 20
9. All Things Dough – a must-try for vegan pastry lovers
Now, Padaria Central may be the best overall bakery in town, but All Things Dough definitely wins the vegan pastry shop race! They have a variety of pastries (sweet or sour) with tahini, chocolate, cardamom, and caramel, and they all look wonderful! Their bread is also super fresh and healthy!
The interior is lovely and modern, they open early (8:30 AM), and have the nicest staff who go above and beyond to explain all about their baked goods!
Why visit: vegan bakery
Must-try item: olive focaccia, cinnamon buns
Location: R. Cidade de Torres Vedras 16
10. Pearl Food Trailer – best oyster bar in Lagos Marina
Want some incredibly fresh oysters or seafood in the middle of the marina? Head to Pearl Food Trailer! This authentic place has a wonderful location, even nicer staff, and mouthwatering seafood!
I especially love the views of all the boats, plus I’m a sucker for oysters, and this place really seems to have the best ones in town! They also have non-seafood mixed platters with cheese, chorizo, and ham, so you can try that as well!
Pair your dish with a glass of sparkling wine to elevate your tasting experience!
Why visit: fresh seafood, great views
Must-try item: mixed plate
Location: Marina de Lagos Edifício da Administração
11. PIE Lagos – charming rooftop pie restaurant
Picture this: a rooftop bar with the nicest views, a great craft beer selection, and delicious pies that you build yourself! You can get this kind of experience at PIE Lagos; it’s hands down one of the most iconic places in town!
They have a choice of meat, fish, veggie, and vegan pies that you assemble to your taste (it’s all on the menu), but they also have a special menu with dishes like a falafel burger or BBQ ribs.
Ideally, reserve a table, especially if you go in the evening.
Why visit: pie lover paradise
Must-try item: chicken pie
Location: R. 25 de Abril 91
12. Lagos Beer&Co – best craft beer in Lagos
Beer lovers, unite! Lagos Beer&Co is your place for the biggest variety of craft beer in town! They brew their beer in-house here, so you’re really in for a treat! I love that they have both indoor and outdoor seating, and that they host live music in the evening. Plus, there are darts, a pool table, and occasional karaoke nights.
This brewpub is a local favorite to enjoy a good sports game, too! I say come here in the afternoon for a late lunch or in the evening for some fun, either way, you’ll have a great time!
Why visit: large beer selection, entertainment, good food
Must-try item: G.O.A.T burger, beer taster
Location: R. Marreiros Netto 45
13. Bon Vivant – quaint cocktail spot with a view
Bon Vivant is the place you go to for the best drinks in Lagos! They have a rooftop section with the loveliest sunset views and unique signature cocktails. Oh, and their selection of rum is just wow!
The only downside is that there isn’t enough space, so you might be seated with strangers. But that’s part of the experience, so you might as well enjoy it!
Why visit: best cocktails with a view
Must-try item: signature cocktail, Organic 23
Location: R. 25 de Abril 105
14. Mar d’Estórias – casual rooftop bar and restaurant
Combine a lovely rooftop terrace with views and traditional Portuguese fare, an authentic souvenir shop with local-made gifts (including stunning ceramics), and the best cocktails, and you get Mar d’Estórias!
This hidden gem is definitely worth the stop, whether you’re in for drinks or a full meal. They have an indoor section and a rooftop outdoor one. I say go for the rooftop for nice views of the sea and the cathedral!
Oh, best of all, the restaurant is situated in a really old and beautiful building, it’s wonderful to just walk around it!
Why visit: delicious cocktails with a view, souvenir shop
Must-try item: sangria, cheeses & charcuterie platter
Location: R. Silva Lopes 30
15. Barbosa Bar & Kitchen – most delicious tapas in Lagos
Barbosa is one of the best laid-back Mediterranean restaurants in Lagos! It’s the place to be for tapas, but they’re also masters at octopus risotto and really all types of octopus plates! As a foodie myself, I rarely look at a restaurant’s menu and want to try all the dishes. But that’s what happened when I saw the menu here!
Barbosa has a really nice interior, and they also have a simple kids’ menu, so feel free to visit with the little ones!
NOTE: Book your table here in advance to avoid waiting in line!
Why visit: modern interior, fresh Mediterranean fare
Must-try item: tapas, octopus risotto
Location: R. António Barbosa Viana 17
16. O Camilo – best restaurant in South Lagos
When you head to explore the Southern beaches of Lagos, definitely make a stop at O Camilo! This iconic restaurant is located just outside Camilo Beach, and it’s the perfect place for lunch!
They have all sorts of things on their menu, but are best known for seafood, so I definitely recommend it! And I don’t think I’ve seen a longer dessert list in any restaurant recently, so make sure to leave some room for the sweet treat!
I recommend booking a table here in advance, but they also have a bar where you can grab a drink while waiting in line!
TIP: Ask for dishes off the menu for some nice surprises!
Why visit: ideal after Camilo Beach
Must-try item: grilled fish, octopus
Location: Estr. da Ponta da Piedade
17. O Lamberto – a hidden gem for Portuguese fare
Want a place where you can try local foods without the tourist crowds? O Lamberto, is it! This place is a bit outside the city center (but within walking distance), and it’s where you can see the young and old Lagos residents alike enjoying their food all day long!
The fish here is amazing, the cooks surely know their way around the seasoning!
NOTE: Last time I checked, they didn’t accept credit cards, so make sure to have cash on you.
Why visit: locals’ favorite
Must-try item: arroz de marisco
Location: R. do Compromisso Marítimo 11
18. Don Sebastiao – high-end dining recommendation by Michelin
Don Sebastiao is one of the few restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, and for good reason! They serve a variety of Portuguese dishes in a fine dining ambiance, but the highlight is definitely the Cataplana, a delicious Portuguese fish stew!
The main dishes can take a while to arrive since the place is usually crowded, so make sure to order yourself some appetizers if you’re really hungry!
Why visit: Michelin-recommended restaurant
Must-try item: Cataplana
Location: R. 25 de Abril 20-22
★ Michelin-recognised dining in Lagos
Lagos has one true Michelin star: Al Sud at Palmares, a tasting-menu restaurant about 15 minutes from the centre that has held its star five years running. In town, Avenida, on the marina at the Lagos Avenida Hotel, is listed in the Michelin Guide for its modern, seafood-led cooking. Both are worth booking ahead for a special night out.
19. Restaurante Prato Cheio – best Cataplana on a budget
Want to try the best Cataplana but don’t have the budget for Michelin-recommended restaurants? Restaurante Prato Cheio is the perfect affordable place for Portuguese fare!
Their Cataplana is the absolute highlight of the menu, and I don’t know a single person who didn’t like this dish here! Plus, most restaurants serve Cataplana for 2 people, but here you can have a small portion just for 1!
Why visit: the best Cataplana in Lagos
Must-try item: Cataplana
Location: R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro 23A
20. Casinha do Petisco – the best Cataplana in Lagos
Looking for the Cataplana that locals rave about? Casinha do Petisco is the answer! This tiny, family-run spot in the Old Town has been packing people in for years, and the seafood Cataplana (their famous one mixes prawns and clams) comes in such a generous pot that it is really made for sharing.
It is a small place, and they get a serious queue, so the trick is to arrive right when they open in the early evening and put your name down. One heads-up: they are cash only, so bring some euros with you (there is no card machine here)!
Why visit: the local favorite for Cataplana
Must-try item: seafood Cataplana with prawns and clams
Location: R. da Oliveira 51
21. Empanadas & Co – little slices of heaven in Lagos
Everyone associates empanadas with Spain, but did you know they may have originated in modern-day Portugal? Not that it really matters, but this delicious pastry is super popular among Portuguese today, and Empanadas & Co is the best spot in Lagos to try them!
If you like your herbs, take the chimichurri ones, you won’t regret it! They have tons of combinations from sweet to cheese to mushroom to meat empanadas, you name it!
Why visit: delicious empanadas
Must-try item: cheese and onion
Location: R. Infante de Sagres 140
22. Restaurante dos Artistas – top fine-dining restaurant in Lagos
If you’re into refined fare in a cozy, historical setting, then book yourself a spot at Restaurant dos Artistas! A serious contender for a Michelin star, this restaurant offers tasting menus of 3 or more courses and an excellent wine list, making it just perfect for that special occasion.
They have indoor and outdoor sections, including a lovely terrace, so I definitely recommend booking a spot there for the best experience!
Why visit: fine-dining tasting menus
Must-try item: crispy piglet
Location: R. Cândido dos Reis 68
23. Nah Nah Bar – amazing burgers in Lagos
So you made it to Lagos but still can’t live without good ol’ burgers? No worries, I reserved one last bar for you! Nah Nah Bar is your reggae-Bob-Marley-inspired burger restaurant that has the best burgers in Lagos!
You have to try their Toucan burger with juicy beef, bacon, pineapple, lettuce, melted cheese, and some delicious homemade sauces! It’s so flavorful but also hearty, only order if you’re really hungry! 🙂
Of course, they also have a nice selection of beer and cocktails for the full experience!
Why visit: best burger in town
Must-try item: Toucan burger
Location: Tv. do Forno 11
Practical tips for eating out in Lagos
- Cash: most places take cards, but a couple of the most local spots are cash only, including O Lamberto and Casinha do Petisco, so carry some euros just in case.
- Off-season: some restaurants, especially the beach bars, close or cut their hours from roughly November to March, so check Google Maps before you head out in winter.
- Timing: many kitchens take a break in the mid-afternoon (around 3 to 6 PM) between lunch and dinner. Locals eat dinner late, so arriving around 7 to 7:30 PM usually gets you a table before the rush.
- Booking: for the busiest spots (Casinha do Petisco, Pomò, Don Sebastiao, Barbosa, O Camilo), reserve ahead or arrive right at opening, as queues form quickly in summer.
- Dress: there is no strict dress code, but smart-casual is a safe bet for fine-dining tables such as Don Sebastiao and Restaurante dos Artistas.
| 🍽️ Dinner for 2 with wine: | €70 to €80 |
| 💱 Service fee: | Not required |
| 😋 Best Traditional food: | Mar d’Estórias |
| ⭐ Fine dining restaurant: | Don Sebastiao |
| 🏞️ Best view: | Artesão |
| 🍲 Must try food: | Cataplana |
FAQs about best cafes and restaurants in Lagos
🦐 What is the best restaurant in Lagos, Portugal, for fresh seafood?
Bahia Beach Bar on Estrada de São Roque is the top pick for fresh seafood, right on the sand at São Roque beach. The tuna steak is the dish everyone comes back for, and there is a great kids’ menu too.
⭐ Which Lagos restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide?
Don Sebastiao on Rua 25 de Abril is listed in the Michelin Guide and is the most prestigious table in the center of town. The one place near Lagos with an actual Michelin star is Al Sud at Palmares, about 15 minutes away.
🥘 Where can I try authentic Cataplana in Lagos on a budget?
Restaurante Prato Cheio on Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro serves the best affordable Cataplana in Lagos. Unlike most places that only make it for two, here you can order a single portion, which is a big plus for solo travelers.
☕ What is the best café in Lagos for specialty coffee?
Black and White Coffee Shop on Rua Marreiros Netto is the favorite all-round coffee spot, loved by locals and visitors for its espresso and brunch. For specialty brews and beans to take home, The Studio Roaster & Café is the top choice.
Final thoughts
That’s it! Our gourmet trip around Lagos has come to an end! If you managed to read through (and possibly check some menu pictures) without getting hungry, I admire you!
I did my best to include a variety of top-rated places to suit all travelers’ tastes and budgets, so hopefully, my mission was successful!
Just a final tip to book a table in advance for the popular restaurants, but also don’t worry if you have to wait in line for like 10 mins to get your table – it’s a pretty common occurrence in a small touristy place like Lagos!
If you have any questions or comments about your upcoming stay, feel free to drop me a message below! And if you still haven’t found accommodation in Lagos, we have a special neighborhood guide with the top hotels at your disposal!
Enjoy Lagos,
Yulia
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