Portuguese cuisine is experiencing a bit of a renaissance, gaining attention for both its traditional dishes and modern interpretations by Michelin-starred chefs. The Algarve’s coastal setting puts fresh seafood at the forefront of its dining scene. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a casual taverna or savoring fine dining, the flavors are sure to impress. The blend of time-honored recipes and innovative culinary approaches makes this region a food lover’s paradise. We stayed in Lagos during our one-week visit, so we had most of our meals in that area. Here are some of the Algarve restaurants we enjoyed during our visit.
Restaurante Casa Velha
We had an unforgettable dining experience at Restaurante Casa Velha. The restaurant is in the luxurious Quinta do Lago resort in the Almancil area of the Algarve. It took us about an hour to drive there from Lagos. Although we typically shy away from resort restaurants, this one was well worth the visit. Plus, we were there for a special occasion – to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The restaurant blends Portuguese culinary traditions with a contemporary flair. It offers a menu centered around Petiscos, or Portuguese Tapas, designed to be shared among the table.
We had an unforgettable dining experience at Restaurante Casa Velha. The restaurant is in the luxurious Quinta do Lago resort in the Almancil area of the Algarve. Although we typically shy away from resort restaurants, this one was well worth the visit. Plus, we were there for a special occasion – to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The restaurant blends Portuguese culinary traditions with a contemporary flair. It offers a menu centered around Petiscos, or Portuguese Tapas, designed to be shared among the table.
Restaurante Eattico
We were walking around Lagos when we came across Restaurante Eattico. This is a small, unassuming spot in the Old Town center, away from the main busy area. This restaurant was a pleasant surprise, offering incredibly tasty tapas that exceeded our expectations. We stopped by for lunch and were impressed with every dish we tried. The Octopus Tapas featured roasted octopus with mashed potatoes infused with mixed herbs, sun-dried tomato, spinach cream, and octopus’ mayonnaise. The Tuna Tapas combined raw tuna marinated in soy sauce with apple salad, sultanas, almonds, and sunflower seeds, paired with Burrata.
The Sardine Tapas were a delightful mix of fried sardines, eggplant Caponata, mint, provolone, tomato, and caramelized onion. The Codfish Tapas, served on bruschetta with fried codfish, olive and caper pâté, sweet-and-sour pepper, onion, leek, and chives mayo, was another standout. The food presentation was beautiful, adding to the overall experience.
Restaurante Dom Vinho
Dom Vinho is in a quiet residential neighborhood, offering an escape from the bustling Lagos city center. This traditional restaurant serves both international and Portuguese cuisine. The warm decor reflects the Algarve’s region with its terracotta hues and dark wood accents. An inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a delightful dining experience, where the chef’s 50 years of gastronomic expertise shine through in every dish.
During our visit, two dishes stood out. The flavorful Codfish à La Dom Vinho featured grilled codfish perfectly paired with olive oil, garlic, and roasted potatoes. Equally impressive was the Grilled Squid with Garlic Sauce, a dish that combined tender squid with a rich butter sauce, garlic, broth, and potatoes. Both dishes showcased the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors, making our meal memorable.
Black and White Café
Lagos’ Black and White Café is a must-visit for coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts. Open daily from 8am-4pm, it’s known for its specialty coffee and a great selection of pastries. In addition, it offers a delicious brunch menu. Though the kitchen closes at 3pm, you can still grab takeaway coffee and pastries from the shop next door. The vibe is laid-back, and the friendly staff makes the experience even better.
We tried the Breakfast Burrito which was packed with eggs, bacon, avocado, and cheese. It was absolutely delicious. Their pastries were just as marvelous. This is a top spot for a leisurely morning or lunch in Lagos!
Organic by Tânia
Located a short walk from Carvoeiro’s busy part of town, Organic by Tânia is a gem for those seeking fresh, healthy meal options. You should give it a try whether you’re seeking breakfast or a casual lunch. It caters especially well to vegetarians and vegans, but the menu has a variety of offerings that would appeal to any palate. The café is run by a lovely mother and daughter team, who go out of their way to make sure you feel well taken care of.
We stopped by for a late lunch. One of our favorites was the Shrimp Salad, a delightful mix of greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, prawns, feta, and parmesan, topped with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the ingredients really stood out. We also had the Organic Beef Burger, which came perfectly grilled, juicy, and topped with bacon, cheddar, greens, tomato, and caramelized onions. Every bite was a treat. Organic by Tânia is a place we’d happily return to, especially when we are looking for wholesome food in Carvoeiro.
Casinha do Petisco
Nestled in the heart of Lagos, Casinha do Petisco was, hands down, our best and most memorable meal in the Algarve. This charming Algarve restaurant exudes a cozy atmosphere and is known for specializing in “petiscos,” the Portuguese version of tapas. However, their standout dish is the mouthwatering Cataplana, a traditional Algarvian stew. We had read rave reviews about it, and after trying it ourselves, it was clear why this restaurant is such a hot spot. The Cataplana à Casa was nothing short of spectacular—a rich, stew-like dish packed with pork, prawns, and clams in a creamy broth that had a surprising note of coconut milk. It was served in a huge pot (i.e. a cataplana) alongside white rice and freshly fried potatoes.
At first, we thought the portion was too generous, but we couldn’t stop eating until the entire dish was gone. The flavors were unforgettable. If you’re planning a visit, reservations are highly recommended, as the restaurant gets busy, and you might find yourself waiting outside otherwise. Also, keep in mind that this is a cash-only establishment—no credit cards are accepted, so come prepared! Do not miss it.
Algarve’s Great Food Scene
During our one-week stay in the Algarve, with Lagos as our home base, we explored some of the region’s most memorable dining experiences. From casual cafés to unforgettable local gems, the food scene here exceeded our expectations. Whether it was the mouthwatering Cataplana, delightful tapas, or a delicious brunch, each eatery brought its own unique flavor to the table. Our culinary adventures in the Algarve highlighted not only the region’s rich traditions but also its embrace of fresh, innovative dishes. If you’re a food lover, Algarve restaurants are bound to leave a lasting impression.
