In the Algarve, the food is (very) good, especially if you like fish, seafood and simple but ultra-fresh dishes.
Here are the addresses we tested & approved during our road trip + a checklist of Portuguese specialities to try.
Our favourite Algarve restaurants by town
It’s been a long time since we took the time to write an article dedicated to restaurants on our travels. Often for lack of time, sometimes because the addresses are uneven… But in Portugal, and more particularly in the Algarve, we clearly had no choice. We ate too well not to share our good addresses.
Between the ultra-fresh fish, the generous traditional dishes, the quality of the products and above all the very reasonable prices, we really enjoyed ourselves, without breaking the budget, throughout our road trip in the Algarve.
Lagos: 3 great places to eat and drink
A super-pleasant address in a real garden, perfect at the end of the day after the beach. We went for the atmosphere: tables outside, garlands, relaxed vibe.
✅ Why we love
- Very nice terrace/garden (the big plus)
- Ideal for a drink and dinner
- The vegetarian lasagne is very good, perfect when you’re fed up with fish (it happens).
- Children’s menu
Convenient: this is a good option if you’re staying in the city center, as you can get there on foot.
Olhaabolinha (yellow food truck, impossible to miss)
It’s THE sweet treat we recommend to everyone in Lagos.
This food truck offers Bola de Berlim (located on the marina level): ultra-soft Portuguese doughnuts. Special mention for the Nutella version: dangerous for the summer body… but really excellent.
Take one to share if you’ve already eaten well: it goes flat fast, but it’s perfect for a “snack” break between two beaches.
Black and White Coffee Shop (quiet coffee break)
We’ve noted it as the handy spot for breakfast, a quick lunch break or a coffee break during your tour of Lagos’ historic center: when you’re in “we’ve walked too far / it’s hot / we need a real coffee” mode, this is where it’s at.
✅ Why con likes :
- Friendly coffee shop
- Excellent breads and pastries
- Perfect for taking a break (and recharging your phone/device)
Olhão: local (and very good) food
Casa de Pasto Almirante (away from the port, more authentic)
We recommend it precisely because it’s a little far from the port: as a result, it’s less touristy, more “local canteen”, with well-crafted dishes.
- Simple, friendly atmosphere
- A great idea if you want to avoid the touristy restaurants on the seafront (€10 menu: main course, drink, dessert and coffee).
- Portuguese cuisine:homemade local dishes (often fish or meat)
- Canteen a little noisy
Taberna D’Olhão (tapas, evening ambience)
An address we loved for dinner right in the center of Olaho (our favorite village), perfect when you want to try several things.
✅ Why it’s a good idea
- Tapas format: share and try several dishes
- Very pleasant atmosphere in the evening
- Try: Ria clams, pork kebabs, garlic octopus…
- Take 3-4 tapas for two, the best way to discover without overeating “one big dish”.
Alvor: eating with your feet in the sand
Windsurf Snack Bar Restaurante (beachfront, sandy terrace)
We loved this address for one simple reason: the location. You eat right on the seafront, with that “wooden shack” atmosphere and a terrace overlooking the beach. It’s just the sort of place you want after a day in the sun.
🍽️ Our favourite dishes :
- Polvo à lagareiro: a real favorite. Melt-in-the-mouth roasted octopus, drizzled with olive oil… generous and delicious.
- Bacalhau à Brás: the comfort food version of cod (cod + potatoes + eggs + onions). Simple, but ultra tasty.
Armação de Pêra: ultra-tasty fish + “spot sea view” option
Restaurante Zé Leiteiro (center, canteen atmosphere)
This is typically the kind of address we like: no fuss, but very well-cooked fish. We ate there twice, which pretty much sums up our opinion.
✅ Why we’re going back
- Fresh fish, controlled cooking
- Efficient “little canteen” atmosphere right in the center of town
- Excellent value for money (all-you-can-eat formula at around €17)
NANA on the Beach (beachfront, terrace + view)
We’re not going to lie: it’s a little more “touristy”. But sometimes, we’re totally okay with it… because eating in front of the ocean is part of the program.
✅ Why it’s worth the detour
- Seafront terrace
- Vacation atmosphere, perfect for a “sea view” lunch
- We go there as much for the experience as for the food
Portuguese specialities to try
Salted
- Bacalhau à Brás (cod + eggs + potatoes)
- Polvo à lagareiro (roasted octopus + olive oil)
- Grilled fish (a sure bet in the Algarve), octopus, squid, cuttlefish, hake…
- Cataplana de Marisco: a seafood stew
- Conquilhas à Algarvia: a tasty clam dish
Sweet
- Bola de Berlim (soft doughnut, often filled)
- Dom Rodrigo : pastry made with egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon andground almonds
- Morgadinho : pastry made with egg yolks, sugar and almonds
If you have any other addresses or specialities to share with us, you can leave them as comments on this article!
Feel free to leave us a note below to let us know if you are planning this trip, ask any questions or share on social networks(our Instagram) we will answer you with great pleasure!
Before you leave, find all our articles to help you organize your trip:
- 🛏️ Where to sleep in the Algarve? our best addresses
- 🗺️ Itinerary for your Algarve road trip?
- 🚗 Car rental in Faro in the Algarve: our tips and advice
- Visit the villages of Lagos, Armaçao de Pêra, Alvor and Olaho
- 🌊 Visit the must-see Benagil cave
- ⛵ How to visit the Ponta da Piedade cliffs: by boat and on foot
- 🦩 What to do in Portugal’s Ria Formosa natural park and islands?
