5 Best Restaurants in Lagos, The Algarve

Set away from the hustle and bustle of the coast and outside the touristic area, Calhou is a traditional Portuguese restaurant with a side of Italy—serving incredible Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-fired oven. A wood-paneled interior makes the restaurant feel rustic and cosy.

Despite the misleading name, this cheerful restaurant actually does have a patio, and a beautiful one (the name translates roughly as "in the courtyard"). The chefs incorporate premium local produce in dishes that have an international flair.

Traditional Portuguese cooking (especially charcoal-grilled fish) is the draw at this Michelin-listed restaurant. You can dine at elegant candlelit tables inside or on a sidewalk out front. You may wish to start your meal with a typical lobster or shrimp dish, followed by grilled fish or the seafood stew—all extremely good.

Overlooking the dramatic Praia da Batata, this restaurant has a simple but lovely dining room and a popular outdoor terrace. The fish is exceptionally fresh, and what's more, there's a small public parking area just yards away—a rarity in this busy town.

If you're looking for fresh fish and a view of the ocean, you can’t do much better than this smart restaurant above beautiful Praia do Camilo. Along with fish that's just come from the market, there are clams and oysters from Ria de Alvor that are prepared with skill.