There are over 400 restaurants in greater Lagos alone, so you will not go hungry. So far though, I have found many good but few outstanding restaurants. This is a list of ones I have personally tried that are worth a visit.
Lagos
Tasca do Kiko – a modern tapas place backing on to hard standing for boats just north of the Lagos marina. You can park directly outside. Popular place (especially with ex-pats) and decent wine selection. The change of ownership has simplified the menu and in my opinion whilst still good, is not so much of a favourite as before.
Studio Satake – more of a cool private dining club than restaurant: Actually you can only eat if you have a reservation and they primarily organise special events. Guest chefs from local restaurants (Iwashi the last time I was there) prepare Japanese dishes – the style varying depending on the event. They also sell high end Japanese cooking accessories and knives.
A Petisqueira – in Lagos old town – small restaurant serving more interesting Portuguese food than the usual stuff in Lagos.
The Quay – Brit hangout with fish and chip Fridays and special evenings from time to time. Great place to sit next to the Lagos marina and dependable in the way that say a Cafe Rouge or a Cote in the UK is.
Don Sebastiao – in Lagos old town. Very typical Portuguese decor serving traditional Portuguese fare. Not terrible but not excellent.
Dom Henrique – also in Lagos old town. Has a reputation as the best traditional Portuguese, but other than a good upstairs cocktail bar, totally average with average ambiance.
Iwashi By Ricardo Correia – modern small Japanese sushi (only) place at the north end of Lagos marina. I think the best sushi in the area.
Mosto Wine Shop and Bar – run by the ex-owner of Tasca do Kiko. Great wine selection (you can taste much of their extensive selection) along with good but expensive tapas. Special evenings with local vineyard owners are popular and worth a visit.
The Seasonal – reasonable Thai.
Dos Artistas – very good classy Portuguese in the old town. Proper service and well cooked food. Tasting menu as well as a la carte – predictably expensive 🙁
Portafino – Italian on the upper level at the marina – above average
The Green Room – Mexican to the east of the old town. Good fish burritos and margaritas.
O’Camilo – cafe bar at the top of Ponta da Peidade with fantastic views across to Meia Praia beach (biggest in Lagos). Easy parking and good walks along the cliff on the broadwalks (can head down to Porto do Mos where there are also several good beach cafes).
Burgau – nearest village
Repolho Gastrobar – wine bar with tapas. Good wine selection with knowledgeable staff.
Miam – fusion Asian/Med with nice terrace overlooking beach.
Espuina – good local Portuguese place.
Bombardos – also good local Portuguese maritime orientated restaurant.
Nova beach bar – best for live music Sunday afternoons and drinks rather than evening meals.
Salema – second to nearest village
As a small (but upmarket) seaside tourist village, has a remarkable good restaurant/population ratio.
Spice Cottage – best Indian restaurant for miles around (and there must be 20 or more in Lagos and to the west).
Boia Bar – the go to fish restaurant for quite some way: Not that it has the best food, but rather a fabulous beachside location. Their baquelau (sort of a cod fish in grated potato and egg) and local jumbo prawns (very expensive) are worth a try.
Aqua da Boca – under the same ownerships as Boia Bar, and has the reputation for the best in Salema, although personally I´d rate as number 4. Primarily fish and up market Portuguese dishes in a pleasant atmosphere (although no sea view).
Em Lume Brando – best restaurant in Salema. Classy decor and modern Portuguese menu. No sea view but small outside terrace and cool interior.
Bar Atlantico – fantastic terrace on the beach – good for a quick lunch but only OK food.
Olhos N’Agua – great seasonal restaurant right on the beach towards the fishermen’s huts. Mainly seafood and recommended really just for lunch.
Budens – third nearest village
D’Aldiea – excellent pizza on the N125 near the Intermarche supermarket.
Galé
Vila Joya Beach – within the grounds of a well established upscale boutique hotel (which also contains a Michelin star restaurant). Once through the electric gates, you get driven down to the beach in a golf trolley to the beach shack: Here they prepare fantastic Japanese and Mexican dishes. High end service, great food, excellent wines – the only reasons to not go are – (1) closed in the winter and (2) prices are stellar so budget at least €150 a head for lunch if drinking their budget wines………
Restored village
Pedralva has two good restaurants and is an interesting spot. Both recommended
Carrapateira – wild surfer dude beaches and several restaurants
You can combine some lovely beach walks with a lunchtime fish meal (or just drop into a cafe in the village of Carrapateira) – you will find a couple on the main road (N268) and others between the village and beaches (you should drive). There is also a cliff top/road walk between Bordeira and Amado. There are cafes at both beaches open in the summer (and surfing lessons available).
Aljezur and Arrifana – another big surf beach
The main square in Aljezur has several cafes including one with a large outdoor BBQ. The drive north from Vila do Bispo (about 20 minutes) is pretty although not spectacular. There is a small castle to the west of town but the main beaches are to the west of the N120 – the turn off is just before you reach the town. Arrifana has several cafes and restaurants (park at the top of the hill) and a great view of people surfing. O´Paulo has a good fish selection and percebes (goose barnacles) when in season – worth a try. People surf here all year round. Monte Clerigo is a sheltered swimming beach with a couple of beach shack places to eat lunch. If you are heading up this way you could also go to Odeceixe about 15 minutes further north which has good square inland for cafes and a river (the north side is where the Alentajo begins) ending in a huge sand dune beach. Many people swim in the river which is warmer than the sea
