Lagos has a great selection of Vegetarian and Vegan options, but you have to know where to find them. In traditional Portuguese restaurants you’ll be limited to vegetable soup and an Omelette. After a few days this can get tiresome and I’m sure you’ll be craving some good roasted veggies, hummus or a fresh salad loaded with nuts and goodness. Here is your guide where to find them…
Abigail’s Vegetarian Café
Breakfast and Lunch
Abigail´s focuses on healthy, wholesome food. They have the best selection of fruit smoothies and juices in Lagos (possibly in the Algarve). They also offer beautifully arranged Acai bowls and the usual brunch favourites such as Smashed avocado &/or eggs on toast, breakfast burritos, some less healthy treats and also non-vego options. The cafe is spacious and relaxed, so its somewhere you can pull out your laptop and catch on some emails. It also offers outdoor seating on a pedestrian-only street, and is right on your way to Batata (the main town) Beach, so its a great place to grab a smoothie or snack on your way, or to take with you to the beach.
Rua Henrique Correia da Silva, 6, Lagos | www.instagram.com/abigailsportugal/
Empanadas & Co.
Open all day
Empanadas & Co. is a great place to grab a snack or meal at any time of the day. They have a large range of filled empanadas including Vegan and Vegetarian varieties. Fillings include Pumpkin with blue cheese and walnut, Caramelised onion with wine jam, mushroom & spinach. Every time I try a new flavour ‘m delightfully surprised. They also serve salad and sauce accompaniments to make for a substantial meal. Or just grab one (2.50€ a piece) as a snack on the go. They also have quiches, delicious home baked sweets and local craft beers from mania.beer and cervejavicentina.
R. Infante de Sagres 140, Lagos | www.instagram.com/empanadas.and.co
Twin Fin
Breakfast, Lunch & Cocktails
Twin Fin is a Goodtimes Lagos favourite. Owned by an Australian, you can expect amazing brunch meals such as eggs Benedict with grilled spinach, mushrooms, perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise sauce topped with shaved parmesan. Coupled with perfectly made barista coffee. They also have great vegan banana bread, granola bowls, cakes, salads and burgers. The spacious cafe has a chilled boho-surf vibe. Its a great place to meet with friends, also in the evening when they serve a mean cocktail.
R. Gil Vicente 36, Lagos, Portugal | https://www.instagram.com/twinfinlagos/
O Ninho Family Bar – Vegan Café
Breakfast and Lunch
O Ninho Family bar offers healthy vegan and vegetarian food, in a family friendly café. Expect vegan cakes and sweets including vegan Pastel de Nata, hummus, loaded waffles, XL toasted sandwiches, hearty salads and “nests” (filled bread bowls, as pictured above).
The café is spread over two floors and filled with books, toys and games to keep children and babies entertained.
The owners are a very kind Italian couple, who have put a lot of thought and effort into creating a space where parents can relax and meet each other.
R. da Estrema 31, Lagos | instagram.com/oninho.familybar/
Cafe Goldig
Breakfast and Lunch
Cafe Goldig is the only primarily Vegan cafe in Lagos. Their daily changing menu offers hearty, flavour-filled lunches such as vegan curry, falafel bowls, vegan lasagna, Tangine, bean burgers and more. Many of their meals are also Gluten-free. As well as the lunch menu they offer a standard menu including Filled bagels, Homemade Vegan Banana bread and other cakes and freshly pressed juices. The cafe is quite small but has outdoor seating (which catches sun) on the pedestrian street leading down to the main town square. Check out their instagram to see whats on the menu each week.
Rua Infante de Sagres, 64, Lagos | www.instagram.com/cafe_goldig/
Sunray’s Kitchen
Breakfast and Lunch
Newly opened in 2020, Sunray´s kitchen is already a local favourite. Its a little out of the old town, but worth the walk. The menu changes seasonally according to local produce, and each day features a different hearty lunch special as well as some fixed favourites, and freshly baked cakes. There is a good vegetarian selection as well as meat dishes. They also serve the best Kombucha in town – Deus Sista.
Lote 22, Praça de poder local, Torralta, Lagos | www.instagram.com/sunrayskitchen
The Green Room
Lunch and dinner
The Greenroom is a favourite in Lagos, not only for its delicious Mexican food and cocktails, but also for its social, surfy atmosphere. Its usually bustling inside and out, and is a great place for a meal with friends. All of their main menu items (Quesadillas, Nachos, Burritos and more) have a vegetarian version. There are also a few Vegan options. The Jalapeño poppers and Sangria jugs are always a good way to start.
R. António Crisógno dos Santos 51, Lagos | www.facebook.com/pg/The-Green-Room
Estudio Vegetariano
Dinner
For a more intimate setting, Estudio Vegetariano serves beautifully created meals in a charming, relaxed atmosphere. The variety of flavours and attention to detail in the meals make you want to take your time and appreciate every bite. So its a great place to catch up with a friend or enjoy a romantic evening, coupled with a glass of local wine. They also have some delicious deserts to finish!
Rua da Oliveira 30, Lagos | instagram.com/estudio_vegetariano
Casa do Prego
Dinner
Although a little hidden up stairs, Casa do Prego is always busy. It has a trendy interior, super friendly staff and generous meals. They serve Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. For vegetarians, they offer the “Arrifana” (named after one of the beautiful west coast beaches): grilled vegetables & baked cherry tomatoes and goats cheese. For vegans, the hearty Maria vinagre Salad, filled with roasted vegetables, seeds, nuts and tahini dressing, is a winner.
Unfortunately they take reservations for after 19:00, so be prepared to wait for a table. However, they do have a great rooftop Terrace where you can enjoy a drink (or two) while you wait.
Rua Lançarote Freitas, 18 – 1st floor – Lagos | www.instagram.com/casadoprego
Nah Nah Bah
Dinner
While this cool hangout is famous for its (meat) burgers, it also has some delicious vegetarian meals – especially if you don’t mind a bit of garlic. The arancini balls starter is my go-to, followed by the Sonsie salad – a delicious combination of baked goats cheese with fruits and leaves. The pastas are also great, and there is a veggie burger too. If you are up for having a few drinks with your meal, in a lively atmosphere, Nah Nah Bah is a good choice; they have some of the best cocktails in town, several Sangria varieties and also a range of Craft beers.
Unfortunately no outdoor seating, but a fun, friendly reggae, Tiki bar vibe inside (which is pretty much always buzzing).
Travessa do Forno 11, Lagos | www.instagram.com/nahnahbah
Miam, Burgau
Lunch and Dinner
Although this Restaurant isn´t in Lagos, its such a gem so if you’ve got a car, its just 15 minutes away and worth the trip.
Located in the cute beach town of Burgau, Miam has a lovely sea view and relaxed costal vibe. The food is exquisite – in terms of presentation and taste. The french owners make everything in-house – the bread, tahini, sauces etc, and the menu items are alway interesting, with that extra something special. A great place to treat yourself with a glass of green wine and some delicious dishes.
Rua 25 De Abril n°5, Burgau | www.instagram.com/miam_burgau/
