Where to eat in the Algarve, Portugal

Restaurant Adega da Marina in Lagos

…………and now for something completely different !

No, not Monty Python (there's showing our age) but those of you who have been reading our ramblings about places to eat in the Western Algarve may get the, quite false, impression that we always seek out the grand, silver service, speciality restaurants.  This isn't the case, some of the best value places to eat are, to quote a well used phrase, “where the locals eat” and one that we enjoy is the Adega da Marina.

Situated on the main Avenida in Lagos opposite the marina, its' unassuming façade makes it easy to walk past without paying too much attention to it.  That would be a shame because the Adega is like Dr Who's tardis. Inside its emormous and it needs to be because, at times, (particularly lunch time), the place is buzzing with crowds of local business people all wanting a meal.... and quick!.

The Adega is open all day and is a little quieter in the evenings but lets get one thing straight right from the start.  This is not the place to take your loved one for a quiet romantic meal.  It's noisy, it's busy and if you like football, or are crazy about it, like every Portuguese national, you will love the two wide screen TV's, one at either end of the restaurant which play non-stop football.  The atmosphere is electric, it's the nearest you'll get to being at an actual match and the animated expert commentary from the local patrons is worth watching in itself. However this note is not about watching the telly and if you wish to get away from it there are always some pavement tables available, where the service is just as efficient, and you have a great view of the busy street and the luxury yachts entering the Marina.

The Adega provides a limited simple menu of charcoal grilled meats, Portuguese steaks and fish but most meals served are the “menu do dia”.  The service is faster than probably anywhere you will have been.  Almost before you are seated your waiter is there with bread, sardine pate and olives, and asking for your drink orders.

If you have the day's menu, a small carafe of wine, or a beer or soft drink will be included.  The food will be salad or soup starter, usually a fish, or chicken main course, with a fruit salad sweet and coffee to follow.

All this for €8.95 but make no mistake this is not the Portuguese equivalent of Macburg FC.  The food is superb, simple yes, but quality Portuguese cooking.

As the Adega is only a short distance from where the fishing fleet docks there is always a good selection of freshly caught fish available.  Usually sold by weight and presented on a salad bed, with potatoes, the choice is yours.  As an example, sardines in season are about €5.50 for 6 large fish.

The Adega is ideal if you are shopping in Lagos and great if you have children.  They will love the bustle and the atmosphere of this typically Portuguese restaurant and, of course, like all children in Portugal, they will be treated as special guests.

Give it a try next time you are in Lagos, you might feel intimidated at first, but go for it, you will enjoy it.                                                                                                                Jackie & Tony  2006

If you would like to know more about Portuguese Food and Drink, why don't you dip into our Restaurants in the Algarve section and our series of articles on Portuguese Wines and Ports.  We also feature some Traditional Portuguese Recipes and a glossary of useful Portuguese food & drink words and phrases

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