The Best Beach Restaurants and Bars in the Algarve

Few things beat a long lunch with your feet almost in the sand: grilled fish, a cold glass of vinho verde and the Atlantic in front of you. The Algarve has some wonderful beach restaurants and bars, from legendary seafood shacks to relaxed spots with live music. Here are our favourites, from east to west.

Quick answer: for a bucket-list lunch, Gigi at Quinta do Lago or 2 Passos on Praia do Ancão. For a relaxed beach bar, Bahia on Meia Praia in Lagos or Izzy’s at Praia do Garrão. Book ahead in summer, and always check opening times out of season, as many beach places close or cut their hours in winter.

Central Algarve: the Golden Triangle

Gigi (Quinta do Lago)

The Algarve’s most famous beach shack, reached by the long wooden bridge across the Ria Formosa lagoon. Legendary grilled seafood, a glamorous crowd and prices to match. Rebuilt a little back from its old spot and reopened. Book well ahead.

2 Passos (Praia do Ancão)

A seafood restaurant on stilts above the dunes near Almancil, famous for its tiger prawns and fresh fish, and recognised by the Michelin Guide. Perfect for a long, special lunch.

Izzy’s (Praia do Garrão)

A friendly beach restaurant open all year, with live music at weekend lunchtimes. Relaxed, sunny and great for families.

Lagos

Bahia Beach Bar (Meia Praia)

A family-run beach bar on the long sands of Meia Praia, a walk across the bridge from the marina. Fresh food, cocktails and live music, lovely at sunset.

Duna Beach Club (Meia Praia)

The beach club linked to the Tivoli Lagos hotel, with loungers, a pool vibe and food all day in season.

O Camilo (Ponta da Piedade)

Not on the sand, but on the cliffs above Praia do Camilo, with one of the best views in Lagos and excellent seafood. (The beach stairs themselves are closed.) See the best restaurants in Lagos.

Tavira

Praia do Barril

On Ilha de Tavira, the old fishermen’s cottages beside the anchor cemetery now house a few casual cafes and snack bars, perfect for a drink after a swim. See Tavira and the eastern Algarve.

Lagoa

Praia da Marinha

There’s a basic beach snack bar below the cliffs of the Algarve’s most famous beach. Pricey and simple, but you can’t beat the view. Bring a picnic if you’re on a budget.

Tips for beach dining

• Fish is sold by weight. Ask the price before you order, or you might get a surprise.
• The couvert (bread, olives) isn’t free. Send it back if you don’t want it.
• Book for weekend and summer lunches, especially at the famous places.
• Out of season, many beach restaurants close on certain days or for the winter. Check Google Maps or call ahead.
• Try: grilled sardines (summer), cataplana, arroz de marisco (seafood rice) and clams à Bulhão Pato. See what to eat in Portugal.

More: the best Algarve beaches, where to stay in the Algarve and family resorts. Browse Algarve stays.

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