Casa Chico Zé: The Authentic Portuguese Restaurant Near Lagos That Families Love
If you're looking for a real Portuguese dining experience near Lagos, not the touristy kind with laminated English menus and overpriced seafood platters, but the kind where locals actually eat, Casa Chico Zé is your place.
It's a little outside of town, which keeps it authentic and means you'll find a wonderful mix of local Portuguese families and visitors who've heard about it. Everyone here is enjoying fresh and flavourful food in a setting that's so beautiful.
It's become quite popular, and rightfully so. But because it's slightly off the beaten path, it hasn't lost its charm.
🍽️ The Food
The menu focuses on traditional Portuguese cuisine, and the quality is really good. We're talking well prepared fish and meat dishes that taste like they came straight from the ocean and the farm next door. Because they kind of did.
You'll find a great selection of fish and meat dishes, presented simply but real skill.
Good to know: They offer salads, potatoes/fries/rice and vegetable sides, but there aren't dedicated vegan or vegetarian mains as far as we know. If plant based food is important to you, this might not be the right spot. But for a traditional Portuguese experience, it's unbeatable.
👶🏻 Why Families Love It
The restaurant has several cozy seating areas, both indoor and outdoor, but the real magic is outside. There's a whole little farm to explore, complete with a horse and some curious chickens 🐴🐔. Our kids spent half the meal running back and forth between the table and the animals, which meant at least one parent could actually got to enjoy the food in peace and afterwards we switched.
There's a grassy area where kids can play, and the outdoor setting is spacious enough that you never feel like you're disturbing other guests. It's the kind of place where kids being kids is completely normal and welcome.
Our favourite spot: The table facing the farm. Ask for this spot when you book.
Pro Tip: Bring your swim suits! In the very back of the farm is a pool. As long as there is no private party going on (you can rent this place for special occasions), you are even free to jump in the pool to refresh!
📝 Practical Tips
Check the opening hours. This is important. They take a break between lunch and dinner, so if you show up at 3pm expecting food, you'll be disappointed. Check their current schedule before you go.
Book ahead in high season. This place has become well known for good reason, and tables fill up fast during summer. Call in advance to be safe.
The drive from Lagos takes about 10 minutes. It's an easy, pleasant drive.
🅿️ Parking
Parking is easy. There's space around the restaurant, and since it's outside of town there's none of the usual Lagos parking stress.
✨ Combine Your Visit
Casa Chico Zé works perfectly as part of a countryside day. Combine it with a visit to Vinha Velha Farm (a beautiful organic farm nearby) or O Refúgio (pick your own fruit or veggies - just in late summer/autumn, pre-registration is necessary). Countryside morning, traditional Portuguese lunch at Casa Chico Zé, then back to the beach for the afternoon. That's the kind of day that makes the Algarve so special.
🗺️ Location & Links
📍 Near Lagos (short drive from centre)
❓ FAQ
Is Casa Chico Zé suitable for families with kids? Very much so! There's a farm with animals (horse, chickens), a grassy play area, and plenty of outdoor space for kids to explore safely.
Do I need to book at Casa Chico Zé? Definitely during high season. It's popular with both locals and visitors.
Is there vegan food at Casa Chico Zé? The menu focuses on traditional Portuguese fish and meat dishes. There are salads and vegetable sides, but no dedicated vegan or vegetarian mains.
What are the opening hours of Casa Chico Zé? They take a break between lunch and dinner. Check their current schedule before visiting.