Maxi's Warung - Thai and Indo heaven in Portugal
As a parent, I’ve learned that finding a restaurant that ticks all the boxes – great food, kid-friendly, good vibes, and easy parking – can feel like discovering a unicorn. So when we stumbled upon Maxi’s Warung in the laid-back surf village of Vale da Telha, I couldn’t keep it to myself. This is not just another place to eat in the Algarve; it’s an absolute gem for families — especially if you’re exploring Lagos with kids or staying nearby in Lagos, Portugal with toddlers.
What You Need to Know – A Family Guide to Maxi’s Warung, Vale da Telha
🧭 Where is Maxi’s Warung?
Maxi’s Warung is tucked away in Vale da Telha, a relaxed little community just a short drive from the famous Arrifana surf beach in the Aljezur region of the Algarve, Portugal. If you’re staying in Lagos, Portugal with kids, this makes a great little day trip. It’s around 35–40 minutes by car and totally worth the drive for a change of scenery, great food, and space for the kids to play.
📍 Address: Vale da Telha Sector B, bloco D, loja Q, 8670-156 Aljezur
📞 Phone: +351 913 877 140
🌍 Website: https://www.maxiswarung.com
You’ll need a car to get here, but there’s free parking right outside which makes it a breeze — even with a toddler in tow.
🕔 Opening Hours & When to Go
Maxi’s Warung is open most of the week but closed on Wednesdays. Here’s what you need to know:
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 17:00 – 22:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Closed in winter: Seasonal opening, so check their socials or website during colder months.
TOP TIP: If you're coming from Lagos with a toddler, try to arrive early — around 5 pm when they open. You’ll avoid the dinner rush, and the kids can enjoy the playground without crowds.
🥢 What’s on the Menu?
Let me just say this: if you're missing proper Asian food while in Portugal — you know, not just a token Pad Thai but the real deal — Maxi’s Warung is going to hit the spot.
🍜 Must-try dishes:
Pad Thai – The best we’ve had anywhere in the Algarve. It’s everything you want: savoury, fresh, not overly sweet, with just the right amount of heat.
Mie Goreng – A comforting Indonesian noodle dish that’s rare to find locally.
Curries and rice dishes with coconut, peanut sauce, and wok-fried magic.
🥦 Vegan and vegetarian options: Plenty. There’s tofu, tempeh, and fresh veg in many dishes. Perfect for families with plant-based preferences.
And yes, the portions are huge — great value, and ideal for sharing with hungry little ones (or picky eaters who “only want noodles”).
👶 Is Maxi’s Warung Child-Friendly?
So much yes. We felt genuinely welcomed here — not just tolerated, but embraced, chaos and all.
✅ Playground next to the terrace
✅ Kids' menu and kid-sized portions
✅ Highchairs available
✅ Room for strollers
✅ Not too noisy or chaotic
✅ Spacious setup for families
If you’ve ever searched for “things to do in Lagos Portugal with kids” and struggled to find a place that’s both parent- and kid-approved for dinner — this is your answer.
🛒 Bonus Tip: Organic Shopping Next Door
Right beside the restaurant is a cozy organic store where you’ll find:
Koro pantry staples
Holle baby food
Organic cereals, snacks, and skincare
Eco-friendly and reusable home goods
If you’re staying in Lagos with kids and need a restock of familiar brands or allergy-friendly goodies, it’s a great spot to browse before or after dinner.
Malina x
“Try the Pad Thai and thank me later!” :)
A deeper dive:
Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Algarve – Why Maxi’s Warung Should Be on Your Must-Try List
🌴 Why Vale da Telha is a Hidden Gem for Families in the Algarve
If you're based in Lagos, Portugal with kids or looking for unique family day trips, Vale da Telha offers a slower pace of life, unspoiled beaches, and a little slice of expat-friendly surf culture. It’s the kind of place where kids can run barefoot, and no one bats an eye.
Add to that the amazing Asian food at Maxi’s Warung, and it becomes one of the best low-key excursions for families looking to escape the busier resort areas.
🍽️ Where to Eat with Kids in Aljezur – The Case for Asian Food
Let’s be real — as much as we all love grilled fish and pão com chouriço, sometimes you just crave something different. Maxi’s Warung offers something fresh and exciting: delicious Thai and Indonesian food in a space that feels made for families.
If you’ve Googled things like:
“things to do in Lagos with kids”
“restaurants near Lagos Portugal with toddler”
“family-friendly Asian food Algarve”
…this place is going to be your happy place.
🧘♀️ Vegan, Vegetarian & Allergy-Friendly Dining in the Algarve
Travelling in Lagos with kids who have food allergies or dietary preferences can be a challenge. We’ve had our share of struggles finding gluten-free or vegan options that the kids will actually eat. Thankfully, Maxi’s Warung hits that sweet spot of flavour, freshness, and flexibility.
✅ Gluten-free noodles
✅ Vegan curries
✅ No MSG, freshly cooked food
✅ Friendly staff who are happy to adjust ingredients
This isn’t just a place where you “can get by” as a vegan — it’s a place where you’ll actually want to eat.
🚗 A Quick Day Trip from Lagos: Make It a Family Adventure
Here’s how to make the most of your trip from Lagos to Maxi’s Warung:
Morning:
Head to Arrifana Beach for a beach walk or surf-watching. Let the kids splash around or explore the rock pools.
Afternoon:
Take a drive through Aljezur village and maybe stop at the castle for panoramic views.
Evening:
Dine early at Maxi’s Warung. Let the kids explore the playground while you enjoy the best Pad Thai in the Algarve.
Even if you’re only doing a short stay in Lagos with a toddler, this mini road trip is worth carving out time for.
🌟 Final Thoughts – Why Parents Love Maxi’s Warung
If you're a parent living in or visiting the Algarve — especially Lagos, Portugal with kids — you know how rare it is to find a place that’s equal parts delicious and stress-free. But Maxi’s Warung really delivers.
Here’s what stood out for us:
✅ Delicious, authentic Thai and Indonesian dishes
✅ Extremely kid-friendly atmosphere
✅ Playground, highchairs, and space to breathe
✅ Vegetarian and allergy-friendly
✅ Affordable and generous servings
✅ Easy parking and a relaxed vibe
We’ve added it to our regular rotation whenever we’re near Aljezur, and it’s now one of our top recommendations to families searching for things to do in Lagos Portugal with kids beyond the usual.
More spots for eating out in the Algarve with kids:
When you’re traveling with kids, finding a spot to eat where everyone’s happy can feel like chasing a unicorn. Too fancy, and you’re sweating through the meal hoping your toddler doesn’t throw a fork. Too casual, and the food’s forgettable. That’s why Kestè, a low-key café tucked between Lagos' old town and the beach at Porto de Mós, felt like such a win.