Where to eat in the Algarve, Portugal

West Bar and Grill on Lagos Marina

What's the saying?  Position, position, position!  Well, West Bar and Grill has got serious position - it is in a prime spot, overlooking the splendid Marina de Lagos.  The restaurant sits on the upper story of the quayside buildings with spectacular views of the yachts and river over to the old town on the opposite bank.  There is a large, outside sundeck where you can enjoy a drink or some tapas whilst just taking advantage of the atmosphere of the Marina.  West seats around 60 people in a modern, light, bar - restaurant and as we had booked early for our visit, we were lucky enough to be seated at the window table with the marvelous view.  West has a wide menu, including vegetarian dishes, and caters for most palates.  On Sunday there is a popular Brunch roast on the menu.

Favourites from our visit were the starters of goat's cheese and mushroom tart and the Cabrese salad, the latter being beautifully presented with nasturtium flowers (which tasted lovely and peppery).  There were several favourites amongst the main dishes: the Guinness (and beef!) pie with chips and minted peas was very good, the rack of lamb was declared delicious and the stone bass and sea bass were well appreciated.  We drank the house red, as usual, which here was Condado, a wine from the prolific Alentejo region - made from Trincadeira and Aragones grapes.  We also had a bottle of Alentejo Arelado rosé.

Very few could manage a sweet and there was a bit of sharing taking place but the lemon and coconut tarte with passion fruit cream was declared the delicious favourite!  Some had coffee and some finished the wine off - the end of a very enjoyable meal in a splendid location.

It's easy to find - cross the river on the road bridge to Meia Praia and follow the road round to the right behind the Marina Club****.  Turn right at the roundabout and park in the large car park on the left.  You will probably see the restaurant sign on the upper deck of the marina quayside as you start walking towards the Marina.

West Bar and Grill (GPS N 37,109498, W 8,673333 

address: Marina de Lagos, 1st Floor, 8600-780 Lagos

first entry: May 2011                                                    

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