The Restaurants & Bars in Praia da Luz, The Algarve
Dining out in Luz is a lovely experience with plenty of places, in such a small area, to choose from. You will find that peak dining times are usually between 19.30 and 21.30. So if you are planning on eating during this period make sure you book in advance especially during the high season. Getting a table by chance can be quite slim as diners tend to make an evening of it and a 'second sitting' is unlikely.
There is only one problem with Bars and Restaurants in a predominately tourist orientated town, that's the inconsistency of their opening and closing times. Whilst all of them are all open during the tourist season ( May to September ) they may not actually stay open or keep regular hours if business is quiet. Also, as the season winds down many of them will close for at least two or three months starting anytime from the middle of September. You will find that from Christmas to the second week in January some place may re-open temporarily. So the rule of thumb to avoid disappointment is to check / book in advance and don't assume that if they were open at 22.00 yesterday that they will be open at 22.00 today. The redeeming factor for Luz, is that as it has a large community of ex-pats you will always find several good restaurants that will remain open all year round. Where possible I've listed opening days / times but these should be used as a guide only.
Update 2008: As of January 1st 2008, Portugal introduced its No Smoking Policy. There are options to allow smoking in some places but due to the vagueness of the new law 99% of bars and 100% of restaurants in Luz are now non-smoking ( at least inside ) to avoid the hefty fines. However two bars in Luz have complied with the regulations and have opted to be smoking bars ( The Bull and Cafe Jasmin ). Fortunately with the generally good weather for the majority of the year and the number of establishments with terraces the 'problem' does not impact quite as much as it does in the U.K.
Any remarks included here are my own views. You may not agree. So why not try them and let me know if you agree or disagree or have some of your own you think I should include.
Map of Praia da Luz Bars & Restaurants
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EXTENT
ORANGE A UPPER
![]() S.African & Portuguese dishes. Open: Evenings only. Bookings from 16.00 on. Tel: (+351) 282 789 992. Wim and Zenrika Bosman Fernandos
YELLOW C UPPER
ORANGE D UPPER
A Portuguese 'local'. Not really geared up for tourists. Has Pool tables. Details soon Godots
ORANGE E UPPER
Restaurant and Bar. Vegetarians catered for. Open: 19.00 'til late. Closed: Mondays. Tel: (+351) 282 789 647. 04/07 Closed, currently for sale. ![]() A large Chinese Restaurant. Large tables for parties. A take away service is available. Open: 7 days, 12.00 to 15.00, 18.00 to 23.00. Tel: (+351) 282 767 239 ![]() Cocktail Bar. Cocktails a speciality. No food. Open: 18.00 - 02.00. Closed: Mondays. Tel: (+351) 282 789 617 The Lime Tree.
GREEN H UPPER
BLUE I UPPER
ORANGE J UPPER
Restaurant. Nouveau cuisine style. Inside and Outside seating. Open: Evenings only. Tel: (+351) 282 789 475. ![]() English Restaurant Quiz night Tuesday, 22.00. Open: 18.00 - 02.00 (7 nights). Food served: 18.00 - 22.00. Tel: (+351) 282 789 932. ![]() Portuguese Restaurant Children's menu. Open: All day (peak season). Bookings: Diogo / Mena. Tel: (+351) 282 789 667. Fax: (+351) 282 788 907. ![]() English Bar and Restaurant. Sun terrace with great views. ● 2 large televisions in the bar. Open: Bar: 10.30 - 03.00. Breakfast / Lunch 10.00 - 14.30. Restaurant: 18.30, last orders 22.00 Tel: (+351) 282 788 823. 'International' Restaurant. Fairly large Portuguese restaurant. Busy in the peak season. Elevated restaurant (above Carlos Bar). ![]() 70's type basement bar. Located below the O'poco restaurant. Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays. ![]() Cafeteria type layout. A pretty basic menu, sandwiches / baguettes etc. Take away also available. Open: 18.00 - 22.00. Closed: Mondays. Tel: (+351) 282 789 498 ![]() Pizza and Pasta Restaurant. Take away also available. Open: 18.00 - 22.00. Closed: Mondays. ![]() A basic English pub. Popular ex pats haunt. Small with limited seating. Carlsberg draught. Occasional limited menu. Cave Bar
ORANGE O UPPER
Downstairs / basement bar. ● Pool table. ● DVD Club ● Occasional live music. Up for For Sale but still trading as usual ( 09/2006 ) ![]() A cafe / bar restaurant. On the promenade, slightly raised with a glassed in terrace with good sea views. Tel: (+351) 282 788 584 Praia Vista
AQUA P UPPER
![]() A large, modern bar / cafe In the Estrala da Luz resort complex. Lively bar in the evenings. (Part of the Oceanica chain). Estrela da Luz, Rua Escola Primaria, Calabaza
GREEN Q UPPER
Modern Portuguese and Med mix of food. Estrala da Luz resort complex. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Open: Vary depending on the season. (Part of the Oceanica chain). Where: Estrela da Luz, Rua Escola Primaria. Tel: (+351) 282 769 226. Chicca.
ORANGE R UPPER
ORANGE S UPPER
Small Cafe / Snack bar. Recently refurbished. Portuguese 'local'. Inside seating only. Small and cool. ![]() A English family restaurant and pub. Children's menu. ● Darts and bar games, ● Large screen TV. Twice weekly Quiz nights. Closed: Mondays. Open: 11.00 to 02.00 daily. 'Happy hour' 17.00 to 19.00 daily. Tel: (+351) 282 789 888. ![]() A very small English bar. Lively nights. ● Karaoke Saturday nights. All day breakfasts and snacks. Open: 10.00 until 02.00, 7 days. Where: Ground floor. Inside the Commercial Centre Tel: (+351) 282 788 009. Irish Legend Bar
A small Irish bar. Lively nights. Bar snacks. Open: 7 days. Where: Ground floor. Inside the Commercial Centre Tel: (+351) 913 735 764. ![]() A light cafe / bar. ● All day breakfasts and snacks. Open: 10.00 until 22.00, 7 days. Tel: t.b.a Where: First Floor of the Commercial centre. ![]() Indian restaurant Take away available. Large seating area. Open Kitchen Where: First Floor of the Commercial centre. ![]() Portuguese Restaurant Evenings only for full meals. Where: Rua Direita, 4a. Tel: (+351) 282 767 350 ![]() Pizza and Pasta Restaurant Take away available. Open: 18.00. Where: On the Rua Direita. Tel: (+351) 282 789 101 ![]() English restaurant. A pretty substantial terrace (complete with a small fish pond). Where: Rua Direita. By the fountain. Tel: (+351) 282 761 4899 ![]() Bar and Restaurant. Poolside terrace bar. On the St. James apartment complex. Where: Montes Da Luz, Lote 2. Tel: (+351) 282 799 484 ![]() Italian Bar and Restaurant. Ground floor, Block 5. On the St. James apartment complex. Where: Montes Da Luz. Tel: (+351) 282 763 119 Real Pizza
ORANGE b LOWER
ORANGE d LOWER
Pizza Cafe. Takeaway available. Open: 7 nights - 18.00 until 'late'. Where: Rua da Praia. Tel: (+351) 282 788 369 ![]() Lively Bar / Restaurant Special party nights through the season ● Karaoke. Folklore, Fado, Texan nights. Outdoor BBQ: Mondays. ● Pool table ● Football, music video screens. Large beer garden. Tel mobile: Mario / Mark (+351) 282 762 054. Tel: (+351) 282 788 041 Cafe
Promenade Cafe / Snack bar Pashmina
GREEN g LOWER
Indian Restaurant ![]() Sea front cafe / bar. Open: 7 days, 09.00 - 02.00. Email: interluz@mail.telepac.pt Where: Comercial Via Sul, Loja 4 Sea front cafe / bar. Tourist meals and snacks. Nice place to chill out and watch the world go by. Open: 7 days a week 09.00 - 02.00. Tel: (+351) 282 761 870, (+351) 282 789 816 Prive
GREEN h LOWER
The only proper discotheque in Luz. Located in the basement, below the Lazuli cafe. Perhaps more suited to the young teenage crowd. Open: 22.00 until the early hours. Entrance fee of €10. ![]() A small cafe / bar. Good for breakfasts. Outside seating. Where: Just around the corner from the Habana / Lazuli cafes. Crepes a speciality. ![]() Restaurant / Bar Has a good reputation. Where: A small place in the Edificio Luztur complex (Commercial Centre). Closed: Saturday lunchtime and Sunday night. Tel: (+351) 282 789 177. ![]() A 16th Century fort. Portuguese Classic Guitar Thursdays. Live Jazz on the terrace Fridays. Frequent Barbeques during the peak season, e.g. Jazz Barbeque lunch on Sundays. Lovely outside terrace and walled in garden. Open: 7 days, Lunch: 12.00 to 15.00, Dinner: 13.30 to 24.00 Where: 3 Rua da Igreja. Tel: (+351) 282 789 926. Fax: (+351) 282 789 993. ![]() Popular Bar ● Sky for football. ● Live Entertainment. ● Pool tables upstairs. Update: Re-opened February 2007. ![]() Chinese Restaurant. Children's meals. Set lunch menu. Takeaway also available. Open: 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 23.00, 7 days. Tel: Jessica: (+351) 282 789 878. ![]() A large cafe and restaurant. Where: About 5 minutes drive, on the right side of the old road out of Luz (Rua Direita) toward Lagos. ![]() Hotel Lounge Bar. Has a large bright comfortable lounge bar opening onto a lovely swimming pool and landscaped gardens. ● Pool table ● several large screen TV's. Snacks only at the moment. Where: Ponta da Gaivota Lote nº 66 Tel: (+351) 282 771 110 Fax: (+351) 282 771 119 |
Click on the letter for the map location or the name for the details |
| Pub / Bar | Cafe | Restaurant | Takeaway | Resort Complex |
Click on any of the thumbnail photographs below to for a bigger image.
Click on any of the coloured, lettered markers for the establishment's location on the map above.
Tipping/Gratuities:
Generally 10 - 15%. Make sure you check whether a service charge has already been included in your bill as some restaurants have started to adopt this practice. You may wish to modify any 'tip' as a result.
Bear in mind like most beach holiday resorts, business is very much seasonal in Praia da Luz. Nearly all the restaurants and bars run their own timetables as to when they change opening and closing times. During the months of November through to March some places may close completely or have drastically reduced opening days and / or hours. Whilst I try to keep up to date with the changes they are not always in 'black and white' and will vary as the mood or number of customers dictate. If you do choose to eat out always have a back up choice to avoid disappointment. The good news there will always be at least one place open no more than a stones throw away.
Amici Ristorante Italiano
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Open : t.b.a. Where : Rua 25th Abril, half way up the hill with the St James complex on your right. On the ground floor of Block 5. Address : Urbanização St. James, Lt 5-V, Praia da Luz. 8600-128 LUZ LGS. Tel : (+351) 282 763 119 |
Arte Burguer
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![]() Closed : Mondays. Where : Just round the corner and up the hill from the bank in the main square ( 1 minute walk ) between the Estate Agents and the Delicia Pizza Restaurant. Address : Rua 1 de Maio, 2B. Web : www.arteburguer.com. 01/2008 Tel : (+351) 282 760 446. |
Aquario Restaurante
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Closed : Saturday lunchtime and Sunday night. Where : A small place just inside one of the entrances into the Edificio Luztur complex ( Commercial Centre ) which is on the right hand side just up from the Church square past the Nautilus bar. Rua 1. de Maio. Tel : (+351) 282 789 177. |
Almeida Cafeteria
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A couple of nice old prints of Luz on the wall. A place to take 'breather' if you can't make the hill in one go. Where : 250m Up the hill, on the right, just past the Lime Tree, but before the O'Celeiro supermarket. A corner location below an apartment block. 10/2007 Rua 25 de Abril. |
A Concha
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Where : On the promenade, Rua da Praia ( Beach Bar ) end. Address : Av. dos Pescadores, 6. Praia da Luz. 8600-175 LUZ LGS. Tel : (+351) 282 788 584 06/2007 More Details soon. |
Atlantico Restaurant
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See a Sample Menu here. Open : Tuesday - Sunday. 19.00 to 22.30.
Closed ( Winter ) : until 01/02/2008 Closed : Mondays. Where : The third of the row of the four restaurants below the church, between the Caveliero and Marujo restaurants. Opposite the Fortaleza. Ave dos pescadores. Tel : (+351) 282 788 799 10/2007 Web : Atlanticoluz.com |
Bombordo
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Was still open in November ( 2007 ) after the other two had closed for the Christmas period. Where : Just around the corner from the Habana and Lazuli cafes at the beginning of the Rua da Praia. 01/2008 Tel : (+351) 282 763 563 |
The Bull Pub
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Beers : Superbok, Stella Artois, Carling, Boddingtons, Tetley's, Guinness, Strongbow. Bar Open : 10.30 - 03.00 (seasonal). Breakfasts / Snacks from 10.00.until 16.00. Winter : 11.30 until 16.00. Restaurant Open : 18.30 - last orders 22.00 Where : Just off of the town square. The road between the Car Hire shop and the Ali Super market. Address : Rua da Calheta, 5. Praia da Luz. 8600-154 LUZ LGS. 01/2008 Tel : (+351) 282 788 823. |
Cafe Jasmin
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Formerly the Luz Praia ( 2006 ). Smoking allowed. Where : On the right coming from the square. Just before the Post Office. Address : Rua Dirieta, 29. Praia da Luz. 8600 LUZ LGS. Tel : (+351) 282 768 277. 01/2008 |
Calabaza Restaurant
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( Part of the Oceanica chain of restaurants and bars ). Where : In the Estrala da Luz resort complex. Up the hill from the square ( Rua 2 Abril ) turn right after the O'Celeiro supermarket. Address : Estrela da Luz, Rua Escola Primaria, Praia da Luz. 8600 LUZ LGS. Tel : (+351) 282 771 205. Tel : (+351) 282 771 200 |
Caravela Snack-Bar
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Not on the map. Where : Rua de 25 Abril, 14. Praia da Luz. 8600 LUZ LGS. Tel : (+351) 282 762 683 More details soon. |
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Open: 7 days a week from 10am. Where: Montinhos da Luz. Tel: (+351) 282 788 908 |
Carlos Bar
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Open : 19.00 until late ( seasonal ) Closed : Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Seasonal hours otherwise. 06/2007 Where : Located beneath the O'poco restaurant on the Promenade ( Ave. dos Pescadores ). |
Cavaleiro Da Luz
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Where : The second of the four restaurants in a row below the church, between the Chaplins and Atlantico restaurants, opposite the Fortaleza. Address : Avenida Pescadores Lote 4. Praia da Luz, 8600-130 LUZ LGS. 10/2007 Tel : (+351) 282 764 157 |
Cave Bar
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● Sky TV for all major sports. Superbok, Guinness, Tetley's on draught. Open : 19.00 until 'late'. Where : 100m. Up the hill, on the left hand side coming from the town square. Rua 2 Mai ( Rua Espiche ) Tel (Mobile) : (+351) 917 900 175 Tel (Mobile) : (+351) 919 760 709 10/2007 Update : Currently up for For Sale ( Enquires ) but still trading as usual 11/2007 |
Chaplins
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![]() See a Sample Menu here. Open : 18.00 - 02.00 ( 7 nights ). Food served: 18.00 - 22.00. Closed : December through February 2008. Where : This is the first of the four restaurants in a row just below the church and opposite the Fortaleza. Address : Avenida Pescadores 4, Praia da Luz.8600 LUZ LGS. 10/2007 |
Chicca
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Refurbished for 2007, Where: ( At the top of ) 3. Rua de Varzea where it joins the Rua Direita. 09/2006 |
Churrasqueira O Antonio
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Basic fare but nicely priced. Where : Located half-way up Rua da Praia, on the left coming up from the beach. More Details soon. |
Clives Sol Bar
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Open : 18.00 - 02.00. Closed : Mondays. Season : Closed: end of November through January ( 2007 / 8 ) Where : 100m from the town square. Just past the Royal Garden Chinese restaurant. Right next to the Lime Tree. Address : Rua 25 de Abril. 8600-174 LUZ LAGOS 10/2007 Tel : (+351) 282 789 617 |
City Sol (Chinese)
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Where : Opposite the Hotel Bela Vista ( Vila da Luz ). Open : 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 23.00, 7 days. 01/2008 |
Cozinha da Luz
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'Dine' in or Takeaway. Where: The first of the row of shops ( from the Rua 1 de Maio road end ) by Baptista Supermarket. Open: 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 00.00, 7 days. Tel: (+351) 282 789 920. |
The Dolphin Restaurant
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Open: Evenings only. Season: Closed: November through February ( 2007 / 8 ) Where: Just past Kellys coming from the town square. Address: Rua da Calheta, 14a, Praia da Luz. 8600-154 LUZ LGS. Tel: (+351) 282 789 992. - Bookings from 16.00 09/2006 Email: Wim & Zenrika Bosman |
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Good 'tourist' menu. Cataplana has been recommended.
Not sure if this still exists? Details ( hopefully ) soon. |
The Duke
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Lunch - 12.00 to 15.00 ( Saturday and Sunday only ). Bar and Restaurant - 18.00 to 22.00. ( Closed Mondays ). Open: 11.00 to 02.00 daily. 'Happy hour' 17.00 to 19.00 daily. Where: Up the hill from the beach front, on the right. Address: Rua da Praia, 19. Praia da Luz. 8600-156 LUZ LGS Tel: (+351) 282 789 888. |
Eclipse
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![]() Details soon. Where: Montes Da Luz, Lote 2. ( St James apartment complex. The bright pink buildings. ) Tel: (+351) 282 799 484 |
Fortaleza da Luz
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Live Jazz on the terrace most Fridays. Frequent Barbeques during the peak season, e.g. Jazz Barbeque lunch on Sundays. Lovely outside terrace and walled in garden. Some excellent fish dishes. Click here for a Sample Menu. ( Average meal price €25 ) Open: 7 days, Lunch: 12.00 to 15.00, Dinner: 13.30 to 24.00 Where: Opposite the church, just below the main square. 3 Rua da Igreja. Tel: (+351) 282 789 926. Fax: (+351) 282 789 993. |
Godots
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Where: 200m from the Church in the direction of Burgau on the left hand side ( Opposite the Lime Tree, and Luz Doc medical centre ). Rua 25 de Abril. Open: 19.00 'til late. Closed: Monday. Tel: (+351) 282 789 647. Web: Godots 10/2005 Update: 11/07 Currently closed and up for Sale. Details soon. |
Bar Habana
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![]() Tourist meals and snacks. Nice place to chill out and watch the world go by. Normally my breakfast haunt. Has a webcam if you want to make friends at home go green. Open: Normally 7 days a week, 09.00 - 02.00. Where: Side by side with the Lazuli. Comercial Via Sul, Loja 4 Email: interluz@mail.telepac.pt 01/2008 Note: In between this and the Lazuli cafe is a handy newsagents ( just inside the arcade ) where you can get the UK daily newspapers. |
Hugo Beatty Cafe
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( Part of the Oceanica chain of restaurants and bars ). Breakfasts served 09.00 - 12.00. From 12.00 snacks, salads, sandwiches and usually a daily special. Where: Up the hill from the square ( Rua 2 Abril ) turn right after passing the O'Celeiro supermarket.
Address: Estrela da Luz, Rua Escola Primaria, Praia da Luz. 8600 LUZ LGS Tel: (+351) 282 771 200 |
Irish Legend Bar
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Open : Open every day. Where : Located on the ground floor of the Commercial Centre ( Centro Commercial Edificio LuzTur ), behind the cinema close to Soozies. Tel (mobile) : (+351) 913 735 764. More details soon |
Kellys Bar
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Where: Just off of the main town square past the Bull pub and before the Dolphin Restaurant. 10/2007 Address: Rua da Calheta. |
The Lime Tree
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Where: Up the hill from the square on the right, just after the Chinese Restaurant. Address: Rua 25 de Abril. 10/2005 Tel: (+351) 282 789 475. |
Lazuli
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![]() Open: Normally 7 days a week 09.00 - 02.00. Where: Side by side with the Habana cafe. In fact hard to separate them, even the menus. Tel: (+351) 282 761 870 01/2008 Tel: (+351) 282 789 816. |
Luz Tavern
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Credit cards (Chip & Pin) accepted. Beers: Superbock, San Miquel, Guinness, Boddingtons, John Smith, Strongbow. Open: March to November. New Years Eve. Where: In the main square. Next to the Bank and opposite the church. Address: Largo da Republica 2a. Praia da Luz. 8600-149 Luz Lagos Tel: (+351) 282 789 179 01/2008 Web: Luztavern.com |
Luz Bay Club
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![]() Usually features a Portuguese singer. ● Occasional Karaoke in the bar. Where: Rua do Jardim. More Details soon. |
Maharaja da Luz
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You can see the food being prepared ( which is sort of a good thing ). The takeaway service is good, food and portions the same as the restaurant. Also have a beer at the bar while you are waiting. Where: Located up the stairs on the first floor in the commercial centre block opposite the Baptista supermarket ( The Electrical goods shop is just below ). 09/2006 Address: Centro Commercial Edifício Luztur ( Commercial Centre ) P-8600-166 Praia da Luz. Tel: (+351) 282 789 579 |
Marujo
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Open: All day for the simple snack menu or full menu ( peak season ). Where: Fourth (nearest the sea) of the restaurants just below the church. Address: Avenida Pescadores Lote 3-r/c-D, Praia da Luz. 8600-130 LUZ LGS. 09/2006 Bookings: Diogo / Mena. Tel: (+351) 282 789 667. Fax: (+351) 282 788 907. |
Mirage
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Closed ( 2007/2008 ) : November until mid February. Where: Lt1 Ramalhete. Coming in on the old Lagos road, to the right as the Rua Direita becomes one-way. Tel: Mario / Mark (+351) 282 762 054. Tel: (+351) 282 788 041 |
Bar Nautilus
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Seems to be a popular haunt for ex-pats. Carlsberg is the draft lager here. Update: With the newly constructed wider pavements and the introduction of the one-way road outside for 2007, it is actually now quite pleasant to sit outside. Where: Just up the hill from the main square / bank ( 1 minute walk ) 06/2007 next to Pizza Delicia. Rua Primeiro do Mai (signed as Rua 1 de Maio at the foot of the hill) |
OndaLuz Restaurante
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Evenings only for full meals. Where: At the junction where the Rua da Varzea meets the Rua Direita. Rua Direita, 4a. Tel: (+351) 282 767 350 More details soon. |
Panini Pizza & Pasta
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Open: 18.00 onward. Where: Opposite side of the road to the Post Office. On the Rua Direita. Tel: (+351) 282 789 101. More details soon |
Paraiso Restaurante
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