What are the Best Quinta Do Lago Beach Restaurants?
Quinta do Lago is a golf resort with a difference, combining first-class golfing experiences with beautiful long sandy beaches and fantastic restaurants for fine dining – there really is something for everyone.
There are some wonderful restaurants in the area, offering food from around the world suitable for everyone’s dietary requirements. We have compiled a list of what we feel are the best Quinta Do Lago beach restaurants.
The best Quinta Do Lago beach restaurants:
In the luxury resort of Quinta do Lago, you’ll find plenty of astonishing beach bars and restaurants that all serve wonderful food. There are some establishments that have been here since Quinta do Lago first opened, and some newer places as well. We’ll be unpicking the menus and providing you with everything you need to know about Casa Velha, Bovino Steakhouse, Casa do Lago, Q Beach, and Gigi’s.
Casa Velha
Casa Velha is the beating heart of Quinta do Lago’s dining story. It’s a restaurant steeped in history and charm. Once a 300-year-old farmhouse, it’s said that André Jordan sketched out the vision for the resort from its terrace, making Casa Velha not just the first restaurant but also the symbolic birthplace of Quinta do Lago. Rebuilt in 1972 and lovingly restored since, it remains an elegant place full of rustic authenticity, and of course, incredible gastronomy.
Perched on a hill with sweeping views across the resort, golf courses, and lake, Casa Velha offers a tranquil setting. You’ve got its citrus-perfumed garden patio in summer, and its firelit dining room in winter. Heritage is ingrained throughout, with Portuguese azulejos and artisan-crafted tableware.
Casa Velha delivers a perfect Portuguese menu, designed for sharing and rooted in local produce from the resort’s own Q Farm. You could start with Oysters from Tavira topped with citrus seaweed caviar, or the rich Alentejo Chicken Pastry, before moving on to mains that showcase land and sea.
Octopus à Lagareiro with sweet potato, the robust Duck Rice, or the signature Portuguese Steak “Casa Velha” with beef filet medallions, Q Farm pickles, and black pork sausage. And there’s plenty for vegetarians and vegans too, with dishes like spiced vegan “no-meatballs.”.
If we take a look at the dessert menu, it’s clear Casa Velha are building on tradition, with Arroz Doce reimagined with lemon foam, for example. There’s also plenty of wines to choose from, as well as creative cocktails, such as the Algarve Gimlet.
Opening times:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 18:00-23:00 with kitchen closing at 22:00.
Bovino Steakhouse
Bovino Steakhouse is Quinta do Lago’s answer to the classic steakhouse, overlooking the resort’s golf courses and tranquil lake. It’s a fantastic place to come in the day, even with children, thanks to its dedicated kids’ menu. In the evenings, the rooftop terrace and “Les Parfums de Champagne” cocktail menu transform it into a glamorous place for socialising.
At the heart of the menu lies the wood-fired grill, where premium international cuts are cooked to what you determine as ‘perfection’. Options include Filet Argentina and Ribeye Uruguay, as well as the indulgent Châteaubriand for two. Why not choose a delicious sauce to drizzle over your steak? Bovino offers sauces such as béarnaise and chimichurri to complement your dish. You can also create a “surf & turf” by adding grilled tiger prawns.
Starters like Beef Tartare or Oysters from Ria Formosa are a great way to begin, with mains that also expand beyond steak with dishes such as St. Louis-style baby Back Ribs, the indulgent “Holy Cheeseburger,” or seared scallops and prawns.
With the sides, they serve up the likes of triple-cooked chips, mac ’n’ cheese, and creamy spinach. We can’t forget about the dessert menu either, as this is certainly no afterthought! This includes Banoffee Alaska, Apple Crumble, and Key Lime Pie — rounding off the menu.
Opening times:
- 18:00-23:30 / Kitchen closes at 22:00.
Casa do Lago
Casa do Lago is one of Quinta do Lago’s most iconic dining destinations, set against the serene backdrop of a glittering lake with sweeping views over the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic beyond. With its chic nautical décor, whitewashed interiors, and relaxed yet refined ambience, this restaurant captures the essence of coastal living in the Algarve. By day, it is a breezy and laid-back escape where you can gather and soak up the sunshine. By night, it transforms into a romantic haven with a golden glow.
The menu at Casa do Lago is a showcase of Portugal’s rich coasts, executed by world-class chefs with an emphasis on freshness and simplicity. Diners can begin with Atlantic smoked salmon or tuna crudo before diving into highlights such as grilled fillets of sea bass or sea bream, a hearty “caldeirada de peixe” fish stew, or the house favourite, fish and seafood rice brimming with prawns, and fragrant coriander.
You can also order fresh fish by kg, from lobster to turbot and sole. It’s priced by weight and cooked to perfection with sauces like garlic and chilli butter or lemon velouté.
A thoughtful wine list and the new Spritzer Bar, featuring botanicals from the resort’s Q Farm, complement the cuisine beautifully. With desserts ranging from chocolate and matcha sponge to exotic pavlova and rhubarb panna cotta, there’s plenty to choose from.
Opening times:
- 12:00 to 23:00
- Kitchen is open from 12:00 to 16:00 & 18:00 to 22:00
Q Beach
Q Beach is a more laid-back dining spot, perfect for keeping beachgoers refreshed and refuelled without ever leaving the sand! It’s perched directly on the sand of Quinta do Lago beach, within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and provides exceptional views of the ocean.
You can get here by crossing the resort’s iconic wooden bridge and heading towards the beach. It’s a different dining experience from the likes of Casa Velha or Bovino, as while Q Beach still serves up incredible dishes, it’s mainly about casual dining and convenience for those spending the day on the golden sand.
The menu is light and tailored to a day in the sun. You can grab a wrap, like the Spicy Chicken Caesar or Hummus & Rainbow Slaw, or even a baguette classic such as BLT or Ham & Cheese. Alternatively, they also serve a Greek Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad, and fresh Fruit Salad Pots, with sweet snacks like the classic Portuguese Pastel de Nata, and Ice Cream too.
For drinks, you’ve got the choice of coffees and fresh juices to beachside cocktails, including Mojitos, Piña Coladas, and Aperol Spritz. If you’re looking for something slightly more special, then you can also order from the Gigi’s Bar wine list, with Laurent Perrier or Louis Roederer Cristal champagne on offer.
Opening times:
- 09:30 to 19:00
- Beach concession: 09:30 to 18:00
Gigi’s Bar
Gigi’s Bar is a beachside institution and one of the most popular Quinta do Lago beach restaurants that has been drawing in loyal customers for over 20 years. Located on the sand dunes of Quinta do Lago beach, and like Q Beach, accessible only via the resort’s wooden bridge across the Ria Formosa lagoon, Gigi’s feels brilliantly secluded and exclusive. Its terrace overlooks the ocean and natural park, creating an ideal setting for those long sun-drenched afternoons or sunsets. Throughout the day, Gigi’s often treats guests to live DJ sets accompanied by exquisite cocktails.
For food and drink, the menu features XL toasties, such as the Chicken Aioli with rocket and garlic mayo, or fresh salads, including the Tuna Salad with Ibérica lettuce and heirloom tomatoes. If you’re with friends or family, you might want to try one of the Portuguese cheese and charcuterie boards. You’ll also find a range of seafood dishes and vegan options.
Drinks, however, are the star of the show. Alongside fine wines and champagnes like Laurent-Perrier, the cocktail menu is renowned for its creativity, featuring signature concoctions like the “Oystercatcher” and “Sea Urchin,” as well as alcohol-free options such as the “Ladybug”.
Opening times:
- 11:00 to 20:00
Visit Today
If you’re heading to the resort, or perhaps already there, then we certainly recommend these stunning Quinta do Lago beach restaurants! The area offers some of the best in southern Portugal. With so many choices, there is no better place to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday with beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery.
Need somewhere to stay during your visit? We have a vast range of luxury villas in Quinta do Lago and the surrounding areas, too. Browse our properties today, or get in touch to see how we can assist you with your travels.
