Lagos Food Tour Taste of Portugal Stories and Local Life

We thought we knew Lagos....

Apologies, it is a long one, but...We had a fabulous food tour with Oana, founder of The Table yesterday. This is a brand new company having launched just two weeks ago and we really can't recommend it highly enough. Oana was so friendly, warm, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the food and history of the Algarve and Lagos. We've been coming to Lagos for years, but she introduced us to places, foods and dishes we would never have known about, nor ordered ourselves. We started at the market where the freshest of fish is available, especially early in the morning, but who knew the heaven that is upstairs. It is jam packed with local producers selling everything from honey, marmalade, figs, almonds, piri piri sauces, ceramic graters, to fruits, vegetables and so much more. We tasted lots and everyone was so friendly. The orange blossom honey was amazing, but the honey with thyme is coming home with me. The orange marmalade was something else too!! Be sure to bring a bag. Whilst the tour is all about food & it's history, I'd be amazed if you didnt want to buy some of what you discover along the way. Then we went to a tiny place we never would've thought to stop, for fresh oysters, lovely olives, salted padrons and gorgeous jamon. All washed down with a lovely natural white wine for me and a beer for my husband, and water of course. The restaurant stop next was great, again a place we had never been. There was tuna with peppers, pork in Madeira sauce, shredded fish and potato combined with egg (I know doesn't sound great, but is delish) and roasted chorizo with honey. I'm not remotely a chorizo person, I avoid it like the plague cos it's so fatty. It was my dish of the day, my husband's too. I will be recreating this at home!! The final stop was a total surprise. We had been in the place last year booking a boat trip with the lovely elderly gentleman there. We didn't even notice the sweet shop on the other side. João has been there for 56yrs, making and selling fresh sweets and desserts from 6.30/7.00am until midnight. Every day. Amongst other things, figs, almonds, cacao, egg yolks and sugar are transformed into an array of gorgeous tempting and really tasty sweets and desserts - and the espresso is pretty damn good too. What made this tour with The Table special is that it wasn't just about eating. Oana tells you about the food and it's history while taking you to places you probably wouldn't find on your own. We did the daytime tour, but when we're back in Lagos we will be seeking Oana out again for the evening tour. And perhaps one of those picnic bags or food experiences too. It was a truly brilliant afternoon. Thankyou.

via Tripadvisor

The perfect way to experience Lagos!

Such an amazing experience! ❤️ The food was absolutely delicious, but what made the whole experience truly special was the host. She is extraordinary — so warm, fun and passionate about Lagos, its food and its stories. You immediately feel comfortable with her, almost like you’re discovering the city with a local friend. Everything felt authentic and relaxed, and we got to try some incredible Portuguese and Algarve flavours along the way. Definitely one of the best ways to experience Lagos. Come hungry! 😍 I would 100% recommend it!

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I arrived as a tourist and left feeling like a local

I had a lovely time on this food tour. I arrived solo in Lagos and was met with a huge selection of restaurants and cafes, with queues everywhere to get a table. As a foodie, I knew I wanted to find the best spots and not fall into a tourist trap, so I booked a tour — and it was such an amazing choice. Over the course of an evening, I went to 4 different restaurants, tasting local ingredients, traditional Portuguese recipes, contemporary cuisine and old-school sweets. As we walked around town, Oana pointed out other restaurants and cafes that we should try out, and I must say her tour was so well done that I took her recommendations. Over the following week, I ate my way through Lagos and was never disappointed. Every place I went, I’d say, “Oana told me to come here and try your fried octopus!” or “Oana told me to come try your Turkish eggs!” and every time I was warmly met with a smile. Highly recommended!

Response from the operator: Hi! We are delighted that you had such a wonderful experience at The Table - not only during our beloved food tour, but also due to Oana´s recommendations for the best spots to eat in town. Fantastic!

via Tripadvisor