
Restaurante Prato Cheio -
A charming, family-run spot serving authentic Portuguese cuisine with generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Restaurante Prato Cheio -

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-run spot serving authentic Portuguese cuisine with generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
"The best Portuguese food we had on our trip!"
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular.
Ask for Recommendations
Waitstaff have great insights into daily specials and can help you choose the best dishes.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Portuguese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+351 282 037 469
Address
R. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro 23A, 8600-571 Lagos, Portugal
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Cataplana
Experience a beloved Portuguese seafood stew with generous portions of fish, prawns, and clams.

Generous "Full Plate" Portions
The name 'Prato Cheio' means 'full plate,' and diners rave about the ample servings of delicious food.

Homemade Desserts
Indulge in delightful homemade desserts that are the perfect sweet ending to your Portuguese feast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular.
Ask for Recommendations
Waitstaff have great insights into daily specials and can help you choose the best dishes.
Embrace Generous Portions
'Prato Cheio' means 'full plate.' Expect hearty servings that are great value for money.
Dietary Needs Welcome
This family-friendly spot accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular.
Ask for Recommendations
Waitstaff have great insights into daily specials and can help you choose the best dishes.
Embrace Generous Portions
'Prato Cheio' means 'full plate.' Expect hearty servings that are great value for money.
Dietary Needs Welcome
This family-friendly spot accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Restaurante Prato Cheio for its authentic Portuguese cuisine, generous portions, and friendly, family-like atmosphere. Many highlight the delicious seafood, especially the cataplana, and the value for money. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention occasional slow service during peak times and mixed experiences with meat dishes. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a favorite.
"Walked in with a recommendation from our apartment hosts and it blew our minds! Came on a Thurs at 7 and didn't have to wait for a table of three. All the dishes were so flavorful and a huge portion.
Our favorites were the fresh fish cataplana and the stuffed squid. The cataplana has more than just fish in it but the fish comes in big chunks and does have some bones so you have to be careful. The flavor of the broth was amazing though! Definitely could share between two or three people. The stuffed squid had like a sausage rice in it that was very tasty. It came with rice and fries which we were not expecting."
Jennifer Chu
"The food is quite good I would say. I don’t eat fish or meat and they still had something for me, which was even vegan I think. I had the seitan with vegetables which was really great! My partner, who had a fish dish, even said he preferred my meal. I only give 4 stars as my partner was not 100% happy with his fish, but this totally could have been a him problem as he usually doesn’t eat much fish.
I think it’s a great place for people with different dietary preferences."
Cosima Mierlo
"This restaurant is wonderful. Lots of locals eat here. While we were there a table of 19 and another of 13 local family members came in to eat, so we know we were in the right place for great meals.
We had the caprese and house salad too start. Followed by the signature Portuguese Cataplana. Absolutely wonderful, very flavorful and cooked to perfection. We had coffee and homemade Tiramisu for dessert.
The staff were friendly and helpful with the ordering. Over all a great evening and a sensational meal. We sat outside at the back of the restaurant, lovely setting. Gluten Free options available. Located just outside Old Town, but well worth the walk. I can highly recommend this restaurant. Obrigado Prato Cheio."
Captain Techie A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for dinner and on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular.
The Cataplana, particularly the seafood version, is a standout. Many diners also rave about the grilled fish and Portuguese specialties.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian and even vegan options, with some dishes being vegan by nature.
'Prato Cheio' translates to 'full plate,' indicating that you can expect generous and hearty servings.
While the menu might be in Portuguese, the staff are very helpful and can translate it perfectly for English speakers.
Diners describe the atmosphere as warm, welcoming, and having a 'family and friends' vibe.
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Featured in these publications
Where To Eat In Lagos Portugal? Go Where The Locals Go!
If you’re looking for a truly local experience adored by locals and expats alike, head to Prato Cheio, just outside the old town walls, for great local dishes without outrageous prices. The staff are wonderful, there’s a range of decent wines to choose from and the food is consistently amazing. I recommend you make a booking, particularly on the weekend, as this is one of the busiest restaurants in town
A Foodie’s Guide to Lagos, Portugal
Ask the internet where to find the best cataplana in Lagos, and all entries point in one direction: Casinha do Petisco. Which would’ve been a great suggestion had there not been a sign in their window for the entire period we were in Lagos saying they’re closed for holidays. With no idea when they were likely to reopen, we resorted to the next best thing: Restaurante Prato Cheio.
Lunch – Azulejos de Lagos
Prato Cheio, which means full plate, is a classical, family-run restaurant in Lagos. They are specialized in Portuguese dishes like different Cataplanas, Piccanha, or fishes, they got on the market.
Social
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