O Camilo — Restaurant in Lagos

We went for lunch at Camilo’s after a (bad) day at the beach downstairs (avoid it at all costs, there are plenty of better ones around).

We were positively surprised. Below the food, service and price bits:

1. Food: we ordered 4 oysters as a starter, then a seabream and some fried calamari. One word: outstanding (even if the seabream was a farmed one). Never had fresher oysters in Portugal (not even in fishmongers’ restaurants in Lisbon or Porto), which are definitely recommended. Calamari were accompanied by a nice mayo and a choice of either fries or vegetables plus baked potatoes (both valid options).

2. Service: average, meaning that waiters were kind and professional, although a bit too slow for the pretty high turnaround they get at the venue (we could see a big line building up in the background). However this is more of a general feature of seaside places, where people (for good reason I would say) tend to take it easy and slow.

3. Price: considering that the restaurant presents itself as a decent one (nice Churchil plates, good cutlery, modern style) and the food is very good, I would have expected a total in excess of 60-70€ for 2 people (no wine, but I had a coke on top of a bottle of water). Instead the overall bill came at a surprising 45€, i.e. slightly below 25€/person.

Summarising: exceptional value for money, very good food and location, good service. Definitely a recommended place for lunch (go around 1pm before lines start building up), I don’t know if they keep the same standards at dinner time. Probably the best restaurant (all things considered, including price) we have been in Portugal so far (including the high end ones in...

Disappointing experience despite the beautiful location

We were looking forward to our meal at Restaurante O Camilo given its reputation and stunning location, but unfortunately, the experience left us quite disappointed.

When we arrived, we were met with an unwelcoming attitude from the hostess. She was visibly upset that we didn’t have a reservation — not just with us, but also with several other tourists ahead of us. As travelers, plans often change based on location, time of day, and menu prices — a little understanding and hospitality would go a long way in a tourist town.

Service was also underwhelming. It took 1.5 hours to get our food. We were told at one point that my partner’s fish was burnt and being redone — no apology, just a delay. My dish (octopus) was swimming in oil and quite greasy, and the clams were unfortunately bland.

We were also told a second glass of wine would be offered as compensation while we waited, but it was later added to our bill. When we pointed this out, instead of correcting the charge, the waiter brought us a small glass of sweet wine — something many restaurants in Portugal offer by default as a gesture at the end of a meal.

The view is lovely, yes — but for the price and the experience, we left feeling disappointed and not valued as customers. Sadly, we...

A tale of two halves. Excellent fish soup, nice couvert with home made infused butters, good wine selection, nice fresh fish display. Clearly a more seafood-oriented restaurant, so before ordering a steak, I asked the waiter if it was a good cut, which he said it was. Two of us ordered it. Unfortunately it was not. Chewy and not very well cooked. The sole the other two in my party was excellent. At the end of the meal, I mentioned to the British waitress, who wasn’t the friendliest, that the steak wasn’t great. She scoffed, “Well, this restaurant is known for its fish.” Completely dismissive, rude and effectively insulting. We were left with a bitter taste in our mouths, in what would have otherwise been a very enjoyable evening. When we mentioned her reaction to another waiter, he apologised and suggested we “forget her”, clearly telling us she is often rude. I later clearly saw her talking about our table, scolding us. We have lived in Lagos for 28 years and eat out in the various beach (fish) restaurants, most of which also serve a great steak. I will definitely give it another go, but will have the fish, and will refuse to be served by this woman who ruined...