O Joao

We loved our traditional Portuguese dishes (especially that seafood soup!) and the guys who work here. Very family friendly. There’s a reason why they’ve been around since 1978.

Would have gotten a 2 star for food quality but the board lied and said "best payella in town" Everything was over cooked and the calamari didn't even taste like calamari. The garden salad was like some lettuce and 4 sliced of tomato. Way over priced for the quality of food. Don't even try this place

A very small and old restaurant with authentic Portuguese dishes. The fried Bacalau (cod fish); Paella with lamb, chicken, clams, mussels, prawns and fish; as well the disk platter are all very delicious. Just be aware that the bread, fish smear and olives served while you wait is not free andwill cost you an extra 7,50 Euro

The badest culinaric experience we ever had in Portugal. The boss of the restaurant was very impolite and seemed to not like tourists. We had a tuna, dorade and fish plate. They were all with loveless vegetables and the tuna was roasted dust-dry. They ruined these lovely and easy incredients. Sad kitchen but still alive because of its central location.

Great food, Portuguese mood (just go with it). The staff seems to be in an eternal bad mood but I actually think it is funny rather than rude. Such a Portuguese cliche! We really enjoyed the food and I can't understand people saying the owner 'lied' about it. HE IS THE OWNER, of course he will tell you the food is great. And it actually is. Homecooked food, Portuguese for real!

Loved this place. While it doesn’t look appealing, surrounded by fancy places on all sides, it is as local as you can get in Lagos. We were amazed by the prices and the quantity of food. The paella was loaded with mussels, prawns and chicken. Even the sangria was really good. The owner was super nice and came to speak to us. Definitely recommended!

I know this place for 30 years. Everytime, when i am in lagos i have to go there and have to eat porcs and claims. I have best memories to this place. Its tiny and very romantic. I hope that O Joao e sua mulhere are doing well in these times. I think very often at this little restaurant.

I can't understand the negative reviews. Maybe these people are used to the artificial kind of modern restaurants that serve untypical and non-regional food. This was by far one of the best paella I ever had (and I lived in South Spain for a while). Definitely it was the best in term of "quantity". Never have I seen a paella so loaded with shrimp, mussels, chicken, etc. Definitely not a tourist trap that serves 3/4 rice with a little bit of sea food. The quality was also really good! Service was also top level. We had a really nice conversation with the boss and even got tips for further evening activities. Definitely not rude! On the opposite it was quite lovely! These are real people with whom you can actually have a conversation. Unlike some tourist traps that only say hello and bye. If you're interest in real local food, you HAVE to give this a try.