Heartfelt hospitality

This intimate restaurant has become a local favourite, known for its flavourful plant-based dishes, beautiful presentation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Viktoria, the owner and chef of Estudio Vegetariano, is a passionate cook originally from Germany. She first came to the Algarve for holidays amid a time where she craved a location that offered a haven for surfing and yoga, and Lagos was the perfect choice. After falling in love with the welcoming community of the city, she decided to make it her home.

Viktoria’s true passion has always been cooking – it was her way to unwind and connect deeply with the present moment. However, Viktoria had never considered opening her own restaurant. After moving to the Algarve, she decided to work in a hotel kitchen. However, as much as she loved cooking and working in a professional kitchen, preparing meat dishes never felt quite right for her. Therefore, together with the unwavering support and encouragement from her friends and loved ones, Viktoria began considering having her own space. Shortly after, she stumbled across the perfect spot in Lagos for a restaurant. Altogether, what began as a dream and supportive conversations transformed into Estudio Vegetariano – a place where she could share her love for wholesome, plant-based meals.

Inviting

Estudio Vegetariano is a cosy and intimate restaurant, where simplicity meets warmth in the most inviting way. The decor is thoughtfully curated, with lush greenery and delicate flowers adding a vibrant, natural charm to the space. The photographs that decorate the walls, taken by a close friend of Viktoria, capture the essence of Portugal through a personal lens, bringing an added sense of authenticity and local connection to the restaurant’s atmosphere.

The menu at Estudio Vegetariano is a celebration of creativity and conscious cooking. Viktoria’s goal was simple – prove that plant-based alternatives can be just as delicious, if not more so, than the original dishes containing meat. Each item on the menu reflects this philosophy, crafted with care and built on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The result is a collection of dishes that feel both intentional and inspired, offering inventive flavour combinations that surprise and delight.

Intentional and inspired

For our starters, we ordered the two-colour hummus with homemade bread and the rosemary-flavoured baked potatoes with vegan aioli. The hummus was smooth, creamy and beautifully plated, offering a subtle layer of flavour – earthy, nutty, and well-seasoned. The bread was fresh and soft, perfect for scooping generous portions of the hummus. The baked potatoes, crisped to golden perfection and fluffy on the inside, were seasoned just right. Paired with the aioli, they were indulgent without feeling heavy. Both dishes were presented with edible flowers – an aesthetic and delicate touch that reflects the overall care put into the dining experience.

For our means, we opted for the shakshuka and the stuffed pepper, which was the weekly special. The shakshuka was vibrant and aromatic, with a just-right level of heat that warms the palate without overpowering it. It came with a vegan egg, a clever addition that complemented the smoky tofu and the basmati rice. The textures and spices came together in a satisfying and balanced dish that was extremely flavourful.

The stuffed pepper was equally memorable, offering a heartier profile. Filled with a savoury vegan bolognese, rice, and capers, the peppers came topped with fried rocket and a generous drizzle of mojo rojo. We added feta cheese to ours, but for a fully vegan option, the kitchen also offers a vegan cheese alternative. It was a rich, filling dish, one that felt both nourishing and indulgent.

Generous

Despite the generous portions, we ordered the mango raw cake and the chocolate mousse for dessert. The mango raw cake – a completely vegan, gluten and sugar-free dessert – was smooth and refreshing, with a bright, fruity flavour that was ideal after a savoury meal. The chocolate mousse, however, was my personal favourite. Light and airy, with a rich dark chocolate flavour, it had enough bitterness to keep it from being overly sweet, making each spoonful feel luxurious rather than overwhelming. Both desserts were beautifully presented with slices of fresh fruit, adding a final flourish to an already impressive meal.

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply someone who appreciates good food, Estudio Vegetariano is a must-visit in Lagos. The staff are friendly, attentive, and enthusiastic about the food, making the service another highlight of the experience. The blend of heartfelt hospitality and beautifully crafted meals makes Estudio Vegetariano a standout. Every dish reflects the care, dedication, and vision that went into building the restaurant. Nine years on, Viktoria continues to share her passion for plant-based cuisine with every guest who steps through the door.