A well-regarded Lagos restaurant popular with the backpacker and young traveller crowd for its creative international menu, generous portions and very fair prices. The burgers and the pasta dishes with fresh seafood are particular favourites.
Cacto is a well-regarded restaurant in Lagos popular with the backpacker and young traveller crowd, offering a creative international menu of generous portions at very fair prices. The seafood linguine and gourmet burger are the two dishes most frequently ordered, reflecting the restaurant's broad, crowd-pleasing menu that bridges Portuguese seafood with more globally familiar comfort food. The dining room is casual and unpretentious, with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and moderate noise typical of a restaurant catering to travellers staying in nearby hostels, and there is no dress code beyond beach-casual. There is no tasting menu; the format is à la carte, and portion sizes are generous enough that lighter eaters may find dishes fill them easily. A short, affordable wine and beer list rounds out the menu without aiming for a curated programme. Reservations are not typically necessary, and the restaurant generally accommodates walk-ins even during busy summer evenings.
Signature dishes
- Seafood Linguine — €14
- Gourmet Burger — €12
Good to know
- Known for
- International fusion at budget-friendly prices
- Hours
- 12PM–3PM, 7PM–11PM Mon–Sat
Location
Rua 25 de Abril 14B, 8600 Lagos, Algarve
37.1015, -8.6729 View on map
Highlights
- Popular with backpackers and young travellers in Lagos
- Signature seafood linguine and gourmet burger
- Generous portions at budget-friendly prices
- Casual, sociable atmosphere with no dress code
- Broad international fusion menu
Tips for visiting
- The seafood linguine offers good value for a generous seafood portion
- No reservation typically needed — it operates mostly on a walk-in basis
- Good option for a casual dinner near Lagos's hostel district
- Portions are large, so consider sharing a starter before a main
- Evening visits tend to have a lively, sociable traveller crowd
When to visit
Evenings bring the liveliest atmosphere with the traveller crowd from nearby hostels.
Accessibility
The restaurant is at street level with straightforward access, suitable for most mobility needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cacto suitable for budget travellers?
Yes, it is known for generous portions at very fair prices, popular with the backpacker crowd in Lagos.
Does it serve vegetarian options?
The international menu includes some vegetarian-friendly dishes alongside its seafood and burger specialities.
Is booking ahead necessary?
No, walk-ins are generally accommodated even during busy summer evenings.