Lagos, Portugal: We Came for the Mussels

Following Shawn to lunch always ends well!

Today we hopped in a Bolt (Europe’s answer to Uber) for the 30-minute ride to the next beach town over, Lagos.

Lagos is famous for its gorgeous beaches, but we had other plans. After all, we already have an incredible beach right out our front door in Portimão.

Today's mission was far more important: another seafood lunch. But before diving into our next epic meal, we took some time to get our bearings in the walled city, happily wandering through Lagos' maze of cobblestone streets, colorful tiled buildings, and lively plazas filled with musicians and people enjoying the afternoon.

Fortunately, Shawn had already done the important research. So after a leisurely stroll, we made our way to O Mexilhão, which translates to The Mussel.

And oh my goodness, we were in for a treat!

We grabbed a table on the terrace, and just as we were getting settled in, the manager came to apologize that the wine I’d ordered was unavailable. But instead of simply suggesting another bottle, he hurried back carrying three different wines and tasting glasses so I could sample each one before deciding. The restaurant service has been just outstanding everywhere we’ve been.

There is really only one thing you have to order here, and the restaurant’s name is a pretty good clue. The mussels come prepared several different ways, but we went with the classic: white wine, butter, garlic, and coriander.

I don’t have enough adjectives to describe how ridiculously good they were.

We also shared a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette that tasted like it had been picked moments earlier, along with pan-seared prawns that were good ...but honestly, never stood a chance against the mussels. And then there were the fries: golden, crispy perfection, served with mayonnaise because, of course, we’re in Europe.

By the time we finished, we were happily stuffed and wondering if it would be socially acceptable to order a second pot of mussels “for the drive home.”

Instead, we headed to the river promenade to meet our Bolt back to Portimão, soaking up the sunshine, watching the boats drift by, and agreeing that sometimes the best travel days don’t involve checking off famous landmarks.

Sometimes they’re simply about finding an unforgettable meal in a beautiful little town. And if that meal happens to involve butter, garlic, wine, and a mountain of mussels...well, even better.

Saúde!