Overview

Nestled in the heart of Lagos at R. Miguel Torga, Cafetaria Aqui Ha Gato offers an authentic Portuguese café experience that effortlessly blends tradition with genuine warmth. This humble spot stands out primarily for its exceptional menu highlights, notably the beloved bifana sandwiches and the richly flavored arroz de pato. The bifanas—grilled pork sandwiches often enhanced with cheese and egg—are a must-try, celebrated by locals and visitors alike for their tender meat and satisfying portions.

The café also shines with its variety of snacks and light meals like the Sangria Club Sandwich with roasted chicken and prawns, fried shrimp, and classic Portuguese pastries such as pastel de nata and galão. The generous servings and well-balanced seasoning speak to a kitchen deeply rooted in Portuguese culinary traditions.

Visitors will find the atmosphere here refreshingly unpretentious. The interior may be simple and smoky, conveying a rustic charm that aligns perfectly with the traditional fare. Service is notably warm and personal, often making guests feel like part of the local community. The owner’s friendliness and readiness to assist—whether offering food recommendations or just sharing a smile—enhance the dining experience significantly.

Cafetaria Aqui Ha Gato caters especially to those seeking an authentic taste of Portugal away from tourist crowds, favoring locals and travelers who appreciate straightforward, hearty meals. It is a cash-only establishment, which adds to its unvarnished character and old-world charm. The quiet neighborhood location invites guests to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of well-crafted food in good company.

Whether stopping by for a quick bifana, savoring the duck rice, or indulging in a café treat on the terrace, this spot offers a memorable slice of Portuguese café culture that is both accessible and genuinely satisfying. For anyone exploring Lagos, Cafetaria Aqui Ha Gato is a culinary gem worth discovering.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy

What Customers Say

Y. Lam
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We love the bifana here! We had the one with cheese and egg in it and it was the best we had in Lagos. Portion was big and the price was very reasonable.
TCM
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Very cool traditional pastelaraia, by the side of the road. Drove here especially for Bifana and Pregu sandwiches and was not disapointed at all. Warm buns and tasty tender meat. Took the especial versions (cheese and fried egg inside the sandwich besides beef and pork fried meat). The regular sandwich was just 2.8 eurs, the special one 4.5 (pork) and 5.5 (beef). Also tried th pasteis da nata available at the counter. Beware inside is quite smoky and looks shabby. That's the way it should be :-). Also really important: Cash only place!!! Overall a good spot to try Bifana or Pregu and enjoy a coffee.
Veronika Zázvorková
Dec 11,2025
5/5
The place is in a quiet neighbourhood, so you can feel as any of the locals. I had very nice meals here - portuguese "bifana" sandwich and also "arroz do pato" (duck rice). Very generous portions of very tasty and well seasoned food. And the bonus - extremely nice and welcoming service by Iliana. She made my dish even better with her attitude and smiling face. Thank you for that! In addition, they provide meals also for take away if you need so. Recommend!
Seb Ramdhanie
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Had the best time here with some delicious food. Happily surprised to say it was one of my favourite meal experiences in Lagos, and maybe Portugal. The owner is a legend, offering recommendations and making the experience easy. One thing to mention is it was cash only (the places with the best food always are), and just when I was about to run to an ATM the owner offered to let me borrow his moped instead. If I lived in Lagos I’d be here every day.
Dennis Feykes
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Authentic Portuguese café with reasonable prices. We absolutely enjoyed both service and food on their terrace.
Audrey C
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We had such an amazing time at Aqui Há Gato! Service was phenomenal, the lady was so nice to us. The food was beyond our expectations. I got to taste the garlic shrimps served with salad and fries. We loved everything!
Kelly Cho
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We always enjoy going to this neighborhood cafe restaurant. They offer delicious food with reasonable price. This time we had fried prawns and tuna salad which were delicious but I also like their pork sandwich and duck rice. The local honey they sell at the counter is really good too.
mcft1997
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I’ve come multiple times during my stay in Lagos, for breakfast and dinner. This is by far the best value for money experience in Lagos. Breakfast - their pastel de nata is good, so is their coffee. Toasties are also a great shout. Do expect to pay with cash though as it’s below €5 altogether Dinner - this is a place with the full package. Firstly, their bifanas definitely hit the spot, but their garlic prawns are an absolute standout! Their garlicky sauce for the prawns is incredible, you can mop it up with anything (salad, fries, bread) On top of that, the staff are super friendly and happy to recommend anything. The atmosphere’s also really great especially when the football’s on, good mix of locals and others (particularly when a Portuguese or English side is playing). You do get the impression that this is a neighborhood hangout spot, with plenty of regulars both Portuguese and English speaking. In conclusions this place is a solid 5 all round Average spend: -breakfast: below €5 -dinner: €10-15 including a beer

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday 07:30 AM - 10:00 PM
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