Built for the famous actor Omar Sharif back in the 1970´s LagOmar – or Omars Lake – is now one of Lanzarote´s leading restaurants. And a must see for aficionados of the work of island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.
How To Get There
LagOmar is located in a small village called Oasis de Nazaret – which is a fairly exclusive enclave of villas set into the side of a mountain, about halfway in-between Tahiche and Teguise. Which makes it a great stopping off point for tourists who are visiting Cesar Manrique´s former home or the island ancient capital.
Take the LZ-10 from Tahiche. After the right hand turn for Las Cabreras look out for a signpost on your left hand side that says “Museo”. Follow this signpost into the village of Nazaret and take the road right up to the top of the hill. Where you will find plenty of free parking available.
LagOmar :: History
Whilst LagOmar plays host to a number of different events and exhibitions – and could be described as a house museum – it is best known locally as a restaurant and bar. Albeit set in the luxurious surroundings of the former home of a Hollywood film star.
Back in the early 1970´s Omar Sharif was a big box office draw, riding high on the success of leading roles in films such as David Lean´s Dr Zhivago and the Barbara Streisand comedy vehicle Funny Girl. Leaving the Egyptian born actor free to indulge and buy up holiday homes around the world.
Thanks largely to the connections and influence of Cesar Manrique Lanzarote had become something of a magnet for the rich and famous in the early 1970´s. With big names such as Peter Sellers and Rita Hayworth attracted by the novelty factor of this new holiday island and Manrique´s incredible creations, such as the Jameos del Agua
Legend has it that Sharif was so blown away when he visited Cesar Manrique´s house – built into five volcanic bubbles in the lava flow in Tahiche – that he commissioned him on the spot to construct his own holiday hideaway.
But the actor didn’t in fact hold onto his dream home for very long. As when he was here filming on the island he managed to lose the property in a high stakes game of bridge. And was apparently so upset by the loss that he never returned to Lanzarote.
LagOmar :: The Restaurant
Either way, today visitors can still enjoy the results of Manrique´s work – and although the house itself is closed to the public the grounds are still stunning and extremely atmospheric. Featuring the usual signature touches such as hidden grottoes and caves, a pool and imaginative and exotic planting. All built into the remnants of what was once a quarry.
During the 1980´s two German architects, Dominik Boetinger and Beatriz Hoff, added to Manrique´s original creation – overseeing the construction of the current restaurant area.
The food at LagOmar looks pretty good too. As the kitchen, under the direction of chef Luis Jaime Rivera Garcia, attempts to match the visual impact of the surroundings. With a menu featuring well presented starters such as Ham and Cream Cannelloni, Peppers Stuffed With Squid, Oven Baked Potatoes with Anchovies and a delicious Leek Tart. And mains such as Cod In Salt, Steak With Foie Gras, Duck Magret With Caramelized Apple and Salmon En Papillotte.
By island standards the food at LagOmar isn’t cheap. With starters costing around €9 and main around €18. But once you allow for currency conversion this is still much cheaper than your average UK restaurant. And it´s hard to put a price on the quality of the setting. So the restaurant is well worth visiting for a bit of a treat, especially after dark when the gardens are illuminated – making the whole experience even more atmospheric.
But if you’re on a budget or simply just want to explore you can still have a wander around without having to buy a meal. There is a loose policy in place that all visitors should at least buy a coffee or a drink – but this isn’t always stringently enforced, especially when the restaurant is busy.
The Restaurant is open from 12.00 to 24.00 Tuesday to Saturday and from 12.00 to 18.00 on Sundays. There used to be live jazz there every Sunday afternoon too, but this event has long since bitten the dust. Thanks, apparently, to complaints from neighbours about noise and parking.
Reservations :: 0034 928 845665
Website :: LagOmar
Bar La Cueva
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10pm to 3am – visitors can also enjoy Bar La Cueva – The Cave Bar. Which as the name suggests is set into an old cave – on the other side of the pool, opposite the restaurant. Here, local DJ´s serve up an eclectic but ambient mix of tunes whilst guests enjoy a drink by the pool or in one of the many nooks and crannies.
Bar La Cueva has it’s own separate entrance – and can be reached by walking across a set of wooden stepping-stones. Which can be a lot of fun after a few drinks. In fact, if you’ve had one too many it’s well worth noting that you can also rent a guest cottage at LagOmar. With prices starting from €630 per week (around £450). Visit their website above for more information.
