In the gastronomic area, there are many exciting news for the coming months, including two new restaurant novelties in Faro, two Algarve restaurants receiving Michelin recommendations this year, a new wine route in the Algarve, and more!
A mandatory CHECKout
Renowned chef Leonel Pereira, who opened the CHECKin restaurant in Faro in 2020, has just launched a new restaurant, CHECKout by Leonel Pereira Wine Shop & Food Experience.
Located in the Old Town, connected to CHECKin inside, the new space provides a comprehensive Algarve experience.
In the morning, the shop showcases the best of local products and wines, while from lunchtime onwards the highlights are the petiscos (snacks).
In the evenings, the tasting menu varies according to the season and seats up to 12 people, always by reservation.
CHECKout Leonel Pereira
Algarve Wine Tourism shines
Algarve Wine Tourism, a new wine route of the region promoted by the Algarve Wine Commission, was awarded the prize for the best 2023 Wine Tourism at the Vinho Grande Escolhas Awards in March.
The ceremony is held every year to celebrate the top achievements in Portugal’s gastronomy and wine tourism industry. Some of the categories featured in this event are awards for top wines, experts, businesses, goods, dining establishments, wineries, and organisations involved in the production and sale of wine in Portugal. Through Algarve Wine Tourism, you can explore a unique and vibrant wine route across the region.
Welcome to Japan
Located in Faro, Sushi Pearl has been serving up a journey through Japan since 2012.
This year, following renovations, Pearl reopened as the Algarve’s first sushi bar.
The menu has been eliminated and there are only 10 seats, all at the counter and in front of the sushimen who prepare the fresh fish on the spot.
The whole experience starts as soon as you open the sliding wooden door and, among the new dishes, the highlights are the Chiba with Yuzo and the Japanese Pudding with Steamed Fish Broth and Gamba da Costa prawn.
New white from Morgado do Quintão
Morgado do Quintão has just launched its “Branco de Vinhas Velhas” 2022 with a label created by Spanish artist Eva Díez. Since its inception, Morgado do Quintão’s White Vinhas Velhas has utilised the talents of various modern artists for its label designs, solidifying its connection to the art world.
This year, it features a piece by the award-winning Galician photographer. Made with the ancient Crato Branco grape grown in the oldest vineyards on the property, this Algarve white encapsulates the heart and soul of the region. With a fruity and floral aroma, in the mouth it becomes round with noticeable creaminess and acidity and a long finish.
Morgado do Quintão – Branco de Vinhas Velhas 2022
New season, new chef
Vistas Monte Rei is kick-starting the new season with the arrival of a new chef. Having joined the Vistas team as sous-chef in July 2018, chef André Simão is taking the reins of the esteemed restaurant’s kitchen on April 16. With experience at the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in Praia da Rocha and Bon Bon in Carvoeiro, the young chef is ready to launch his signature tasting menu, “Do Mar à Serra” (€150 or €165), paying homage to the flavours of his native Algarve. To enhance the menu, sommelier Fernando Côrtes created two wine pairings: Pulsar da Terra (€70) and Pulsar do Mar (€95).
Vistas Monte Rei
João Clara Wines
A family project that began in the 1970s in Alcantarilha, the João Clara winery has since been devoted to highlighting local varieties such as Negra Mole.
©Hélio Ramos
At the Quinta, which spans over 14 hectares, different types of soils are used, from red clays to sands, which result in the production of highly refined wines, including their Alvarinho, Syrah and Negra Mole.
The producers are always happy to receive visitors and give guided tours that end with a wine tasting, inviting everyone to participate in the harvest, which takes place between late summer and early autumn.
Michelin recommends
Two renowned Algarve restaurants received Michelin’s “Recommended” badge this year.
The famous gastronomic bible rewarded Noélia and Numa for their dedication to quality ingredients and creative cuisine.
Noélia Restaurant, Noélia Jerónimo, Cabanas de Tavira
Renowned for its innovative take on traditional Algarvian cuisine, Noélia in Cabanas de Tavira is a gastronomic destination on the waterfront, named after the dedicated chef behind its flavourful creations.
Numa Restaurant, Nuno Martins, Portimão
At the opposite end of the region, Numa is a cosy, upscale, family-run restaurant in the centre of Portimão. A combination of the owners’ names – Nuno Martins (chef) and Manuela João (front of house) – Numa presents local ingredients with a contemporary vision in two tasting menus and à la carte dining.
Exceptional vintages
Quinta do Francês is launching its latest IANTHIS vintages, a limited edition brand exclusively released in exceptional years.
Chardonnay 2021
Following the launch of the IANTHIS Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah 2017, the IANTHIS Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is being released. Aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, this deep red has notes of ripe fruit, plum, vanilla and toast. The IANTHIS Chardonnay, released in 2018 and 2020, will also soon see its 2021 vintage launched. Aged for nine months in French oak barrels, the golden yellow wine is lightly floral on the palate and has notes of vanilla and orange zest.
ANTHIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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