Essential Algarve offers readers a special and practical guide of some of the best restaurants in the region.

The price guide for two people is the following (including wine):
€ is under €50
€€ is €50-€75
€€€ is €75 – €100
€€€€ is €100 – €150
€€€€€  over €150

Call ahead to confirm opening times.

 

SAGRES & LAGOS AREA

From the east end of the Algarve region, here is a list of great restaurants in the Algarve to experience a good meal with friends and family:

Avenida, Lagos Avenida Hotel / Lagos €€€ 

Located at Lagos Avenida Hotel, just steps from the beach and overlooking Lagos marina, this contemporary restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience.  

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, the menu features both tasting options (shorter at lunch and more elaborate at dinner) alongside à la carte dishes. Seafood takes centre stage, with plates such as grilled mackerel with oysters, mussels and salmon roe, complemented by premium meats including 12-week aged Ancho beef.  

Tel: 282 780 092

Näperõn, Odeceixe €€€€

Located in the heart of the quiet hilltop village of Odeceixe, this Michelin-recommended restaurant has a relaxed contemporary atmosphere overlooking the windmill and beyond. Näperõn can seat up to 32 people and the menu features four or seven ‘moments’ which change every month and according to season but fish dishes can include creations such as sarrajão (Atlantic bonito) with mushrooms and wild leek, or corvina (croaker) with cucumber and passion fruit.

Meat, which is included in the longer menu, can be featured in dishes such as pork shoulder with figs and watercress. The carefully selected wine list includes vintages from every Portuguese region, but mostly local labels.

Tel: 916 177 333

Vila Velha, Sagres €€

On the road to the pousada in the centre of Sagres, Vila Velha is well worth a visit. The menu mixes traditional Portuguese favourites with imaginative international dishes. There are always several tasty vegetarian options on offer. Desserts are homemade and delicious. Cosy, friendly atmosphere. Available for private lunches.

Tel: 282 624 788 / 917 128 402 | Visit Vila Velha‘s website. 

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As Dunas, Martinhal Resort €/€€

Part of the Martinhal Resort in Sagres, As Dunas is a laidback restaurant that offers a wide choice of traditional Algarvean food at its best. There’s plenty of seafood and fresh fish to choose from — at accessible prices — and in a stunning location, amidst the sand dunes of Martinhal Beach. With its cool deck and contemporary look, this is the perfect restaurant for a relaxed lunch.

Tel: 282 240 200 | Visit As Dunas‘s website.

Eira do Mel, Vila do Bispo €€€

This comfortable rustic-style restaurant in the town of Vila do Bispo is one of the top places in the western Algarve for regional cooking. The emphasis is on refined versions of traditional stews using nothing but the freshest local ingredients cooked with great care. Try the octopus cataplana. The quality of food is matched by an excellent wine selection featuring some of Portugal’s top-quality labels. The chef is an active member of various gastronomic associations and when he is travelling to take part in events, the restaurant may be closed. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tel: 917 555 669 | Follow Eira do Mel on Facebook.

Tel: 282 763 222 | Visit Mirandus‘s website.

No Pátio, Lagos €€

Named after the charming patio at the rear of the restaurant that affords secluded al fresco dining, the menu here includes the “No Pátio signatures” with dishes such as seared salmon with asparagus risotto, white wine and watercress cream. A fine selection of Portuguese wines, plus one or two from Australia and the USA, complement the dishes.

Tel: 282 763 777 | Follow No Pátio on Facebook.

Palmares Clubhouse, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort  €€/€€€

Senses, Cascade Wellness Resort / Lagos €€€€

With a privileged view over the Algarve coast, Senses is a contemporary fine-dining restaurant serving local flavours allied with new trends and techniques. The interior is sober and welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a panoramic terrace. On the plate, the different flavours, textures and visual combinations are a feast for the senses. The menu consists of 7 to 12 moments, depending on the diners’ choice, and is recreated daily to adapt to what is available at the local market.

Tel: 282 771 500

PORTIMÃO AREA

In the Portimão, Ferragudo and Monchique areas, we have a set of unexpected locations to experience the best of local cuisine the Algarve has to offer. So here is the list of some of the best restaurants in Portimão:

DUOO Gastro Theatre, Portimão € 

Duoo Gastro Theatre introduces a distinctive dining concept in the Algarve, combining gastronomy with elements of performance. With just 12 seats, this Michelin-recommended intimate venue offers tasting and à la carte menus centred on seasonal ingredients and creative presentation.  

Dishes may include cured sardine with tomato and stracciatella, smoked horse mackerel with ponzu and cucumber, as well as daily fish and meat specials.  

Tel: 933 964 447 

Loki, Portimão €€€€

This tiny restaurant serves just six diners each evening who must all dine at the same time and eat (allergies aside) whatever the chef manages to source that particular day. Expect an unsual experience without any form of pretense, with all inredients sourced locally from the Algarve, many of them wild products forged by the chef who runs the restaurant single-handedly. Reservations need to be made long in advance as there’s a waiting list. You can read more about it here.

Tel: 962 109 656 | Visit Loki’s website. 

NUMA, Portimão €€/€€€

Named after its owners, chef Nuno Martins and his wife and hostess Manuela, at NUMA diners can choose between the à la carte menu and tasting menu. The chef highlights the Algarve’s cuisine whilst remaining faithful to his philosophy of sustainability and zero waste. The menu varies in order to respect seasonality and freshness, but some classics remain such as the sirloin steak, the carabineiros (scarlet prawns) and the octopus, all from the Algarve. The wine list prioritises national production from different Portuguese regions.

Tel: 282 432 454 | Visit NUMA. 

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O Caniço, Alvor €€€

One of the longest established beach restaurants in the Algarve, Caniço enjoys a spectacular location literally built into a cave in the cliff face below the Prainha resort between Portimão and Alvor. The restaurant is accessed via a tunnel and elevator from the cliff-top above and features a café-bar at beach level with the dining area above offering ocean views. The food is traditional Portuguese with good-quality, fresh fish and seafood and a good wine list.

Tel: 282 458 503 | Visit O Caniço‘s website. 

Vista Restaurant, Praia da Rocha €€€€

The charming Relais & Châteaux Bela Vista Hotel, right on the seafront in Praia da Rocha, is home to one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the Algarve, the Vista Restaurant (with one Michelin star). Chef João Oliveira and his team produce exacting cooking based on classic principles with great respect for local ingredients and a good dash of creative flair. Set within an early 20th-century palace, the sea views from the outdoor terrace are particularly special.

Tel:282 460 280 | Visit Vista‘s website.

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Luar da Foia, Monchique €€

Heading up from Monchique town to Foia, O Luar da Foia is on the left, and whilst this place serves the tasty grilled piri-piri chicken that Monchique is renowned for, there is also a good selection of traditional regional and Portuguese cuisine cooked with care. Comfortable, rustic-style indoor dining room and small terrace offering magnificent views.

Tel: 282 911 149 | Visit Luar da Foia‘s website. 

Tasca do Petrol, Marmelete €

Tasca do Petrol is located in the foothills of the Monchique Mountain, on the road that leads from Monchique to Aljezur. This hugely popular restaurant is the home of real country cooking, with pork dishes being the main speciality. The pork and cabbage stew (cozido de couve) is not to be missed, as is the assadura — charcoal-grilled cutlets of locally reared black Iberian pig. Reservations essential, especially for lunch on the weekends.

Tel: 282 955 117 | Follow Tasca do Petrol on Facebook. 

Rei das Praias, Ferragudo €/€€

Located on Caneiros beach, between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, rather than a typical beach restaurant is a high-quality fish and seafood restaurant which just happens to be located on a beautiful beach. There is always a great selection of prime fresh fish on offer that can be either plain grilled or oven-roasted and then deboned at your table. For a special treat, ask for the fresh giant carabineiros (scarlet prawns). The restaurant also features an excellent selection of fine wines and champagnes. Reservations are essential.

Visit their website or call for confirmation. Tel: 282 461 006

Restaurante F, Portimão  €€€ 

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Restaurante F, brings refined Portuguese cooking to Praia da Rocha’s lively promenade paired with sweeping clifftop views. Great steaks, good fresh fish and a reasonably priced five-course tasting menu are highlights. 

Visit Restaurante F‘s website. | Tel: 919  115  512  

CARVOEIRO, LAGOA & SILVES AREA

There are a lot of restaurants in Carvoeiro and its surrounding areas to choose from, with the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best with a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the area or maybe a taste of “tradition with a twist” at a restaurant with a stunning view of the cliffs and the ocean. Here is the list of our selected best restaurants in the Algarve in this area:

Casa do Rio, Mexilhoeira da Carregação, Estômbar €€€

Located right on the banks of Arade River estuary in the village of Mexilhoeira da Carregação, a table on the terrace of Casa do Rio taking in the sunset over the river and then the lights of Portimão glittering in the distance makes a great setting for a meal. On colder nights, there is plenty of searing inside, also enjoying the views. This is a restaurant for traditional Algarvean and Portuguese cooking with a focus on fish and seafood. It is popular with locals so be sure to book, especially of you want a table on the terrace.

Tel: 282 418 280 / 912 180 832

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Bon Bon, Sesmarias €€€€

Boasting a splendid menu, Carvoeiro’s only Michelin-starred restaurant has long been known as one of the best in the area for fine dining. The menu is backed up by a solid wine list of Portuguese and foreign labels, carefully selected by owner and sommelier Nuno Diogo. Dine inside by the central log fire in the cooler months or out on the terrace with view of the Monchique hills.

Tel: 964 193 823 / 282 341 496 | Visit Bon Bon‘s website.

Hexagone Steakhouse, Sesmarias €€

The menu at this steakhouse highlights topquality meats and a wide range of cuts, all cooked to tender, juicy perfection. The new menu also offers a variety of fish, seafood and vegetarian option and is backed up by an extensive wine cellar featuring some of Portugal’s finest labels. With an elegant dining room, lounge bar and outdoor terrace, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Tel: 282 342 485 / 917 889 344 | Visit Hexagone‘s website.

Primavera, Carvoeiro €

An attractive trattoria-style restaurant at the top of Estrada do Farol in Carvoeiro, serving  Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, it has a lovely ambience and features a stylish interior décor,
as well as a large attractive terrace that is ideal for the summer months.

Tel: 282 358 017 | Follow Primavera’s Restaurant on Facebook. 

Chef’s Kitchen, Carvoeiro €€

This spacious restaurant is tastefully decorated, cosy in the winter and with pleasant outdoor terrace spaces for the warmer months. The varied menu includes the excellent calf ’s liver, great steaks and regular fish specials, as well as tasty homemade burgers made from prime meats.

Tel: 282 083 332 | Follow Chef’s Kitchen on Facebook.

Etxea, Carvoeiro €€/€€€ 

Two minutes away from Carvoeiro beach, Etxea serves a fusion of Portuguese and Basque cuisine. The tasting menu with wine pairing is divided into nine elaborate and unique moments highlighting fresh ingredients from Iberian cuisine, from simple and delicious dishes such as the ham croquette, to sophisticated and creative courses such as the veal tartar made with bone marrow. Seafood lovers are sure to be pleased as, in this fishing village, the taste of the sea is inevitably present, highlighted in the moments with oysters, scallops, lobster and sole.

Tel: 968 547 782

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The One, Carvoeiro €€€€

The One’s focus is on creating signature dishes using top-quality, local ingredients for “tradition with a twist”. Indulge in the tomahawk steak (for two), complete with green peppercorn sauce, wedge potatoes and an Algarvian salad – paired with a vast selection of wine. Enjoy the experience comfortably indoors or outside on the garden-style terrace with a stunning view of the golden cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Tel: 282 351 100

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O Pescador, Benagil €€

A cosy restaurant in Benagil whose philosophy stays true to local fishing traditions. With a bright and airy décor and rustic yet elegant touches throughout, the restaurant seats 50 people and enjoys a delightful sea view. Serving fresh sea-caught fish and Argentinian meat, the menu is complemented by an excellent wine list. There is also regular live music and special events.

Tel: 282 354 017 / 915 071 529 | Follow O Pescador restaurant on Facebook. 

Ocean/Vila Vita Parc, Alporchinhos €€€€

With two Michelin stars, Ocean — Vila Vita Parc’s gourmet restaurant — is yet another top restaurant considered to be one of the best restaurants in the Algarve. With a prime location set just back from the cliff-top, with stunning views both from the terrace and from the inside. The ambience is refined, with discreet service and exquisite tableware, setting the scene for a special occasion.

Visit Ocean‘s website. | Tel: 282 310 100

Arte Náutica, Armação de Pêra €€

Located on Armação de Pêra beach, well away from the built-up part of town, this is a high-quality fish and seafood restaurant owned and operated by the Vila Vita Parc Hotel. Fresh produce is always in abundance and the res­taurant has a large terrace with uninterrupted sea views and an air-conditioned interior.

Visit Arte Náutica‘s website. | Tel: 282 314 875

Inevitável Wine & Cocktail Bar, Armação de Pêra €€€

This small jewel of a restaurant is hidden away in a residential area of Armação de Pêra; it’s not easy to find but well worth the effort. Run almost entirely by husband-and-wife team André and Beatriz Pereira, the food here surprises the palate and pleases the eye with an authentic yet creative take on Portuguese cuisine in the form of small sharing dishes. The duck rice made with a special variety of black rice is one of the signature dishes. André who is front of house/waiter/sommelier has a wealth of knowledge to share and an outstanding wine collection, all at sensible prices, whilst Beatriz is busy cooking in the small kitchen. Reservations are essential.

Tel: 968 799 191

Coral – Éden do Mar, Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve / Porches €€€€ 

With just 22 seats, this Michelin-recommended restaurant offers an intimate dining experience centred on seasonal tasting menus that reflect the Algarve’s territory and Atlantic influence.  

Fish from the local coast, cold-water shellfish and vegetables sourced between Monchique and Aljezur shape a cuisine rooted in product, precision and balance.  

Tel: 282 320 000 

O Leão de Porches, Porches €/€€

Located in the centre of the small town, O Leão de Porches is one of the oldest and most appealing restaurants in the Algarve. Established in the 1960s and run by Bianca Salden since 2005, the restaurant’s creative menu is complemented by a well-balanced list of Portuguese wines. The building retains much of its 18th-century charm, with a cosy and inviting décor to match. Recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Tel: 282 381 384 | Visit O Leão de Porches‘s website. 

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Aladin Grill, Vila Vita Parc / Alporchinhos €€€ 

Within the Vila Vita Parc Clubhouse, this striking restaurant draws inspiration from the world of the Arabian Nights, with high ceilings, mosaic-adorned windows and a rich palette of blue and gold.  

At its centre, a fully open kitchen showcases exceptional ingredients displayed at the counter, from fresh fish to dry-aged meats. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, the menu highlights bold flavours, with dishes such as scallop with hazelnut purée, pickled horseradish and calamansi vinaigrette, or lamb loin glazed with sesame, served with potato gratin. 

Tel: 282 310 100 

O Barradas, Lagoa/Silves €€

Located on the old road from Lagoa to Silves, this restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the area for traditional Portuguese food with an international twist. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients such as the superb certified Mirandesa steaks from northern Portugal and locally caught fish grilled to perfection. The menu is complemented by an excellent wine list.

Tel: 282 443 308 / 961 657 357 | Visit O Barrada’s website. 

Marisqueira Rui, Silves €€

This is the Algarve’s most famous seafood restaurant. The food is as fresh as it gets and the ambience relaxed and noisy from the sound of crab cracking. A vast selection of seafood cooked to order and speciality dishes include seafood rice and cataplanas. Very popular with locals on the weekends so arrive early for a table.

Tel: 282 442 682 | Follow Marisqueira Rui on Facebook. 

Restaurante Ribalta, Algoz €€

Off the beaten track but worth the journey, this is a traditional-looking Algarve cottage-style restaurant offering traditional Algarve home-cooking. Basic dishes of the day freshly cooked to order, specials available by prior order. Delicacies include fresh cheese with pumpkin jam; chicken with delicious onion sauce; and homemade fig ice cream. Check out the glass paintings and the handmade items in the adjacent shop too: perfect gifts and a real taste of the Algarve.

Tel: 963 692 569 | Follow Ribalta Restaurant on Facebook. 

 

ALBUFEIRA & VILAMOURA AREA

At the centre of the Algarve, there are many opportunities to taste typically Algarvean dishes, like cataplana and cabidela, or more exquisite fine-dining dishes with a view to the Marina of Vilamoura, which was named World’s Best Marina in 2021. Here is the list of some of our favourite restaurants in Albufeira and Vilamoura:

Veneza, Paderne €€

Unassuming roadside restaurant on the road from Paderne to Albufeira. The menu is typically Algarvean, with cataplana, pork dishes and cabidela main courses and typical desserts of figs, almonds and apple-based tarts and fresh fruit. Everything is homemade and served fresh. Great selection of Portuguese wines at unbeatable prices. On-site wine shop worth a diversion.

Visit Veneza‘s website. | Tel: 289 367 129

Al Quimia, Albufeira €€€€

Al Quimia is the gourmet restaurant of the five-star Epic Sana hotel, inspired by regional products and the proximity to the sea, with a laidback yet sophisticated atmosphere. Focusing on traditional Portuguese food, the menu emphasises products from the sea and the extensive wine list features some of the best Portuguese labels. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, there are three tasting menus, “Water”, “Fire” and “Earth”.

Visit Al Quimia‘s website. | Tel: 289 104 500

Vila Joya, Albufeira / Galé €€€€

With two Michelin stars, Vila Joya is in fact a luxury boutique and spa hotel with palatial suites and well-appointed rooms. A few tables in the restaurant are available for nonresidents but reservation is mandatory. Aside from the Signature Menu, they also serve Chef Dieter Koschina’s Favorites consisting of four courses.

Paper Moon, W Algarve/Albufeira €€/€€€

Combining stunning Algarve views with authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and a large selection of national and international wines, Paper Moon is a truly memorable dining experience. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, with stylish décor in tones of beige and grey, flooded with natural light and an impressive wine wall display.

The menu highlights seasonal ingredients and high-quality meat and seafood, and each dish is carefully paired with a wine selected by the sommelier.

Tel: 289 372 307

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The Old Course Clubhouse, Vilamoura  €/€€ 

The Old Course Vilamoura Clubhouse houses a restaurant open to golfers and visitors, overlooking the historic golf course.

With a gastropub-inspired menu based on fresh produce and accompanied by a selection of international wines and beers, the venue also organises special gastronomic events such as Wine & Dine and Jazzy Bites. 

 Visit The Old Course Clubhouse’s website. | Tel: 289 310 341 

VALE DO LOBO & QUINTA DO LAGO AREA

Considered to be one of the most luxurious locations in the Algarve, the so-called Golden Triangle has a wide range of restaurants to experience the joy of eating well. From tapas, fresh grilled fish, or oriental style meals, to Michelin-starred a la carte options, and much, much more. Here is our list of the Best Restaurants in Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo area to visit.

Tinto, Vale do Lobo €€€

Tinto offers a vibrant journey through Portugal’s rich gastronomy. Step through its striking wine cellar entrance and into the inviting dining room and terrace, which provides captivating views of the Praça and the sea. Indulge in a selection of petiscos, perfect for sharing, or explore more substantial dishes. Highlights include a unique take on a classic bacalhau à brás, a customisable steak tartare, and a tender rib-eye cooked to perfection on a hot stone. Each dish is also expertly paired with an exquisite Portuguese wine.

Visit Tinto‘s website. | Tel: 289 353 441

El Ta’koy, Vale do Lobo €€

El Ta’koy brings the Algarve its first taste of Hawaii, blending Polynesian roots with global flavours. This vibrant, tiki-inspired spot offers a dynamic dining and cocktail experience, enhanced by a lively playlist and regular DJ sets. Its expansive terrace, boasting a large bar and rooftop, is the ultimate summer destination.

Enjoy anything from a light lunch to late-night cocktails. Dive into fresh, colourful bites like lamb barbacoa with chilli mayo or Ahi Tuna Tacos. The menu also features sushi, ceviche, and Hawaiian wok dishes. Their signature cocktails also include delicious ‘virgin’ and options.

Tel: 289 353 443 | Visit El Ta’koy‘s website.

Paixa, Vale do Lobo €€€

This hugely popular tapas restaurant blends traditional and meticulously prepared Spanish and Portuguese tapas in a buzzing and relaxed environment. The main attraction is the huge bar, where magnums of wine and champagne await in ice buckets to be served by the glass. Great food and great value for money in a great environment complemented by a superb selection of wines.

Follow Paixa on Facebook. | Tel: 289 394 699 / 964 079 585

2 Passos, Praia do Ancão €€/€€€

For the best fresh fish in the Vale do Lobo/Quinta do Lago area, head for 2 Passos, which is conveniently located midway between the two resorts on the beach at Praia do Ancão. As well as fresh fish, which is either charcoal-grilled or roasted, other specialities include lobster in the pot. Recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Visit 2 Passos‘s website. | Tel: 289 396 435

Florian, Quinta do Lago €€€

This charming restaurant close to the entrance of Quinta do Lago offers outstandingly good food in an informal atmosphere. Dutch chef Pieter Warink bases his cooking on the finest ingredients from fresh local fish and seafood to prime Galician beef cuts grilled to perfection on the Big Green Egg. Specialities include his excellent home-smoked pastrami. Signature dessers include balck & white chocolate mousse with confit pineapple and a crème brûlée to die for.

Follow Florian on Facebook. | Tel: 289 396 674

Gusto by Heinz Beck, Quinta do Lago €€€€

With one Michelin star, this is the Algarve outpost of renowned German chef Heinz Beck. As consultant chef, Beck helped form the menu and the Gusto team. Focusing in exceptional Mediterranean cuisine curated with premium ingredients, the atmosphere at Gusto is elegant with a contemporary feel. Alongside the degustation menu there is a complete à la carte menu, and Heinz Beck’s legendary Fagotelli Carbonara is not to be missed. The wine list is extremely comprehensive and there is also an  adjacent cocktail bar.

Visit Gusto‘s website. | Tel: 289 350 700

Casa Velha, Quinta do Lago €€€€

Boasting an updated Portuguese-inspired menu, the traditional farmhouse’s architecture sets the scene for one of the Algarve’s most attractive and historic restaurants. Known as the birthplace of Quinta do Lago, Casa Velha highlights the flavours of the Algarve with a refined twist and using locally sourced ingredients, sometimes from the resort’s own bio garden. Highlights include the spicy prawn xerém and the duck rice croquettes.

Tel: 289 394 983

Casa do Lago, Quinta do Lago €€€

Located on the lakeside in Quinta do Lago and long-established as a high-quality, traditional-style fish and seafood restaurant, Casa do Lago was refurbished for 2020. Tastefully decorated, it can be elegantly adorned for weddings and events. The gorgeous lakeside setting compliments the dining experience. The food highlights predominantly fish and seafood but with an exotic contemporary twist complementing the modern design of the restaurant.

Visit Casa do Lago‘s website. | Tel: 289 394 911

Bovino Steakhouse, Quinta do Lago €€/€€€

Meat is the predominant theme in this elegant and spacious restaurant, including T-bone steaks, Australian Wagyu or succulent Chat­eaubriand. The meat is imported directly from Ireland and goes through a 28-day ageing process. The wine list features more than 250 national and international wines and, in addition to the outdoor terrace and garden, there is also a pool bar, with infinity pool, serving light meals.

Visit Bovino Steakhouse‘s website. | Tel: 289 007 863

Parrilla Natural, Almancil/Vale do Lobo €€€

Located just a few hundred metres from one another, sister restaurants Gourmet Natural and Parrilla Natural are founded on the same philosophy of serving free-range Uruguayan beef with a taste of South American hospitality. Set within beautifully restored villas, both serve a range of Uruguayan specialities and certified Uruguayan steaks cooked on the parrillas — the traditional South American grills. Each featuring an outdoor bar, Gourmet Natural boasts a pretty courtyard with South American touches throughout, whilst the newer Parrilla Natural features lovely gardens and an extensive terrace, as well as a wine cellar and herb garden.

Visit Gourmet Natural‘s website. | Tel: 289 350 040

Pequeno Mundo, Almancil   €€€

Set within a charming Algarve country house with romantic patios and cosy dining rooms, this elegant and refined family-run restaurant, recommended by the Michelin Guide, is renowned for its international cuisine with distinct French influences, impeccable, classic service and beautifully stocked wine cellar. Highlights on the menu include a delicate asparagus mousse, a rich and unctuous crab soup, and an exquisite châteaubriand.

Visit Pequeno Mundo‘s page. | Tel: 289 399 866 / 927 960 423

Figueiral, Almancil/Quinta do Lago €€

Very near to central Almancil, on the central road to Quinta do Lago, this establishment enjoys a strong local following, and rightly so. Few can beat its feijoada or the Brazilian speciality of picanha. Be warned though, you need a serious appetite to compete with the array of sundries that accompany this succulent beef dish. And by the way, while being great with meat, Figueiral also serves several prawn specialities that should not be missed.

Visit Figueiral‘s website. | Tel: 289 395 558 

Authentic Restaurant, Almancil €€€€

Authentic’s glitzy and ultra-ornate interior features Versace wallpaper, golden feline statues, dazzling jewellery cases, and animal prints on plush chairs, is designed to overwhelm the senses of those looking for a unique dining experience.

Recommended by the Michelin Guide, the menu, curated by chef Ricardo Luz, highlights seasonal ingredients and features classic dishes with a modern flair, including a fantastic cataplana.

Ingredients such as fresh fish and seafood from Sagres and the Portimão fish market, vegetables from local orchards and grass-fed lamb bring authentic Portuguese flavours to the menu. Highlights include the lobster rice, Wagyu beef or an Alentejo lamb shank paired with a top-tier wine selection.

Tel: 289 005 782

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Henrique Leis, Almancil €€€€€

This intimate, Swiss-style chalet is the setting for innovative international cuisine. A warm, friendly welcome and discreet service add to the relaxed but elegant atmosphere. The food tastes just as good as it looks — and the presentation is exquisite. Try the scallops and langoustine or delicate ravioli starters, followed with fresh fish or duck. Dessert options include a basket of four ice creams. A greatvalue lunch menu is also available. Advance booking essential.

Visit Henrique Leis’s website. | Tel: 289 393 438 

Pizzeria Casavostra, Almancil €/€€

Using homegrown herbs and vegetables, Casavostra boasts a wide choice of pastas, salads and tasty pizzas to suit all taste. This popular pizzeria also features a cool outdoor terrace and the Portuguese wines on the list come from the owner’s family vineyards.

Visit Casavostra‘s website. | Tel: 289 397 565 / 962 063 534

Tribulum, Almancil €€€

Irish chef Jonnie Pratt has been cooking up his own style of bistro cuisine in the Algarve since the late ‘90s and Tribulum is his latest venture. The restaurant is located on the “middle” road between Almancil and Quinta do Lago, set in an elevated position with lovely country views. At lunch time, there is a small and very reasonably menu offering light and tasty dishes such as excellent bruschetta and crispy squid rings. In the evening, a more elaborate but still reasonably priced menu features dishes such as braised pig cheeks with chestnuts and acorn purée, rabbit and tarragon meatballs or, as a fish option, monkfish fillet with confit garlic, roast cherry tomatoes and prawn bisque.

Visit Tribulum’s website. | Tel: 289 397 784

Austa, Almancil €€

With an ingredient-focused approach, Austa is a genuine breath of fresh air in Almancil’s gastronomical scene. Born from a young couple’s growing passion for the Algarve’s and neighbouring Andalusia’s food cultures, Austa even has a beautifully manicured organic vegetable and fruit garden. From organic meat from small independent producers to sustainably produced fruit and vegetables, and from low-intervention wines produced in small batches to little-known sherries, the menu highlights a mix of flavours from across the Algarve and its neighbouring regions. Recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Visit Austa. | Tel: 965 896 278 

Ombria Kitchen, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve / Loulé €€€ 

Located at the heart of the Ombria Algarve resort, Ombria Kitchen focuses on regional Portuguese cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting that reflects a village-inspired concept. Underscoring the restaurant’s rural character, the menu features a variety of dishes, from traditional cod fish beignets with tomato jam and Barrocal chouriço roasted over medronho firewater, to seafood and fish plates such as Ombria Algarvian cataplana with black pork, chorizo, shrimp and clams. The carefully curated wine list showcases leading local producers.

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com | Tel: 289 078 243 

 

CaféZïque, Loulé €€

Located right next to the castle in the centre of Loulé, CaféZïque has raised the bar in
Loulé. The cuisine aims to surprise and delight diners with unusual dishes based on
seasonal local ingredients. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, the focus is on Portuguese flavours but dishes may include an exotic twist.

Both an à la carte and tasting menu are available. The wine list offers a selection of the best wines from each and every region of Portugal. During the warmer months, tables on the outdoor terrace overlooking the castle are in high demand, so be sure to book in advance.

Follow CaféZique on Facebook. | Tel: 289 043 931

Cabana Sass’, Quarteira  €€€ 

Cabana Sass’ brings a touch of Monaco’s dining and nightlife scene to Praia do Almargem, between Vale do Lobo and Quarteira. Overlooking the Atlantic, this stylish beach cabana blends Mediterranean flair with Algarve flavours, serving fresh, ocean-inspired dishes, signature cocktails, and an international wine selection in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. 

Visit Cabana Sass’ website.  | Tel: 966 234 340 

FARO & EAST

In the capital of the Algarve, Faro, you can find excellent seafood restaurants in comfortable surroundings, enjoy a fine-dining experience in a Michelin-starred venue, or even travel back to a colonial-style decorated restaurant with a view to the river. Here is our list of the Best Restaurants in Faro and the eastern Algarve:

CHECKin by Leonel Pereira, Faro €€

Set within a beautifully restored former grain warehouse in the historic centre, this Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant offers a creative take on seasonal Algarve cuisine.  

The menu is organised into distinct sections, guiding diners through a structured yet flexible experience.  

Dishes highlight bold flavours and careful technique, reflecting a strong focus on product and creativity.  

Tel: 968 070 776 

Alameda, Faro €€

Located in downtown Faro, Alameda offers a “fun fine-dining” experience. Lush green wallpaper, porcelain monkeys hanging from the ceiling, and a large wall-to-wall wine cellar create a relaxed yet modern atmosphere. Using the Algarve’s freshest ingredients, chef Rui Sequeira offers four tasting menus, paired with a superb selection of wines from small producers.

Visit Alameda‘s website. | Tel: 289 824 831

A Ver Tavira, Tavira €€€

Hidden in the old part of town, this lowkey restaurant was recently awarded its first Michelin star. The bright and elegant dining room gives onto a terrace which boasts one of Tavira’s most sought-after views. Chef Luís Brito’s tasting menus offer Portuguese flavours with a few delicate international touches. The vast wine selection includes Portuguese references and French Champagne.

Visit A Ver Tavira‘s website. | Tel: 912 950 019

Mesa Farta, Tavira €€

This Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant offers a laid-back yet refined atmosphere. The open-plan dining room centres around a fully visible kitchen, allowing guests to follow the preparation of each dish.  

The à la carte menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reinterpreting Portuguese cuisine with a clear focus on Algarve flavours.  

Attention to detail is evident from the start, with house-made sourdough bread served warm, reflecting a commitment to quality, simplicity and authenticity. 

Tel: 281 416 371 

Pin

À Mesa, Tavira €€€

Located in the heart of Tavira, the Michelin Guide-recommended À Mesa blends Algarve tradition with contemporary flair in an intimate, refined setting.  

Led by chef João Dias, the restaurant offers à la carte and seasonal tasting menus that highlight local produce with international influences. Signature dishes include creamy cod with coastal prawns, celery pickle and basil.  

More adventurous creations, such as purple prawn with turnip textures and clementine, showcase the kitchen’s creativity. The wine list focuses on quality Portuguese labels. 

Tel: 965 634 247 

Mirsal, Palácio de Tavira Hotel / Tavira €€€ 

This is the restaurant of the beautiful Palácio de Tavira Hotel, forming part of the its frontage onto a picturesque square in the historic heart of the city.  

Whilst also serving excellent hotel breakfasts, this restaurant deserves attention in its own right with a seasonal menu changing four times per year and a focus on local ingredients prepared with care and attention. 

Tel: 281 512 600 

Marisqueira O Capelo, Santa Luzia €€

Located on the front in Santa Luzia with views over the Ria Formosa lagoon, this restaurant serves excellent fish and seafood in comfortable surroundings. Very popular with locals so arrive early for a table.

Follow O Capelo on Facebook. | Tel: 281 381 670 

Restaurante Noélia, Cabanas €€

Renowned as one the best fish and seafood restaurants in the Algarve, this hugely popular establishment is located on the harbour front in Cabanas, Tavira, owned by Chef Noélia Jerónimo, who was voted Chef of the Year 2021 by Boa Cama Boa Mesa guide. The Chef adds her own flair to traditional Portuguese cuisine and her rice stew dishes are a must. This restaurant is unsurprisingly busy all year round with reservations essential at weekends or at any time during the summer months.

Follow Noélia e Jerónimo on Facebook. | Tel: 281 370 649

Pearl, Faro €€€

The Algarve’s first sushi bar, at Pearl there are only 10 seats, all at the counter and in front of the sushimen who prepare the fresh fish on the spot.

The Omakase 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. Recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Visit Pearl‘s website | Tel: 915 777 879

Mavalà Osteria Italiana, Faro €€

Roughly translating to ‘come off it’ or ‘no way’, ‘mavalà’ is an Italian expression used to express surprise and disbelief. Here, chef Davide Prandi’s menu changes weekly, according to what is in season and available at the market. Serving dishes inspired by the north of Italy, where the chef was born, everything here is homemade, including the bread and, of course, the pasta, freshly made by his mother. The chef regularly goes back to Italy to visit producers and brings back small quantities of quality produce he cannot find in Portugal.

Visit Mavalà Osteria Italiana | Tel: 963 100 473

ATO, Faro €€

American chef Sean Marsh created ATO, a bistro in Faro where the local community and traditional ingredients are part of the action. The menu is seasonal and changes according to the products Sean finds at the market and gets from local producers, as he works on finding the right local product and producer to create each dish.

His influence is mostly Portuguese and Mediterranean, and the chef predominantly cooks fish, seafood and vegetables. The wine list represents Portugal’s varied terroirs, focusing on small productions, young winemakers and wines made with minimal intervention.

Visit ATO. | Tel: 937 613 844

The Grand Salon €€€€€ & The Grand Beach Club €€€, Vila Real de Santo António

Located respectively on the riverside in Vila Real de Santo António and on the river estuary near the beach, these two restaurants are owned and operated by the luxurious Grand House Hotel. The chic yet informal beach club serves a full menu for lunch and dinner with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood, whilst Grand Salon at the hotel offers fine dining in colonial-style splendour. Acess is only permitted to in-house guests or clients with reservations.

Visit their website here. | Tel: 281 530 290

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