Celebrating the flavours of the Algarve
From east to west, the Algarve boasts seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Five of them – A Ver Tavira, Gusto, Bon Bon, Vista, and Al Sud – hold one shiny gastronomic star each, whilst Vila Joya and Ocean have been awarded two.
These stars are the result of ceaseless creativity, exquisite ingredients, outstanding service, and consistency.
Al Sud
This is no easy feat for chefs who change their menus seasonally to offer the freshest and most flavourful experiences whilst also focusing on sustainability.
This summer, three of these exceptional gastronomic destinations in the Western Algarve are sharing tales of the region’s rich heritage through carefully curated menus showcasing the best of its iconic products.
Bon Bon – A proud heritage
Located in a residential area near Carvoeiro, Bon Bon combines sophistication with rustic charm.
The restaurant, whose kitchen has been led by chef José Lopes for the past four years, offers an atmosphere that effortlessly blends classic and modern elements, featuring a striking wrought-iron fireplace at the centre of the octagonal dining room and an inviting terrace with stunning views of the Monchique mountains.
José Lopes, Bon Bon
Unlike most Michelin-starred restaurants, Bon Bon is open for lunch, serving an abbreviated version of its tasting menu.
However, the focus is on the elegant full-length evening experience inspired by a well-known quote from Portuguese poet Alexandre O’Neill: “Há mar e mar, há ir e voltar…” (“Where there’s Sea, there’s going and returning…”).
Bon Bon
The cuisine blends modern techniques with regional flavours, including many interpretations of Algarvian recipes and even a nod to India as the chef pays homage to his roots with a dish called “Herança da Avó” (“Grandmother’s Heritage”), which perfectly balances salty and sweet flavours, enhanced by spices and heat.
Bon Bon
The experience begins with a selection of snacks and finger foods to break the formalities, accompanied by a flute of Champagne, followed by seafood dishes such as horse mackerel, razor clams, and caviar, a surprising scarlet prawn served with grilled peach and toasted almonds, along with sardines accompanied by sourdough bread and an Algarvian salad with arjamolho (a traditional cold bread soup), showcasing traditional regional flavours and customs.
Bon Bon
Then comes the “Catch of the Day and Ria Formosa”, followed by a cuttlefish caldeirada, a traditional Portuguese stew of vegetables and fish.
Meat features delicately in the chef’s interpretation of “Carne de Porco à Alentejana”, a surf-and-turf dish combining pork and clams, enhanced with a twist of Bulhão Pato sauce.
Bon Bon
Desserts highlight the region’s iconic citrus produce, including oranges, Amarguinha (almond liqueur), and peanuts from Aljezur, complemented by miso, white chocolate, and charcoal ice cream.
Six Moments Menu – €155, plus wine pairing €95 | Nine Moments Menu – €175, plus wine pairing €105.
Vista – Ethereal delicacy
Led by chef João Oliveira, Vista is a tranquil retreat on the lively Praia da Rocha coastal strip. Set within the delightful Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux, it is among the most coveted fine dining experiences in the Algarve.
Bright and airy, with hints of royal blue, the restaurant’s interior feels divine, whilst the exclusive terrace overlooking the expansive beach is a haven on warm summer nights.
Chef João Oliveira
The gastronomic experience begins in the hotel’s eclectic bar, where snacks are served, before moving to the elegant and minimalist dining room with polished stone tables on which three ceramic pieces are placed to highlight the different parts of the Algarve and the origins of ingredients, such as sardines from Portimão, scarlet prawns from Vila Real de Santo António, and honey from Monchique.
Vista
Focusing on sustainability, chef João Oliveira’s seafood-inspired menu highlights locally sourced ingredients. Authentic and straightforward Algarvian flavours are enhanced through skilful cooking techniques and seasoning. The presentation, texture, taste, and freshness of each dish are exquisitely delicate.
Vista
In this ode to the coast that the restaurant overlooks, we find mackerel with carrot and parsley, as well as a light vegetarian dish featuring organic tomatoes paired with sweet cucumber and basil.
From Vila Real de Santo António, the chef presents violet prawn with mussels, with the crunch and saltiness of samphire; from the Ria Formosa, “Almadrava Amberjack”, cockles, and seaweed; and from the local port of Portimão, sardines with corn and “Sea Curry”, followed by a moreish baby squid snack.
Vista
Continuing with traditional, down-to-earth themes, diners are encouraged to enjoy sourdough bread, anchovies, and olive oil. This intense snack combines the succulence of the fish, the silky pepperiness of the olive oil, and the crunch of the bread. A delicate langoustine is then paired with cauliflower shaped like elegant flowers, accompanied by Algarvian sparkling wine sauce, followed by turbot, razor clams, and ice plant.
Vista
Prepared by Fábio Quiraz, voted Best Pastry Chef this year by the International Academy of Gastronomy, two desserts follow: to refresh the palate, a dessert with cactus, aloe vera, and lemon balm, followed by an elegant combination of textures of honey from Monchique and petit fours representing the region’s traditional sweets.
Eleven Moments Menu – €225, plus wine pairing €175.
Al Sud – Andalusian influences
The Algarve’s westernmost star shines brightly between the Alvor estuary and Lagos Bay. Set within the ochre-coloured clubhouse at the Palmares Ocean Living & Golf resort, Al Sud unveils an inventive menu and celebrates its junior sous-chef, Alexandre Cabrita, who was recently named Portuguese Chef of the Year.
Chef Louis Anjos
Inspired by its stunning setting, which celebrates the duality of sea and mountain, this menu pays homage to the “Al-Andalus” period, with chef Louis Anjos and his team crafting dishes that draw on the Algarve’s rich heritage and Arab influences.
Al Sud
The experience begins with amuses-bouche, savoured on the terrace with a flute of Champagne as you enjoy the sunset over Ponta da Piedade. Inside, in a warm and refined atmosphere with white tablecloths and curated lighting, another amuse-bouche is served: a spider crab tartlet accompanied by a sea urchin bisque.
Al Sud
The menu’s moments start with a combination of tuna, oyster, imperial caviar, and cucumber, a union that has been on the menu since the restaurant’s inception, yet is constantly reinterpreted. Bacalhau is featured in various textures as part of the couvert, served with warm homemade sourdough bread.
Chef Louis Anjos
With the ocean in the backdrop comes oyster cream and tartare, as well as tuna belly tartare, enhanced by the freshness of cucumber textures. This is followed by braised locally caught lobster with a salmorejo and basil cream.
Al Sud
Stuffed squid is served with a creamy peanut sauce, squid ink and coriander oil; John Dory is accompanied by a fish egg salad, and cuscos de vinhais, the Portuguese version of couscous; and delicate turbot is paired with clams, a white bean purée and Bulhão Pato sauce. A hint of Iberian Pork is featured in the octopus dish, paired with sweet potato and cabbage, adding intensity to the dish.
To finish, icons of the region, such as figs, carob, and almonds, feature in the dessert, which also includes strawberries with goat’s cheese, balsamic, and pennyroyal.
Six Moments Menu – €160, plus wine pairing €75 | Nine Moments Menu – €180, plus wine pairing €95.
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