These are the favorite restaurants in the Portuguese Algarve
Bright sun, blue sea, beautiful bays and lots and lots of fresh fish. We are of course talking about the Algarve. We previously shared a list with the nicest places to sleep in this Portuguese region and couldn't be left behind with our favorite restaurants. A list to keep at hand when in Portugal. Please note, some of the restaurants are only open in the summer.
Do you want Portuguese food, but can't find it in Portugal? This is where you eat Portuguese in Amsterdam
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In the charming fishing village of Fuseta, they know how to prepare fish, and Casa Corvo proves that time and time again. A typical Portuguese barbecue restaurant where the fresh fish, homemade fries, and flavorful salads tell the whole story. You cannot make reservations here, so arrive on time. Do you have to wait a bit? Then order a drink in the meantime and enjoy the village life around you. The wait will be rewarded. Promised.
On Galé beach near Albufeira, you will find Pedras Amarelas — a beach bar and restaurant where the sunset is the highlight of the day. The resident DJ takes care of the chill-out Music in the background while you hold a mojito, caipirinha, or one of the bartender's handcrafted gins. The restaurant serves the chef's suggestions, and for the children, there are fresh vitamin smoothies made from seasonal fruit. No complicated story — just a lovely place to start the evening.
Are you near the town of Almancil? Then you can visit the restaurant Brava not missing. Actually, a visit to this cozy restaurant should not be missed if you are in the Algarve. Trust us, you will want to come back to this restaurant once you have eaten there. They have a wide choice of dishes and that - although this is unfortunately often the case - does not detract from the quality of the dishes at Brava. Every dish is equally fresh and tasty and the smaller dishes are ideal for sharing. We love it! In addition to the delicious food, you can also relax in the attractive garden.
With your feet on the beach and delicious food? Bee Sem Espinhas Natura it can be done. Between Altura and Monte Gordo you can enjoy fresh dishes from the sea. A selection from the menu? From fresh sushi and poke bowls to nachos and burgers. Sem Espinhas Natura has two cases, and they are opposite each other. Both equally nice (nice tents, we love them). Together with really tasty Sangria and good music it is a good time. Fancy just a drink? Of course you can. Please note, only open in summer.
The pleasant village is located close to Almancil Loulé, there you will find a covered market hall where local products are sold. On Saturdays, there are additional stalls outside around the market hall with all kinds of local products and handmade accessories.
White linen, wicker details, and that specific Ibiza energy you really only expect in Ibiza, but here you find it right on the Algarve coast. Cabana Sass' looks so good that you almost forget to eat. Almost. Because the menu revolves around fresh Mediterranean flavors with the best of the Atlantic Ocean, the DJ is spinning, and the sunset is stunning as everCome for lunch, stay for the sunset drinks.
Another favorite in Almancil: Casa do Campo. Here too, if the weather is nice, you can eat in the cozy garden. Be sure to sit under the enormous fig tree, close to the colored lanterns. Romantic vibes guaranteed! It's also cozy inside, so don't let a little rain stop you from eating at Casa do Campo. The service is nice and helpful, which is also important. The menu often contains traditional Mediterranean dishes with their own twist (traditional pasta, meat dishes and fish of the day) and most vegetables and herbs are brought from the own garden.
A fairly undiscovered gem Quinta Dos Santos in the town of Estômbar. It is a restaurant, brewery and winery in one. You can eat or have a drink (Dos Santos beer!) in the picturesque courtyard, but the best option is to walk to the back of the farm, where there is a terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyard. By Portuguese standards, the prices are slightly higher (Dutch prices), but it is completely worth it. The appetizer platter with Portuguese ham, cheese and olives from our own garden should certainly not be missed, just like the prawns and the delicious chocolate mousse. This of course combined with a bottle of Dos Santos wine, which the nice staff can tell you all about. Reservations are a must, especially if you want to get one of the coveted spots on the terrace.
Honest food, honest drink, and a genuine connection with the surroundings—that is Austa in the Algarve. The kitchen relies entirely on what the season has to offer: vegetables from their own kitchen garden, freshly picked before service, combined with products from small, independent Portuguese and Spanish producers. The menu changes with the seasons, as do the wines; most bottles can be ordered by the glass so you can enjoy a wide variety of tastings. The cocktails are also seasonal, featuring fermented and home-grown ingredients. For non-drinkers: there is a carefully curated list of booze-free alternatives.
An Australian coffee bar right in the middle of Faro, and what a treat it is. Melbourne Lane serves brunch with influences from both Australia and Portugal; everything is equally delicious, portions are generous, and the staff immediately makes you feel like you've been there before. Coffee, matcha, cakes, cocktails—there's something for everyone here. A lovely place to unwind after a morning exploring the city, and the prices are reasonable too.
All polive lovers collect, because you eat the tastiest octopus Tasquinha Octopus House in Santa Luzia, near Tavira. You can get octopus there, prepared in many different ways. From octopus from the grill (recommended) to octopus from the oven and octopus croquettes: the restaurant breathes octopus. However, for octopus haters there is also plenty of choice from other options on the menu. The restaurant does not take reservations and there is often a short line. The wait is usually not long and is – again – worth it.
The historic hotel and restaurant is located in Tavira Pousada Convent of Tavira. We haven't slept in the hotel yet, but the restaurant is approved. In the courtyard of the old monastery there are low tables and chairs during the day where you can have coffee or a drink. In the evening you can go for dinner at the higher tables (covered with white linen) and there is a more chic atmosphere. The price range is a bit higher than nearby restaurants in Tavira. The food is good, but it is mainly the ambiance of the monastery that distinguishes the restaurant. If you prefer a cheaper restaurant in the area, you can of course also just have a drink in the courtyard to taste the ambiance.
In the beautiful bay of Praia dos Caneiros, in the authentic fishing village of Ferragudo, is the unmissable family restaurant king of beaches. A beach tent by Dutch standards. The restaurant is known for its well-prepared fresh fish, friendly service and for the fun parties that are held there in the summer. During the day you can laze on one of the nice beach beds beach boy before you point out. Rei das Praias is ideal for an extensive late lunch with a view, after which you can settle down on that beach bed again, satisfied. Make sure to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, because also under... locals this tent is popular.
You will also find beach bars in Ferragudo, but at Praia Grande Kalu beach bar. The nicest on the list, if you ask us. Not too fancy, just cozy and accessible. Because Kalu is a little further walk than the other beach bars, it is usually not that busy and you can go there without a reservation. The terrace is partly built against a rock, creating all kinds of nice seating areas at different heights. A fine one spot for a not too complicated lunch or a drink. The white sangria is highly recommended!
The coastal town of Lagos is known for its romantic and secluded beaches, good life and Portuguese 'tranquility'. That's exactly what a boutique hotel is like mother house Lagos preaches. Within whitewashed 16th century walls stands a 19th century family home, in a 5.000 square meter terraced vegetable garden that has been revived. It became authentic and modern, fresh and creative. Casa Mãe not only has several rooms, it has a farm, a greedy boutique and restaurant Orta, where you can also eat without staying at Casa Mãe. The attractive restaurant has a large open kitchen with a bar. The best products from Portugal are on the plates, as well as wines (natural wines from small producers). You don't want to miss it.
The village of Alvor is located between Lagos and Ferragudo. If you look carefully you will find a restaurant there, hidden between the rocks Caniço. With a view over the bay you can eat here - how could it be otherwise - delicious fresh fish and drink liters of sangria. The service is not very fast and neither are they like that Friendly as with previous restaurants, perhaps because the place is always packed (make a reservation!). So if you are in a hurry or with children, you better skip this place. Or opt for just a drink and eat somewhere else, because you don't want to miss the spectacular view. Please note, only open in summer.
In the middle of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, between the five-star Quinta do Lago hotel and the beach, stands Gigi's, a wooden beach house on high stilts, accessible via wooden boardwalks through the nature reserve. It feels like an island in the middle of nature, with spacious terraces and views of the wetlands on all sides. The menu is written on a chalkboard on the wall: lots of fish, honest and good. The king prawns are legendary, the turbot perfectly prepared. And to finish? Mini Magnum chocolates and Viennetta ice cream. Classics that somehow feel just right here. One caveat: Faro airport is nearby, so you can hear planes. If that bothers you easily, come for lunch when it is a bit quieter in the air.
When in the Algarve... you really can't miss a visit to Sagres. And When in Sagres, you can visit Laundry Lounge definitely don't skip it. At Laundry Lounge you can do your laundry (handy if you are with the camper) while drinking coffee, but you can also drink smoothies, have a delicious lunch, have a nice drink and have dinner. All this in a relaxed way surf meets bohemian realm. If you are in Sagres, be sure to drop by Shaz Boutiq, where you will find handmade clothing and jewelry. The boutique belongs to a Dutch lady. Always fun! Please note, this restaurant is also open seasonally.
Also in Sagres: Gelateria Alice, Art & Heart. No restaurant for dinner, but a nice place for breakfast, coffee and cake and delicious ice cream. Walk further through the store to the back, where you will find a door to the sunny garden. Don't expect any fancy things, just a backyard with grass, pleasantly colored chairs and a view of the neighbor hanging out the laundry. You immediately feel like one .
Above Sagres, also on the west coast of Portugal, you will find the vast area Bordeira beach: one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, where you can watch the surfers all day long while enjoying (what else) a Sagres beer.
On the beach Praia da Ilha do Farol on the island of Ilha do Farol - which is located below Faro - is the unmissable (look for pink and turquoise and you will find) beach bar Maramais. Exactly how a beach bar must be. Simple menu, enough choice ice cold drinks and relaxed vibes all over the place. The nicest tent on the island if you ask us. For lunch and drinks then, because Maramais closes at 18:00 PM. You can feel that relaxed atmosphere on the entire island, which is actually just a small paradise. It has a large, almost (not quite) deserted expanse of sand and is located on a calm, clear sea on which fishing boats float. Go! At least Go in the summer, otherwise you will be faced with a closed door.
Laidback, outdoor dining, a rock-solid barbecue, and an atmosphere somewhere between backpackers, surfers, and locals. The Garden in Lagos is one of those places where you come for coffee, stay for lunch, and definitely leave with a full stomach. It's popular, so making a reservation before you go is highly recommended.
