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Eat & Drink
Portuguese food is delicious and goes well beyond the popular cod dishes and egg based sugary pastries. The Algarve does have plenty of typical traditional Portuguese dishes on offer, but why not take advantage of your proximity to the sea and try freshly caught fish and seafood? The local restaurants serve specialty dishes such as Carabinero shrimp, a small strong tasting deep-sea red cardinal prawn, as well as Bulhão Pato amêijoas, a kind of clam in a butter sauce. And grilled sardines can be found on the menus of the simple restaurants by the sea. Should you be looking for something more refined, rest assured that there is more than one Michelin starred restaurant in the Algarve, ready to marvel your taste buds. Local cuisine will make your travel experience very enjoyable!
Set in a nicer ambiance than most Portimão restaurants, the F was one of our best dining choices in the region. If you are staying at Hotel da Rocha or the Bela Vista, it is just a five-minute walk. Spacious terrace hanging over Praia da Rocha guarantees a special view for your meal, particularly during the unforgettable sunsets. But do not expect a laid back beach… Read more »
After a day spent swimming in the sunshine you may fancy a simple venue that serves delicious homemade style dishes. If you are staying at Hotel da Rocha or the Bela Vista, in Portimão, it is just a five-minute walk. The Mercado is an unpretentious restaurant that has attentive wait staff and an owner keen to ensure everything is meeting the needs of his guests. The… Read more »
Our latest long stay in the Algarve turned out to be a gastronomic delight, and Ababuja was particularly special. The food was very fresh, we thoroughly enjoyed the amêijoas (a local type of clam), the various species of prawns, octopus and grilled fish… and were charmed by the owner who served tables himself and suggested amazing Portuguese wines to accompany our meal. Another highlight of… Read more »
This is a typical beach and sea front venue, if a little more upscale, is frequented by beach goers during the day. That was our case, after some sunbathing and swimming in the refreshing, almost cold, sea, nothing beats a cold beer and some nibbles to appease our hunger. We went for grilled sardines, the famous amêijoas (clams) in a butter and parsley sauce and… Read more »
The Terra Restaurant in Sagres was a lovely mid-day pause during our visit to this region of the Algarve, as we spent the day between the indescribably beautiful Ponta da Piedade and Sagres, with its fort and breathtaking views. Very close to the fort, this simple yet charming ristorante with Italian roots was just the ticket. The main hall makes you feel like you are… Read more »
The most recent restaurant in the Algarve region to have been awarded a Michelin star is based at Hotel Bela Vista. The small palace, which leans over Portimão’s main beach, has a beautiful bar worthy of an early start to give you time to savor the lovely selection of drinks and cocktails. Common rooms adorned with traditional Portuguese tiled walls, a grand piano and a… Read more »
This is one of the few two-Michelin star restaurants in Portugal, hence manage your expectations regarding dining costs. Although, dining at Vila Joya is not simply a meal, but a complete experience. The Austrian Chef more than delivers with outstanding dish after dish, over a long evening that begins with the enchanting setting. Upon entering the property of the same name, you shall be greeted… Read more »