RESTAURANTS
1. Casa Velha, Quinta do Lago
French haute cuisine is served in this 300-year-old converted farmhouse (see Casa Velha, Quinta do Lago), with an attractive outdoor terrace. With more than 200 Portuguese red wines to choose from, it will appeal to wine connoisseurs and seasoned gourmets alike. Dishes served include the Marbré of Duck Foie Gras with figs and the King Crab with Ossetra Caviar.
Atmospheric terrace at Casa Velha
2. Brisa do Rio, Tavira
This friendly backstreet eatery (see Brisa do Rio, Tavira) has received glowing praise for its outstanding regional fare, such as black pork cataplana (casserole) with clams. An outdoor seating area is also available.
3. O Barradas, Silves
Set in a converted country farmhouse, this restaurant (see O Barradas, Silves) has a comfortable indoor seating area, complete with a fireplace. It also offers guests the option to dine outside in the garden, or on the covered terrace. The dishes served here are modern takes on traditonal Portuguese cuisine. Culinary highlights include baked wild fish and the Mirandesa (veal served with fig chutney).
4. Adega Vila Lisa, Mexilhoeira Grande
Renowned Portuguese food critic José Quitério regards this charming rural eatery (see Adega Vila Lisa, Mexilhoeira Grande) as one of the best in the country. The five-course tasting menu features traditional dishes such as canja de co nquilhas (cockle broth), but it changes daily, depending on what’s fresh and available. Make sure you book well in advance as the restaurant is very popular, particularly in peak season.
5. O Terraço, Martinhal
Traditional Portuguese cuisine is offered with flair and imagination at this contemporary restaurant (see O Terraço, Martinhal). Serving hotel and resort guests, as well as non-residents, the emphasis is family-oriented, and the menu will appeal to both refined tastes and young palates.
6. Mirandus, Lagos
This enchanting gourmet restaurant (see Mirandus, Lagos) is perched on the top of a cliff with stunning views out to sea. You can choose from a five-course set menu, which changes every day, or make your selections à la carte. The menu is put together by the resident chef, and specially focuses on fresh seasonal and local produce. Vegetarian and vegan options are available alongside authentic meat and fish dishes. The wine list is an inspiration in itself. Be sure to book in advance.
Stunning views from the Mirandus
7. Sueste, Ferragudo
The bizarre-looking but incredibly tasty imperador (emperor fish) is one of the more unusual treats on offer at this fabulous quayside restaurant (see Sueste, Ferragudo) overlooking the River Arade. Spectacular summer sunsets bathe the terrace with a golden light, adding greatly to Sueste’s appeal. Seafood dominates the menu, and you can watch the chef grilling the catch of the day by the waterfront.
Waterfront views at Sueste
8. Ocean, Alporchinhos
Vila Vita Parc, Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos • (282) 310 100 • Closed Tue • Reservations required • No veg dishes • www.restauranteocean.com • €€€
Dishes such as red mullet, Spello beans and Andalusian prawn have earned chef Hans Neuner and his team two Michelin stars. The international wine list is excellent.
9. Veneza, Paderne
A warm atmosphere pervades this exceptional family-run restaurant (see Veneza, Paderne). The traditional cuisine is straight out of grandma’s kitchen – hearty country fare prepared from hand-me-down recipes. The award-winning wine cellar heaves with more than 1,000 labels which are all stored under excellent conditions.
10. Vila Joya, Albufeira
An exclusive gourmet restaurant, the Villa Joya has two Michelin stars to its name. Austrian chef Dieter Koschina’s inventive take on traditional Portuguese cuisine uses northern European techniques. Experienced sommeliers help in pairing the excellent dishes with the best wines.
Pretty poolside setting at Vila Joya
