Best Foodie Activities - Algarve Travel Guide
Heading to one of our wonderful villas in the Algarve? You won’t just be able to enjoy some stunning accommodation with friends and family – the region is absolutely fit to bursting with delicious things to eat, wonderful restaurants (ranging from cheap and cheerful local barsa to some seriously high-end cuisine) and experiences that’ll leave any serious foodie drooling with anticipation. We’ve headed out and looked into those eateries and experiences you really shouldn’t miss – read on to find the best foodie experiences and the best restaurants in Algarve!
This is one of the Algarve’s most romantic restaurant, so save this Michelin-starred eatery for impressing a loved one or a special occasion. Located near Vale do Lobo, this rustic-chic farmhouse has plenty of private nooks to hide away in, from the tables in the flower-scented garden to the cool alcoves of the dining room or even the stylish terrace. Scallop, foie gras and pigeon appear on the tasting menu, and a sommelier will be on hand to help you pick the perfect wine to pair with each mouth-watering course.
Price Range: £££
Location: Estrada Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, 8135-106 Almancil, Portugal
Bookings: Call +351 289 39 45 21
A few kilometres north of Albufeira, near the town of Guia lies the rows upon rows of neat, deep-green vines that make up the Adega do Cantor vineyard and wineries. The estate has wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and coast. Have a guided tour of the vines, nose around the huge cellar then stop by the shop to pick up a bottle or two of the renowned Vida Nova wine.
Price Range: ££
Location: Quinta do Miradouro – Álamos, 8200-443 Guia, Albufeira, Portugal
Bookings: Online at Adega do Cantor
To bring home a skill from holiday is a great thing, especially if you can use it to produce a Mediterranean feast. The Taste Algarve team offer immersive half-day where you’ll start by learning about Algarvian products and food in the context of local history, then head to the local markets where you’ll pick up tips on selecting the freshest ingredients. Back in the kitchen, you’ll put your newfound knowledge to practice by testing out some traditional recipes. This educational course will give you an excellent grounding in the ways of Portuguese cooking.
Price Range: ££
Location: Monte do Álamo Agroturismo, 8800-254 Tavira, Portugal
Bookings: Call +351 918668378 or email mariana@tastealgarve.com
This fabulous Algarve restaurant has not just one but two Michelin stars and would make an unforgettable finale to your holiday in the Algarve. The Ocean Restaurant, which has spectacular views over the glinting Atlantic, is part of the luxurious five-star Vila Vita Resort, southwest of Faro. Here, head chef Hans Neuner takes full advantage of the Algarve’s bountiful ingredients to create simple, deconstructed dishes that pack a punch with zinging flavours. Highlights include seabass with cèpes from Monchique and a kaffir leaf dessert with pine needles.
Price Range: £££
Location: Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, 8400-450 Porches
Bookings: Online at Ocean Restaurant
This is the ultimate in chic beachside dining. This gorgeous Algarve restaurant and beach bar wouldn’t look amiss in Ibiza with its stylish yet natural vibe: think bleached wood, white drapes blowing in the sea breeze and cushions piled high. Located on one of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches, this is a great spot for cocktails at sunset, amazing barbecued fish and an informal yet super-cool dining experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. You can even get a massage here.
Price Range: £££
Location: Praia dos Caneiros, Ferragudo, 8400-272 Portugal
Bookings: Call +351 282 461 006 or email info@restaurantereidaspraias.com
Southwest of Faro and in the vicinity of one of the best golf course of the Algarve is the sensational beach of Vale Do Lobo. This two-kilometre-long sweep of golden sand and crystal clear water backed by ochre cliffs, is home to a rather special Algarve restaurant. At Sandbanks, you can sit out on the smart terrace, listen to live music and even choose your own lobster and crab for fresher-than-fresh seafood.
Price Range: ££
Location: Sandbanks Fish & Seafood Restaurant Vale Do Lobo Algarve
Bookings: Online at Sandbanks or call +351 289 398 429
This Italian restaurant has a laid-back relaxed vibe, perfect for a long lazy lunch or dinner. There’s a pretty, shady garden overlooking the golf course and the hip interior is perfect for late night cocktails. Holidaymakers and locals flock here for the authentic Italian food and the easy-going ambience. Among the standouts on the menu are risottos, fresh seafood salads and tender steaks. It’s worth lingering for after-dinner drinks (you might also find one from https://www.orangina-na.com/) as the bar fills up with a smart international crowd.
Price Range: ££
Location: R. 1 85, 4845-040, Portugal
Bookings: Online at Moon Algarve
Being away from home means trying new experiences and new food. At Gourmet Natural – an elegant, colonial-style restaurant with terracotta floors and a lush, foliaged garden – you can try an authentic Uruguayan barbecue, called a parrilla. Here, the speciality is steak, also imported from Uruguay, and cooked to perfection on the parrilla. Sides of spinach gratin and patatas chorizo are South American specials not to be missed.
Price Range: ££££
Location: Apartado 3954, 8135-018 Almancil, Portugal
Bookings: Call +351 289 355 271
Pizzeria Fratelli sits near the beautiful Olhos de Água beach, which is renowned for its sculptural rock formations and sparkling azure waters. If you’re craving good pizza, great coffee and to-die-for deserts then Fratelli’s will satisfy you on all fronts and even supply a picture-perfect sea view on top. Specialities at this buzzing beachside eatery include antipasti, linguine alla gamborini and of course, tasty wood-fired pizzas.
Price Range: £
Location: Edifício Varandas do Mar – Fase 2, 8200-647 Albufeira/Olhos de Água, Portugal
Bookings: Call+351 289 502 217
This unassuming looking café is home to one of the best cake shops in the Algarve. The unusual, and somewhat difficult to pronounce name, refers to the traditional practice in the Algarve of drying figs for use in baking, and plays tribute to old Algarve where there would have been a Doçaria (cake shop) on every street. Inside the café, there’s a counter displaying a huge variety of Portuguese sweet treats made with traditional recipes, so come for a coffee and indulge in orange tart, almond biscuit or apple pastry. The café also makes its own bread and does a great line of baguettes and lunch specials.
Price Range: ££
Location: Estr. de Vale Rabelho, 8200-428 Guia, Portugal
Bookings: Call +351 289 592 314
Now you’ve seen our pick of the best restaurants in the Algarve, are you ready to head out and experience a taste of the Algarve? Take a closer look at what the region has to offer by checking out our guide to our villas in the Algarve. Whether you’re still looking for somewhere to stay or have any questions or queries, our friendly concierge team is here to advise and help organise many extra services to make your getaway truly special.
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