Some of these great restaurants in the Algarve have been critically acclaimed (and rightfully so). Portugal’s sunny southern coast on the Atlantic is full of gourmet restaurants for you to try. Chefs from around the world flock to open restaurants here, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants.

You’ll find a mix of cuisines, but the Algarve’s seafaring roots make for a lot of seafood barbecues. The setting is perfect, with the southwest-facing coast treating you to a wonderful sunset every evening. Just make sure you book ahead for these restaurants because they fill up fast.

  • 1

    Loki Restaurante, Portimão

    Experience a unique daily menu by the Ponte Velha

    Loki Restaurante, Portimão
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Loki Restaurante is a contemporary Portuguese eatery that serves only fresh local ingredients. It's found right next to the Ponte Velha bridge in Portimão. It’s a small restaurant because, in their own words, they’ll create an experience just for you.

    There’s no menu at Loki Restaurante, only unique daily courses. The chef makes time to explain the dishes to you, and the pride is there in a fresh, locally sourced creation. Just make sure you book ahead by at least a couple of weeks.

    Location: R. Vasco Pires 5, 8500-740 Portimão, Portugal

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 7 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +351 96 210 9656

    Map
  • 2

    Vista, Albufeira

    Portuguese seafood by a Michelin restaurant

    Vista, Albufeira
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Vista is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, just off Praia da Rocha in Portimão. It’s earned its stars multiple years running, and you’ll understand why once you experience the atmosphere, the views, and of course, the cuisine.

    Seafood dominates the menu at Vista. There are normally 2 sets of courses available, one being seasonal. We highly recommend the “Vista” menu. The delicate presentation, sheer variety of textures, and seemingly endless range of flavours promise a real gastronomic experience.

    Location: Rua da torre da medronheira, 8200-635 Albufeira, Portugal

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Map
  • 3

    Vila Joya Sea

    An award-winning Albufeira restaurant with unique daily menus

    Vila Joya Sea
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Vila Joya Sea is a BBQ seafood restaurant that’s won 2 Michelin stars for over 20 years. Perched on a hillside above the east end of Galé Beach (Praia da Galé), the food is as incredible as you’d expect from a Michelin mainstay. It’s also matched perfectly by the views over the Atlantic.

    One amazing thing about Vila Joya Sea is that the menu, curated by the head chef, changes daily. The chef’s process is self-described as focusing initially on crafting the perfect balance between flavours and ingredients, before moving on to an equally exquisite presentation.

    Location: Praia do Xiringuito, Estrada da Galé, 8200-416 Albufeira, Portugal

    Open: Daily from 1 pm to 2 pm and from 7.30 pm to 11 pm

    Phone: +351 28 959 1795

    Map
  • 4

    Al Quimia, Albufeira

    Enjoy terrain-themed taster menus

    Al Quimia, Albufeira
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Al Quimia is a modern restaurant in the Epic Sana Hotel, just east of Albufeira. The restaurant prides itself on using local, sustainable produce to provide a true taste of the Algarve region.

    The menu is seasonal, though you can find tasting menus themed by terrains in the Algarve. The ingredients are fresh and expertly balanced, and the staff will happily tell you about the origins of each dish. Each menu comes with an optional wine pairing of locally-produced Portuguese labels.

    Location: Epic Sana Algarve Hotel Pinhal do Concelho, Praia da Falésia, 8200-593 Albufeira, Portugal

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Map
  • 5

    Gusto, Almancil

    Taster menus from a 3 Michelin-starred chef

    Gusto, Almancil
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Gusto is an award-winning gourmet restaurant in the Conrad Algarve Hotel. It's not every day you get to sample a menu from a 3 Michelin-starred chef, so putting an evening aside to experience this is highly recommended.

    Gusto does everything to the highest quality, with professional mixologists providing the cocktails. The tasting menus come in 5 or 7 courses, and while some of the dishes sound unusual, you’ve got to trust the chef. The Fagottelli carbonara is a great example – it's different but might just be the best carbonara you've ever tried.

    Location: Estr. da Quinta do Lago, 8135-162 Almancil, Portugal

    Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 7 pm to 10.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Map
  • 6

    O Marinheiro, Albufeira

    A nautical eatery serving seafood BBQ

    O Marinheiro, Albufeira
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    O Marinheiro is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves contemporary Portuguese and international dishes at a very reasonable price. Marinheiro is Portuguese for ‘sailor’. And true to the Algarve, this restaurant's nautical roots are evident in its decor and dishes.

    The menu includes a range of starters, with mains split into meat or fish dishes. Its standout BBQ dishes are cooked on a Josper Grill, a specially made grill that uses charcoal to give you an authentic, smoky flavour.

    Location: Caminho Praia da Coelha, 8200-385 Albufeira, Portugal

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +351 28 959 2350

    Map
  • 7

    Restaurante Rei das Praias, Ferragudo

    Admire the sunset over a platter of BBQ seafood

    Restaurante Rei das Praias, Ferragudo
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Restaurante Rei das Praias is a seafood restaurant on Praia dos Caneiros in Ferragudo. The beach sits back in a protected bay, with cliffs framing both sides, making it a great spot for an early dinner with a sunset prelude.

    The menu is mainly made up of fresh fish and seafood. There's usually a selection of daily caught fish, with stonefish seabass especially popular among diners. Beautifully presented and expertly grilled, it has crispy skin but is still moist on the inside. 

    Location: Praia dos Caneiros, 8400-272 Ferragudo, Portugal

    Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight

    Phone: +351 28 246 1006

    Map

    photo by Joseolgon (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 8

    Tasca do Kiko, Lagos

    Tapas joint just south of Marina de Lagos

    Tasca do Kiko, Lagos
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group

    Tasca do Kiko is a Spanish and Portuguese restaurant in Lagos that offers a great range of tapas. It's just a short walk south of Marina de Lagos. Most of the tapas is seafood, with numerous shellfish, octopus, and prawn dishes to choose from. 

    The seared tuna is a highlight, perfectly done to give that nice firm and meaty texture. Pair your meal with a glass of sangria or wine. Tasca do Kiko is always full of locals, making it a great place to have lunch or dinner in Lagos. 

    Location: Estr. de São Roque A, 8600-315 Lagos, Portugal

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 11 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +351 28 204 6037

    Map
  • 9

    Ocean, Porches

    An idyllic gourmet restaurant with Atlantic views

    Ocean, Porches
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Ocean is part of the 5-star Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in Porches. This elegant restaurant has been awarded 2 Michelin stars over the past decade. Facing Praia dos Tremoços, it offers stunning views over the Atlantic. 

    Ocean offers a tasting menu that changes with the seasons. The staff are more than happy to talk you through the ingredients and cooking process. There are some excellent Portuguese wines on offer if you opt for wine pairing.

    Location: R. Anneliese Pohl, 8400-450 Porches, Portugal

    Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 7 pm to 10 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Map
  • 10

    Gigi's Beach Bar Quinta do Lago, Almancil

    Lunch by a tidal lagoon

    Gigi's Beach Bar Quinta do Lago, Almancil
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    Gigi's Beach Bar is situated in a stilted wooden house in the Quinta do Lago area of Almancil. Situated on dunes just off the beach, the Atlantic breeze will keep you cool in this traditional setting while overlooking the tidal lagoon of Ria Formosa National Park.

    Gigi's is a lunch restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. With seafood BBQ on the menu, it's a great place to wind down for an afternoon. Do ask if lobster is available as it’s highly recommended. The lobster salad and ceviche are also incredible. Just remember to book, as it can fill up during peak season.

    Location: Quinta do Lago South Portugal, Almancil, Portugal

    Open: Daily from noon to 5 pm

    Phone: +351 96 404 5178

    Map

    photo by Vitor Oliveira (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

John Frodsham | Contributing Writer