Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Tag: Algarve Restaurants

  • First Portuguese-only Michelin gala takes place this February in the Algarve

    First Portuguese-only Michelin gala takes place this February in the Algarve

    The long-awaited night will feature Portugal’s most celebrated restaurants and chefs, including many from the Algarve

    – February 23, 2024
    First Portuguese-only Michelin gala takes place this February in the Algarve - Photos Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
    Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group

    The Michelin Guide galas have been held in Spanish cities since 2009, with the exception of 2018 when Lisbon hosted the event, and this year will mark the first time ever the event will take place in the Algarve.

    The Portuguese-only Michelin gala will take place on February 27, 2024 at NAU Salgados Palace & Congress Centre in Guia, Albufeira.

    Algarve chef João Oliveira, who has one Michelin star for his work at Vista in Praia da Rocha, Portimão, and two-Michelin-starred chef Dieter Koschina, from Vila Joya Restaurant in Albufeira, will be coordinating the team, which also features Hans Neuner (Ocean, Porches), José Lopes (Bon Bon, Carvoeiro), Libório Buonocore (Gusto by Heinz Beck, Quinta do Lago), Louis Anjos (Al Sud, Lagos), and Luís Brito (A Ver Tavira).

    First Portuguese-only Michelin gala takes place this February in the Algarve - Photos Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
    Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group

    The Gala will be streamed live online and hosted by famous Portuguese TV presenters Catarina Furtado and Fernando Alvim, and around 500 people are expected to attend.

    On Saturday, January 27, a special event will take place at Loulé’s municipal market as part of the Michelin-related festivities that began a month before the gala. Hosted by Luís Brito, the event will see the chef “creating a dish worthy of a Michelin star” using only the products available at the market.

    Under the title “Algarve, the Taste of South Europe”, a promotional campaign was launched centred on three “fundamental elements influencing Algarvian gastronomy: mountains, sea, and estuaries”.

     “For us, this is another very important moment that highlights gastronomy in our tourism promotion, not only on a regional but also national and international level,” said André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA).

    First Portuguese-only Michelin gala takes place this February in the Algarve - Photos Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
    Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group

    Gomes also hailed the opportunity to showcase “the quality of our local products but also our infrastructures that make the Algarve a tourist destination of excellence”.

    Hosting an event of this magnitude has given the Algarve a boost of “confidence and enthusiasm”, Gomes added, stressing that “it will be a privilege” to host the gala as well as all the culinary experts who will attend it. “We will welcome everyone with our hospitality,” he added.

    Portugal received 45 Michelin stars in the Spanish and Portuguese edition of the 2023 Michelin Guide, with all the new Michelin-starred restaurants being located in Lisbon (Encanto, Kabuki Lisboa and Kanazawa) and Porto (Euskalduna Studio and Le Monument).

    In the Algarve, Ocean (Porches) and Vila Joya (Albufeira) maintained their two-star status, while Vistas (Vila Nova de Cacela), Vista (Portimão), Bon Bon (Carvoeiro), Gusto by Heinz Beck (Almancil), Al Sud Palmares (Lagos) and A Ver Tavira (Tavira) held onto their one star.

    Article originally published by Bruno Filipe Pires on Portugal Resident.

    Read more Algarve News:

    Lagos could be the starting point of the “longest possible train journey in the world”, according to online travel enthusiasts

    Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro and Portimão

    The works of the winners of Portimão’s popular “Photographic Marathon” are on display at the city’s Museum until March 30

  • Michelin experience: Chef Hans Neuner hosts an exciting gastronomic collaboration with Catalan chefs from ‘Cocina Hermanos Torres’ this February

    Michelin experience: Chef Hans Neuner hosts an exciting gastronomic collaboration with Catalan chefs from ‘Cocina Hermanos Torres’ this February

    Vila Vita’s Ocean restaurant will welcome Catalan twins Sérgio and Javier Torres for a ‘Five Michelin-starred experience’ on February 28

    – February 23, 2024 | Text Alexandra Stilwell
    Chef Hans Neuner, Ocean Restaurant, Vila Vita, Algarve
    Chef Hans Neuner, Ocean Restaurant, Vila Vita, Algarve

    Hans Neuner, chef at the two Michelin-starred Ocean restaurant, invites Catalan twins Sérgio and Javier Torres for an authentic gastronomic feast.

    Just one day after celebrating Portugal’s first Michelin Gala in the Algarve, chef Hans Neuner welcomes chefs from the 3-starred restaurant ‘Cocina Hermanos Torres’ from Barcelona for what is set to be one of this season’s most exciting gastronomic collaborations.

    Catalan chefs from ‘Cocina Hermanos Torres’, Sérgio and Javier Torres

    The special menu will consist of four snacks and eight dishes, combining the characteristic flavours of each project, bringing influences, ingredients, recipes, and the knowledge of award-winning cooks from the two neighbouring countries to the table.

    For this collaboration, Neuner selected some of his favourite dishes from the menus he created over the last two years, which were inspired by the trips he took with his team to discover Portugal’s gastronomic roots.

    In 2022, his menu’s theme was the Indian Route, reflecting a journey that began in Portugal, passed through Africa, and culminated in Goa, on the coast of India, while last year, the menu focused on Memories of Brazil.

    Dinner costs €275 (+€175 with wine pairing). Reservations can be made at www.restauranteocean.com or +351 282 310 184.

    About Cocina Hermanos Torres

    Catalan twins Sérgio and Javier Torres opened Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona at the end of 2017. The renowned restaurant’s list of awards and distinctions is already long, including three stars in the Michelin Guide, three Repsol (the most important Spanish gastronomic guide) and a green Michelin star for its work on sustainability.

    The OAD 2023 Top Restaurants awarded them 43rd place, and Javier and Sérgio Torres occupy 20th place in The Best Chef Awards 2023. They also entered the prestigious La Liste as the first entry, with a shared No. 6.

    Read more Algarve News:

    Lagos could be the starting point of the “longest possible train journey in the world”, according to online travel enthusiasts

    Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro and Portimão

    The works of the winners of Portimão’s popular “Photographic Marathon” are on display at the city’s Museum until March 30

  • Restaurant Guide: Lagos Area

    Restaurant Guide: Lagos Area

    Inside Restaurant Guide

    Price guide for an average three-course meal for two including wine

    €    up to €50
    €€    €50 – €70
    €€€    €70 – €90
    €€€€    €90 – €110
    €€€€€    over €110

    Opening status and hours were verified at the time of print. We recommend calling the restaurants before visiting.

    ABIGAIL’S CAFÉ €€
    LAGOS

    Owned by the couple behind Nah Nah Bah, this trendy vegetarian hotspot is the place to go for something healthy and indulgent. Using local and national products, the inventive flavour combinations will tickle your taste buds with smoothies, juices, açaí bowls, pastries, and coffee. They also host brunch with live music and have several Portuguese wines, craft beers, and refreshing cocktails.

    Open every day from 9am to 4pm | Tel: 966 932 269

    ALMA LUSA €€
    PORTO DE MÓS

    Specialising in a wide variety of regional products, with a focus on Mediterranean gastronomy, Alma Lusa prepares dishes with the best products. Reinventing typical dishes such as codfish confit with mashed chickpeas, poached egg and roasted pork sausage or salmon with cockle risotto, the menu also features matured cuts of meat such as T-Bone steaks or a Tomahawk for two. Their wine cellar has some of the best national labels, and the staff is happy to lend some expert advice on the best pairings.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 924 714 439

    A PETISQUEIRA €/€€
    LAGOS

    Located in the centre of Lagos and boasting elegant and clean décor, A Petisqueira offers an impressive menu based on local and national high-quality products. From tapas to main courses, guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese food with a modern touch, along with some international dishes, all expertly cooked. Established over 10 years, A Petisqueira is already a reference in Lagos regarding the wide range of selected Portuguese wines available, offering the best pairing for your food, as well as delicious desserts. Booking is recommended in high season.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 037 406

    BUTEO KITCHEN & BAR €
    LAGOS

    Serving traditional Portuguese flavours with a modern twist, this restaurant is located on the main street in Lago’s centre. The menu features culinary delights such as slow-cooked Iberian pork, piri-piri chicken, codfish fritters. Be sure to try out their Sangria as well.

    Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 914 282 356

    DELHI DARBAR €
    LAGOS

    This family-owned Indian restaurant makes everything fresh and from scratch, and the chefs specialise in local and regional Indian flavours and techniques. The elegant and warm décor is complemented by several artworks adorning the walls, while the comprehensive menu features a wide variety of flavour-packed dishes, such as Chana Masala, Butter Chicken, the Delhi Darbar Tandoori, and a lovely Prawn Biryani, to name just a few. The restaurant also provides takeaway.

    Open daily for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 762 249

    GAIVOTA BRANCA €€
    LAGOS / MEIA PRAIA

    This popular beach restaurant enjoys an idyllic location with great views over the sand dunes and Lagos Bay, with a reputation for its fresh fish and shellfish. The wide-ranging menu offers something for everyone. There is a pleasant family atmosphere, and the service is friendly and personal.

    Open from 10am until late | Tel: 282 761 466

    GORILLA LAGOS €
    LAGOS

    Tucked away in Lagos centre, on Travessa dos Tanoeiros, Gorilla Lagos is an Asian Fusion restaurant offering exciting flavours, ranging from Dumplings to Ramen and Pad Thai to steamed Bao Buns. The menu features locally sourced meat and offers many vegan and vegetarian options. The food is complemented by signature cocktails and a range of flavoursome hand-selected natural wines. The well-arranged desserts are not to be missed.

    Open every day from 6pm. Closed from late-December to mid-January | Tel: 915 956 357

    MAR RESTAURANTE & BAR €
    LAGOS

    With one of the most stunning views in Lagos, overlooking the city’s bay, this restaurant offers an array of Portuguese-inspired dishes, from simple snacks such as hamburgers and salads to freshly cooked fish and meat dishes. Perfect for a laidback lunch or dinner with a view, its inviting outdoor terrace is a great spot for a refreshing drink at any time of the day.

    Open every day from 10am to 10pm | Tel: 282 788 006

    MARINA BAR PUB & KITCHEN €
    LAGOS

    Located in the quieter area of Lagos Marina, this bar is a must for sports lovers who will enjoy the live broadcasts whilst indulging in the wide array of beers and snacks available, or more substantial meals. Boasting a large outdoor area with great views to the marina, the Marina Bar specialities include traditional Portuguese steak, BBQ ribs and full Irish breakfast.

    Open every day from 12.30pm | Tel: 282 789 701

    MAR D’ESTÓRIAS €/€€
    LAGOS

    A special place dedicated to traditional Portuguese recipes, with a particular focus on those from the Algarve, the bistro at Mar d’Estórias offers regional dishes using local products to ensure quality and authentic flavours. On the first floor and the terrace, you can indulge in dishes full of stories whilst on the ground floor, you can select some products from the grocery store to prepare Portuguese dishes at home.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Tel: 282 792 165

    MOSTO WINE SHOP & BAR €€
    LAGOS

    A modern and alluring space in Lagos offering a unique experience. Dedicated to the craft of wine, at Mosto, guests can taste some rare wines by the glass, learn about indigenous grapes, share pairings and even meet with wine producers. Their extensive wine list is complemented with local dishes perfectly paired, and you can look around the walls lined with bottles to take home or as a souvenir. The shop also has a VIP membership with benefits such as a calendar of special events and early access to new wines and tastings.

    Open from 3pm to 11.30pm; closed Sunday | Tel: 282 769 527

    NAH NAH BAH €
    LAGOS/LUZ

    With a tropical inspiration, Nah Nah Bah showcases fresh and healthy produce in a bold culinary fusion. Featured in The Guardian as a top burger spot in Portugal, this lively restaurant serves up a series of flavour-packed burgers with unique names, including vegan and gluten-free options. Now in two locations, the menu also has pasta dishes, tacos, salads and much more.

    Lagos: Open every day from 5pm to 10pm | Tel: 966 237 171
    Luz: Temporarily closed | Tel: 910 189 366

    O PERCEVE €€€
    LAGOS

    Named after the Portuguese word for goose barnacles, this restaurant and seafood shop prides itself on its stunning platters of seafood alongside an impressive wine list. Serving only the freshest seafood and quality meat, the menu specialties include arroz de lagosta (lobster rice stew), traditional cataplana and lobster curry, among other delicacies. They have a classic desserts menu, including the Portuguese Dom Rodrigo, and also serve daily specials.

    Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 936 174 644

    PIE LAGOS €
    LAGOS

    Located in the town centre, the PIE Lagos has a unique and laidback atmosphere, serving up craft beer, cocktails, and, of course, custom-made pies. Besides the classics (steak and onion; creamy chicken; and fish), along with a vegetarian and vegan option, guests can pick the ingredients themselves and make their own pies. There is also a variety of bar snacks, such as hot wings or Scotch Egg.

    Open everyday from 12.30pm (5pm on Sunday) Tel: 964 780 708

    PUERTO ESCONDIDO €
    LAGOS

    Hidden away in Praia da Luz, this new restaurant promises authentic Mexican flavours with a Portuguese twist. With the freshest ingredients and homemade corn tortillas, the menu features tacos, nachos, ceviches and more traditional Mexican dishes, along with smoothies and açai bowls and natural juices. There are also vegetarian options and tasty desserts.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 098 541

    PUERTO ESCONDIDO €
    LAGOS

    Hidden away in Praia da Luz, this new restaurant promises authentic Mexican flavours with a Portuguese twist. With the freshest ingredients and homemade corn tortillas, the menu features tacos, nachos, ceviches and more traditional Mexican dishes, along with smoothies and açai bowls and natural juices. There are also vegetarian options and tasty desserts.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 098 541

    RESTAURANTE ATALAIA €
    LAGOS

    Atalaia is a favourite amongst locals thanks to its wide range of traditional Portuguese dishes at accessible prices. The restaurant is known for its grilled fresh fish, especially the grilled sea bass and many steak options, washed down with reasonably priced wine. It is usually very busy, especially during lunchtime, so booking is recommended.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 789 503 / 927 130 757

    SOUTHWEST BISTRO €
    LAGOS

    A unique culinary experience on the second floor of Lagos Marina, this restaurant brings together delicious food and fun moments. Winner of the Best Spirit Award at Rota do Petisco 2023, the menu offers everything from burgers and fresh seafood to gyozas as well as refreshing drinks, to be enjoyed as you soak in their stunning views.

    Open every day from 12pm | Tel: 927 373 613

    TABERNA DA MÓ €€
    LAGOS

    Located in the heart of Lagos, Taberna da Mó is the latest venture presented by the husband-and-wife team responsible for A Petisqueira. With a clean and fresh decór, Taberna da Mó offers a real experience of home-cooked Portuguese food in a cool and casual atmosphere. As expected, the restaurant also has a very good wine list, complemented with spirits and cocktails. 

    Open Monday to Saturday from 12.20pm | Tel: 282 799 445

    ALLORO RESTAURANT €€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Located in the Baía da Luz resort, this Italian restaurant leaves a lasting impression on those who have had the pleasure of savouring its dishes. From the tables, you can observe the magic happening in the open kitchen and choose a wine from the extensive wine cellar. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a great atmosphere.

    Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner | Tel: 282 790 886

    AS DUNAS €€/€€€
    SAGRES

    Located at the Martinhal Resort in Sagres, As Dunas is a laidback restaurant that offers a wide choice of traditional Algarvean food at its best. There’s plenty of seafood and fresh fish to choose from — at accessible prices — and in a stunning location, amidst the sand dunes of Martinhal Beach. With its cool deck and contemporary look, this is the perfect restaurant for a relaxed summer lunch.

    Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner | Tel: 282 790 886

    ENDLESS SUMMER BEACH BAR & PIZZA €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Serving light snacks, hearty salads and tasty burgers such as the Crispy Cheeseburger with fried onion or the Veggie burger made with Portobello mushroom, soy sauce and homemade guacamole, this beachside bar is great to enjoy the coming warmer months. They also serve delicious pizzas (and you can even create your own) and homemade, sugar-free ice cream made entirely from fruit.

    Open every day from 9am | Tel: 282 098 201

    KELLY’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Bustling with life, Kelly’s is a staple in Praia da Luz for sports lovers. Serving delicious bar food such as smash burgers, wings, ribs, and much more, this is the perfect place to have a pint and a snack whilst watching your team play on the massive screens. Available for private parties.

    Open everyday from 12pm (10am on weekends) | Tel: 282 096 929

    LATITUDE WINE & TAPAS €/€€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Boasting a stunning wine cellar and serving mouth-watering and regionally inspired tapas, Latitude has signature cocktails, artisan craft beers and fine national wines. The extensive tapas menu, prepared with locally sourced produce, is ideal for sharing with family and friends, such as fresh tuna tartar and octopus salad or roasted chorizo with pepperoni piquillo peppers. Just 100m from the Luz seafront, the restaurant exudes a trendy, nautical theme furnished with stunning, upcycled pieces, and they host a popular Sunday Bottomless Brunch.

    Open every day from 12pm | Tel: 282 782 115

    LAZULI BAR €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Offering a wide range of tasty snacks and light meals, from hamburgers and baguettes to the classic English breakfast, Lazuli Bar enjoys a privileged location right in front of the beautiful Praia da Luz beach. Opened for over 25 years, Lazuli’s outdoor deck is the perfect place for a late breakfast or evening drink, whilst inside the large screen TV will please all sports fans.

    Open every day from 8.30am | Tel: 282 789 816

    OLLIE’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Perfect for an after-work drink with friends, Ollie’s quickly became a popular meeting point in Luz. With a friendly atmosphere, courtesy of owner Ollie, the bar serves a huge range of cocktails — the expresso martini is not to be missed —, wine by the glass, beers, and gins, as well as a few tapas to line the stomach in-between drinks.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday from 5pm til late | Tel: 918 326 326

    PARAÍSO €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Opened in 1965, family-run restaurant Paraíso is located on the sandy beach of Praia da Luz. With a large indoor terrace with sliding windows and a retractable roof, this popular beach restaurant and bar offers stunning views to the tranquil Luz bay. Serving traditional Portuguese food — from tender meat to the freshest seafood — as well as vegetarian dishes and homemade pizzas cooked by the restaurant’s experienced pizza bakers, Paraíso has something for everyone. In the summer, there is also a lounge, where clients can enjoy food and drinks in the comfort of their sunbeds.

    Open all day, every day | Tel: 282 788 246

    PAULO’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    A traditional Portuguese restaurant owned by Paulo and his family, who boast more than 20 years of experience in the business. With air conditioning on the inside and a lovely outside terrace, specialties include the traditional cataplana, fresh monkfish and octopus dishes, as well as great meat dishes, from black pork and Portuguese-style steak to grilled Black Angus sirloin. The homemade desserts are a must and a children’s menu is also available. Reservations are essential.

    Open Monday to Saturday for dinner | Tel: 282 792 355

    SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT €
    PRAIA DA LUZ / LAGOS

    Offering traditional homemade Indian food, Saffron and its sister restaurant have been established in Praia da Luz and Lagos, respectively, for over 25 years. Having received a certificate of excellence from travel review website Tripadvisor consecutively since 2015, both restaurants serve generous portions and their menu includes special tandoori, balti and karahi dishes. The Lagos restaurant is located in the city centre, boasting friendly staff and a great family atmosphere, as well as commodities such as free Wi-Fi. Take-away service is available. Credit cards accepted.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Praia da Luz: 282 768 825 / Lagos: 282 768 083

    PIZZA REAL €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Boasting freshly baked pizza, this restaurant has something for everyone. From the BBQ chicken and the ever-popular Meat Lover or an American Hot with pepperoni, green chillies, red onions, and green peppers, Pizza Real also serves delicious curries with different levels of spiciness, just tell the chef how you like it. There are also fresh-made pastas (gluten-free available on request), vegan and vegetarian options and even fish dishes. Take away available.

    Open every day from 11.30am to 11.30pm | Tel: 282 788 369

    RESTAURANTE ATLÂNTICO €€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    One of the longest-established restaurants in Luz, Restaurante Atlântico highlights the best of Portuguese traditional gastronomy, serving a wide variety of the freshest seafood, meat and pasta dishes. Located in the village’s Avenida dos Pescadores, the restaurant is a must for fish lovers and you cannot miss out on their famous cataplana and seafood rice. They also serve a selection of vegetarian options. With a cosy shaded terrace, the restaurant’s décor showcases a nautical theme. The staff is friendly and efficient.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner | Tel: 926 008 502

    TELHEIRO DO INFANTE €
    SAGRES

    A long-established restaurant at Mareta beach, Telheiro do Infante is known for serving some of the best fresh fish and shellfish in Sagres along with great ocean views. With a traditional atmosphere, specialities include popular Portuguese dishes, such as monkfish and shellfish cataplanas and lobster rice. Ensuring the high quality of the produce, the restaurant boasts its very own shellfish nurseries. The wine list features a wide range of white wines and refreshing vinho verde, along with a few quality reds.

    Open Wednesday to Monday from 12pm | Tel: 914 232 906

    ZEST PIZZARIA €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    This new restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a Portuguese twist. Using locally sourced ingredients and the finest Italian meats and cheeses, everything is made fresh, from their Napolitana-style pizza to the risottos and pastas, alongside Portuguese dishes and their delicious desserts. The drinks menu features a wide selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner; open all day Sunday from 12-noon | Tel: 920 221 721

  • Restaurant Guide: Carvoeiro Area

    Restaurant Guide: Carvoeiro Area

    Inside Restaurant Guide

    Price guide for an average three-course meal for two including wine

    €    up to €50

    €€    €50 – €70

    €€€    €70 – €90

    €€€€    €90 – €110

    €€€€€    over €110

    Opening status and hours were verified at the time of print. We recommend calling the restaurants before visiting.

    CARVOEIRO 

    BAUSHI SUSHI & BAR €

    Serving quality sushi and perfect thirst-quenching beverages, Baushi Sushi & Bar is a great showcase of Japanese cuisine. Make yourself at home on the relaxed outdoor seating area or escape the heat and stay cool in the stunning indoor space. With tasting menus as well as à la carte, including vegetarian options, the restaurant also serves fruity cocktails, fine wine, and tea, along with lovely desserts. Take away is available and they also accept private events.

    Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 968 706 151

    BONECA BAR €

    Found in one of the best locations in Carvoeiro, Boneca Bar is the perfect place to sit back and while away the time. Set within the cliffs of Algar Seco, this restaurant and bar serves fresh fish and a selection of meat, complemented by a carefully put-together wine list. A family-run establishment, there is also a range of cocktails and sangria if you simply want a drink whilst you enjoy the surroundings.

    Closed for holidays. Check online for reopening details. | Tel: 282 358 391

    CHEF’S KITCHEN €€

    The spacious restaurant is tastefully decorated, cosy in the winter and with pleasant outdoor terrace spaces for the warmer months. Enjoy the excellent calf’s liver, great steaks and regular fish specials, as well as tasty homemade burgers made from prime meats.

    Closed for holidays. Check online for reopening details. | Tel: 282 083 332

    DECADENTE €€

    Boasting a stunning outdoor patio and elegant décor, Decadente is the perfect drinks lounge to enjoy an Algarve afternoon or evening. The space also houses a concept store selling traditional Portuguese products, such as canned sardines. Serving quality wines, cocktails and the perfect G&T, alongside local specialties, cheeses, presunto and more to nibble on.

    Closed in February. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am | Tel: 912 471 282

    GURKHA KITCHEN €/€€

    This lovely restaurant is a favourite amongst locals. The menu offers a wide variety of Nepalese specialities, and lovers of spiced food will find the dishes are all very different with mild and balanced flavours. This cuisine is also great for people who are not too comfortable with the hotter Indian flavours. They have an Indian menu as well, so there’s something for everyone’s palate. When you reach O Cantinho and The Wolf, on Estrada do Farol, walk up the steep hill.

    Open daily from 11am to 11pm | Tel: 282 185 776 / 920 169 028

    L’ORANGE €

    A cosy restaurant with a relaxing ambience, L’Orange specialises in international and French-inspired cuisine created by Belgian chef patron Jan Mortier, complemented by the delicious homemade desserts made by wife Karin. The interior is pleasantly decorated, whilst outside, a pretty terrace is perfect for al fresco dining. L’Orange is located just outside Carvoeiro, near the Carvoeiro Hotel.

    Closed in December and January. Check online for reopening details. | Tel: 282 357 297

    PRIMAVERA €€

    An attractive trattoria-style restaurant at the top of Estrada do Farol, Primavera serves Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, including pizza, pasta dishes, fresh fish and great steaks. The restaurant has a lovely ambience and features a stylish interior décor, as well as a large, partially glazed outdoor area ideal for al fresco dining.

    Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm | Tel: 282 358 017

    TAPAS DA VILA €/€€

    Boasting one of the nicest views of Carvoeiro Beach, this restaurant serves tapas and small snacks, perfect to enjoy an afternoon chatting with friends, as well as main dishes. There are traditional Portuguese favourites, such as small seared squids, prawns with garlic, clams and chicken wings. For those with a bigger appetite, there are burgers, a stunning ribeye steak and a meat board for two, and more.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday from 10am to 10.30pm. | Tel: 966 655 987

    TASTE €€

    Taste is located at the end of Rua do Barranco (the out road). A laid-back, bright and thoughtfully designed venue, serving a selection of tapas alongside a number of Mediterranean/international dishes on the à la carte menu. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with Fridays Tasty Tapas, when diners can enjoy all-you can-eat tapas; and steak night on Saturday. Their cocktail menu is fantastic, and you can enjoy their creations on the large terrace.

    Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner | Tel: 282 358 092

    THE WOLF BAR & GRILL €€€

    Delicious, quality steaks, rack of lamb and daily fish and seafood specials are served in this upscale bar and grill with smart interiors and outdoor dining on the ground floor, and an elegant upstairs lounge on the terrace. Located on Estrada do Farol, the restaurant’s star attraction is the US Black Angus beef, including an excellent T-bone cooked on the charcoal grill/oven. Lunch and dinner served indoors or on the bottom terrace. Reservations recommended.

    Open everyday for lunch & dinner. | Tel: 282 354 022

    THE ONE €€€€

    Celebrating national products, Tivoli Carvoeiro’s flagship restaurant takes a simple recipe and infuses it with international influences. With a spectacular view out over the glistening Atlantic, The One has a sophisticated style and presentation. The team is very knowledgeable and keen to showcase the best offerings from local winemakers, taking the dining experience to another level. The menu is varied with fish, meat and vegetarian options.

    Open for dinner | Tel: 282 351 100

    TOURIGA WINE & DINE €

    A wine lovers’ paradise at the top of restaurant hill, this is a very grown-up wine restaurant with one of the most impressive collections around. Owner Jorge has been collecting wine for years and you’ll find some rare bottles here beside a more accessible, wonderful Portuguese range that has been specially selected. The food is a casual dining affair with some Portuguese dishes along with small plates for those who are looking for something to go with their wine.

    Open from 5.30pm to 12am. Closed Sunday. | Tel: 282 075 834

    OUTSIDE CARVOEIRO 

    A ESQUINA €/€€
    QUINTA DOS SANTOS, SESMARIAS

    A vineyard, a craft-beer brewery, a stunning dining space with terraces and a fabulous courtyard just on the edge the Pestana Gramacho golf course. The menu has a variety of tapas and sharing dishes so guests can enjoy a leisurely snacking, beer or wine tasting experience or a more traditional three-course meal. All dishes are made with fresh, local ingredients and packed with great flavours. They sell their own wines and craft beers on site, so you get the full Dos Santos experience, and there is live music on Wednesdays.

    Open Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 10pm | Tel: 282 343 264

    ALVOR WINE €/€€
    ALVOR

    Passionate about wines and a deep connoisseur of the winemaking process, owner João Machado created a space where the pleasure of tasting a good dish with a good wine is perfectly matched. At Alvor Wine, chef Lucas Santos uses the freshest ingredients to create innovative dishes with a Mediterranean concept and a modern twist. Providing a true gastronomic experience, rich in combinations full of flavours, aromas and colours, the restaurant favours local produce and the wine list features more than 300 national labels.

    Open Monday to Saturday for dinner | Tel: 968 457 570

    ARTE NÁUTICA €€/€€€
    ARMAÇÃO DE PÊRA

    Located on Armação de Pêra beach, well away from the built-up part of town, this is a high-quality fish and seafood restaurant owned and operated by the Vila Vita Parc resort. Fresh produce is always in abundance and the restaurant has a large terrace with uninterrupted sea views and an air-conditioned interior.

    Closed until mid-December. Check online for reopening details. | Tel: 282 314 875

    BON BON €€€€€
    SESMARIAS

    With chef José Lopes at the reins, Carvoeiro’s only Michelin-starred restaurant has long been known as one of the best in the area for fine dining. The menu is backed up by a solid wine list of Portuguese and foreign labels, carefully selected by owner and sommelier Nuno Diogo. Dine inside by the central log fire in the cooler months or out on the terrace with view of the Monchique hills.

    Open for dinner from Thursday to Monday and lunch on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays | Tel: 282 341 496

    CASA JOÃO RESTAURANT & PIZZARIA €/€€
    SESMARIAS

    Inspired by the freshest ingredients and seafood, this popular restaurant is also known for its pizzas. Ranging from classics such as the Margherita or the Hawaiian, there are also creative options such as the Picasso, with Pepperoni and Gorgonzola cheese or the Carbonara pizza. For pasta lovers, the menu features dishes such as linguini nero with spicy shrimp and a delicious, classic lasagna. There are also vegetarian options.

    Open everyday (except Thursday) from 5pm to 10.30pm. Lunch & Dinner on Sunday | Tel: 926 013 910

    HEXAGONE €€€€
    SESMARIAS

    Serving top-quality meats, a wide range of cuts, all cooked to tender, juicy perfection. The menu also offers a variety of fish, seafood and vegetarian option and is backed up by an extensive wine cellar featuring some of Portugal’s finest labels. With an elegant dining room, lounge bar and outdoor terrace, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Sunday from November. | Tel: 282 342 485

    MARISQUEIRA RUI €€
    SILVES

    One of the Algarve’s most famous seafood restaurant. The food is as fresh as it gets, and the ambience relaxed and noisy from the sound of crab cracking. You’ll find a vast selection of seafood cooked to order, and speciality dishes such as seafood rice and cataplanas are also available. This is a very popular place with locals on the weekends, so arrive early for a table.

    Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. | Tel: 282 442 682

    O LEÃO DE PORCHES €€/€€€
    PORCHES

    Located in the centre of Porches, this is one of the oldest and most appealing restaurants in the Algarve. Established in the 1960s and now run by Belgian owner Bianca Salden, the restaurant serves Belgian and Mediterranean cuisine complemented by a well-balanced list of more than 80 Portuguese wines. The building still retains much of its 18th-century charm, and the creative menu perfectly complements the cosy and inviting ambience of the restaurant.

    Open for dinner only. Closed Wednesdays | Tel: 282 381 384

    OCEAN €€€€€
    VILA VITA PARC / ALPORCHINHOS

    At Vila Vita Parc, Ocean, with two Michelin stars, enjoys a prime location set just back from the cliff-top with stunning views both from the terrace and from the inside. The ambience is refined, with discreet service and exquisite tableware setting the scene for a special occasion. Diners are offered a fixed tasting menu consisting of 12 “moments” prepared by Austrian chef Hans Neuner and his team, with optional wine pairing to accompany each dish.

    Closed in select dates from December to February. Check online for opening times. Tel: 282 310 100

    OREGANO €/€€
    SESMARIAS

    Located opposite the water tower in Sesmarias to the west of Carvoeiro (next to Bon Bon restaurant), Oregano offers a mix of Italian and Portuguese cuisine. Complementing a selection of fish and meat dishes such as fresh cod lagareiro-style are pasta dishes and a good selection of light meals, including tasty wraps and salads. An excellent option for lunch, with a great three-course special, except Sunday when the special is roast lamb.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner. Tel: 282 353 465

    SEMI XO €/€€
    POÇO PARTIDO

    This beautifully kitted-out lounge/bar/restaurant can be found in between Carvoeiro and Lagoa, near Intermarché. Stylish and welcoming, serving French and Asian-inspired cuisine, this is a grown-up place with a menu for food lovers. The wine list features carefully selected bottles that have been chosen to compliment the menu and light bites are available. You can stop off for a drink and enjoy a G&T or maybe even the family’s own Edd’s wine.

    Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner | Tel: 915 555 977

    VILA VITA BIERGARTEN €/€€
    PORCHES

    Located on the EN 125 in Porches is a traditional, Bavarian-style beer garden. Owned and operated by the five-star Vila Vita Parc resort, this authentic Biergarten serves German beer, homemade sausages from the resort’s butcher and other German specialities. The Herdade dos Grous wine label is available here and is made in their Alentejo vineyard. With lovely gardens and filled with authentic touches, it also features a great kids play area.

    Open every day from 12.30pm to 10pm | Tel: 282 381 177

    FERRAGUDO

    CLUB NAU €/€€
    FERRAGUDO

    Serving a wonderful selection of fabulous sushi from their extended Sushi Corner along with classic European dishes and, of course, fresh fish. A comprehensive snack menu paired with a spectacular cocktail and wine selection complete the experience. Live music every Sunday and a busy entertainment schedule along with a great Sunday Roast.

    Open daily from 10am | Tel: 282 484 414

    EDD’S BEACH €€
    FERRAGUDO

    Nestled in the heart of the Algarve, this beach club is perfect to unwind. Serving fresh smoothies and snacks to enjoy by the pool, such as oysters and poke bowls, there is also a full menu featuring fresh seafood, Brazillian-style picanha and mouth-watering desserts. The drinks menu includes an array of cocktails such as the classic Piña Colada, as well as the Edd’sprtiz with gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and Prosecco, alongside the family’s own wines.

    Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am | Tel: 915 555 977

    FERRAGUDU’S TERRACE €/€€
    FERRAGUDO

    Boasting panoramic views of the quaint fishing village that inspired it and the river Arade, this gastrobar run by brothers João and Pedro serves freshly caught local seafood. From a delicious spider crab soup to unique raspberry, tuna and basil tartare, the menu is well complemented by a carefully selected wine list that features mostly Portuguese labels. Cocktail lovers will also be ecstatic, as the drink’s menu is far from ordinary.

    Open Tuesday to Friday from 5pm and on weekends from 12.30pm Tel: 966 299 215

    C REI DAS PRAIAS €/€€
    CANEIROS

    Located on Caneiros beach between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, this high-quality restaurant offers a very good selection of prime fresh fish that can be plain grilled or oven-roasted and then deboned at your table. For a special treat, ask for the fresh giant carabineiros (scarlet prawns). There is an excellent selection of fine wines and Champagnes, including Billecart-Salmon, served at the lounge-bed area on the beach. Reservations are essential.

    Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner; lunch only on Sunday | Tel: 282 461 006

  • Vila Vita to host Truffle Week & four-hand dinner with chefs Vincent Guimerà and João Viegas in honour of exotic ingredient

    Vila Vita to host Truffle Week & four-hand dinner with chefs Vincent Guimerà and João Viegas in honour of exotic ingredient

    Atlântico restaurant to host a special dinner experience during ‘Truffle Week’ at Vila Vita Parc Resort

    – October 19, 2023

    Atlântico restaurant

    Chef João Viegas from Atlântico restaurant and visiting chef Vincent Guimerà from L’Antic Molí restaurant in Spain will join forces this October 29 for a special dinner.

    “An unmissable dining experience featuring the truffle, one of the most popular ingredients of all time will be the highlight of a week dedicated to the uniqueness of the exotic truffle, taking place at the Atlântico restaurant between October 28 and November 1, with a menu carefully prepared by chef João Viegas and his team,” says the resort.

    Chef Vincent Guimerà from L’Antic Molí restaurant has been recognised as one of the “pioneers of the Slow Food and Km0 movements”, awarded a Michelin Star in 2017 and a Green Michelin Star in 2020. With its cuisine focusing on local and organic products, the restaurant’s philosophy is deeply connected to the region and its community, similar to the philosophies of chef João Viegas at Atlântico.

    There will be a four-hand dinner at 7pm with a 6-course tasting menu for €170 per person and an option for wine pairings for €75 per person. The rest of the week, dinners will be served à la carte.

    For this event and à la carte dining on the remaining days of Truffle Week, advance bookings are recommended through the Vila Vita website or via email at fb@vilavitaparc.com.

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  • Inside visits a family-run steakhouse with a stunning view and delicious food

    Inside visits a family-run steakhouse with a stunning view and delicious food

    Vau Steakhouse is a cut above

    October 12, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 8

    Be it for the sea view, the quality food or the intimate and comfortable atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons to visit Vau Steakhouse, right next to Portimão’s Vau beach.

    A true family business, where everyone helps in the most diverse areas, from the kitchen and customer service to the decoration.

    This restaurant is the result of Vítor Teixeira desires’ who, together with his brother Francisco, known as Chico, decided to take a risk and open an unrivalled establishment that makes so many customers happy. Not only is it a place where you can have a meal or a cocktail with live music nights but also a space where weddings, baptisms and sunset parties are held.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 7

    The menu is diverse, perfect for both meat and seafood lovers. “We decided to have a varied choice of dishes on the menu, it would be unthinkable to be by the beach and not serve fish or seafood,” Vítor commented. There are even vegan options, such as the spinach and tomato risotto or the mushroom one, the vegetable linguini or the tropical salad.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 3

    For those who don’t like meat, the octopus “lagareiro” style is just as tasty as the typical Portuguese dish of codfish that is also served here or, if you fancy another fish dish, there is the salmon fillet or bream. As might be expected, there is also seafood rice and cataplana as well as the special Cataplana Vau Steakhouse, which substitutes the traditional seafood with filet mignon.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 2

    The menu was carefully chosen by Vítor’s wife Vanda, his brother Chico and another of the seven brothers, João Carlos, who like Chico also has experience in catering. The list of meat dishes is extensive, and the recommendations are many but, when in doubt, the Surf & Turf dish will not leave you dissatisfied. The pepper steak, the Tomahawk, or the mixed meat platter will all delight meat lovers, as the restaurant serves cuts of excellence that come from Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 5

    Nonetheless, national and regional products are also valued, and the family works in partnership with local suppliers. Floral Portimão wine is on the list along with some references from the Alentejo region and several from the Douro. For those who prefer a more aromatic drink, there is sparkling wine and champagne as well as red, white, or sparkling sangria.

    “We stand out for our genuine essence, for the attention we give to customers and for the joyful spirit with which we serve them,” Vítor emphasised. In addition to these factors, there is the breathtaking view where the sky meets the sea, which makes for a calming and cheerful atmosphere, helped along by the vibrant colours of both the beach and the surrounding nature. “It is a wide-open space adaptable to any circumstance and climate,” the owner explained, showing that the glass around the centre of the restaurant can be fitted or not and the structure allows to choose the size of the serving area.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 4

    A fascinating space for those inside and the ones passing by, you are greeted with a giant bull made of weathered steel, which immediately draws attention to the fact that it is a steakhouse, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow you to feel the harmony of the place and enjoy the landscape it provides.

    It was Vanda who imagined a space for large events, hence the decoration in light colours with white chairs and tables which “convey purity and peace”, she explained. The other elements were also carefully selected – the plants are all natural and most were already on the grounds and nothing better than sand on the outside to remind diners of where they are, a few metres from the beach.

    Vau Steakhouse, Portimão - 1

    The team of professionals features several family members, including four of Vítor’s nephews and his eldest son, which makes the atmosphere comfortable and cosy. “They all get along very well and work perfectly together. They know how to communicate and understand when there is an opportunity to be in a more informal environment,” revealed the owner.

    Vau Steakhouse is known by both locals and foreigners, but most diners are from the United Kingdom and United States,  as well as Canadians, Spanish, French, Italians, and Germans. “We mostly speak English here, but I would like to have more local people visiting us,” Vítor stated. “The Portuguese associate ‘steakhouse’ with a high-priced establishment and only meat dishes, which is not what happens here.”

    The idea of opening a restaurant came from the Vítor and Vanda’s experience after two years working in the catering sector in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Vanda already had experience as a cook and her husband in table service, essential factors that led to the realisation of a common desire: to open a business of their own.

    Before that, after years of working as a night security guard in the Algarve, Vítor decided he no longer wanted to work those shifts and chose to move to London, where he joined three of his brothers who were already living there. Despite having the ambition to work in a different sector, he ended up accepting a security guard position but this time in restaurants, having later also done table service.

    Even though he was close to his family, he did not feel complete. “I had the ambition to change my life, I felt I could do more professionally, and I decided to return to my country. However, as Vanda’s family is in Angola, we chose to try a life there but it didn’t work out so we have returned and put all our efforts into this business,” he said.

    Follow Vau Steakhouse on Facebook and Instagram.

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  • Grab your Tapas! Algarve’s Rota do Petisco begins this Friday!

    Grab your Tapas! Algarve’s Rota do Petisco begins this Friday!

    176 establishments across the Algarve will participate in the event until October 15

    – September 14, 2023

    Rota dos Petiscos

    Rota do Petisco (Tapas Route), one of the most popular gastronomic events in the Algarve, is back.

    To participate in this exciting event, participants must purchase the event’s passport – which costs €1.50 and also serves as a guide –, and explore the 176 participating establishments‘ tapas across the region, from Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira.

    Participants receive access to the full route course using the passport, which offers different menus and options, such as the Petisco Menu (tapas and a drink) for €4 and the Dessert Menu (dessert and a drink) for €2.50.

    “The more tapas participants try, the more stamps they collect and the more chances they get to win prizes,” says Teia D’Impulsos, the association that organisers the event.

    There are also other routes to explore, such as the World Route, which offers typical dishes from other countries such as Cape Verde, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Turkey, India, Thailand, China, or Japan.

    This year’s edition also includes a Vegetarian Option, with 15 establishments serving vegetarian dishes.

    The passport can be purchased at the following establishments: Espaço Raiz, Portimão; Parish Council of Odeceixe; Parish Council of Vila do Bispo; Cultural Centre of Vila do Bispo; Lagos City Hall; Parish Council of Alvor; Tourist Information Office Portimão; Municipal Council of Monchique; Silves Archaeological Museum; Albufeira City Hall; Gama Lobo’s Palace, Loulé; Tavira City Hall.

    For more information about the event, visit Rota do Petisco‘s website.

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  • There is a new dining experience at Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant

    There is a new dining experience at Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant

    From the land and the sea

    – September 14, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

    Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant - 2

    In an intimate and cosy atmosphere, Porches’ Vilalara Thalassa Resort welcomes guests for a unique tasting experience at the fine dining restaurant of the luxury resort which is part of the Blue & Green Hotels & Resorts chain.

    Overlooking the sea and with live music nights, B&G stands out from the resort’s other restaurants – Terrace Grill and Pizzeria Grotta Rotonda – for its new gastronomic experience.

    Portuguese traditions and local produce are prioritised in this space where the friendliness of the staff provides a warm welcome to diners, further enhanced by the kindness of sommelier Vitaliy Lesyuk.

    Available in six or seven moments, the new tasting menu called “Maré”, which includes bread, snacks, starter, main course, dessert and petit-fours, brings the flavour of the sea, through various fish and seafood dishes, and of the mountains. To start, as it could not be any other way in a “Portuguese house”, freshly baked bread is placed on the table, made with national wheat flour by a local baker, served with homemade butter with natural fermentation, flavoured with seaweed from the Algarve coast.

    Chef Diogo Pereira - Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant
    Chef Diogo Pereira

    To savour this moment, diners are invited to share a generous piece that must be broken with their hands, which breaks the usual formal atmosphere of the typical fine-dining experience. When emphasising the importance of the meal, chef Diogo Pereira explained that this act has “a symbolic meaning” and makes “the moment more intimate because it requires trust and proximity”.

    Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant - 1

    To prepare the menu, the chef, a native of Faro, said that “the inspirations all come from nature and our traditions”, stressing that “Portugal has a unique cuisine, ingredients and techniques”. Next, diners are surprised with three small snacks with traditional flavours, which should be tasted in the following order: fig with ham and muscatel sauce; sun-dried moray eel skin, fried in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with Madeira molasses and dried chillies; and mackerel with sea lettuce marinated with garum, a condiment of Roman origins, resulting from the fermentation of blue fish with salt for several months.

    The dishes presented are intended to celebrate authenticity. As such, there is a choice of fish and meat, with starters such as carabineiro em crudo (raw scarlet prawn) from Vila Real de Santo António served with its grilled head; fresh scallops with Silves-style arjamolho, made from tomatoes, cucumber and peppers lightly macerated with olive oil and vinegar; tuna tartar, fresh herbs and trout roe; braised bonito with fennel and sour leaves and oysters farmed in the Ria de Alvor, prepared in a light escabeche sauce.

    The selection presented, which pays homage to fishermen and shellfish harvesters, was carefully planned, having undergone changes from the initial idea. For example, “the scallops were supposed to be served with a gazpacho, but we ended up going for the arjamolho that makes the broth lighter”, explained the chef. For the fish dishes, the options are fried sunfish with goose barnacles from the rugged Sagres cliffs and millet; grouper, caldeirada broth, clams and fried bread; and one-sided tuna, cooked on one side with salted toucinho (bacon), parsnips and a semi-dry Madeira wine sauce.

    Vilalara Thalassa Resort’s B&G restaurant

    The choice of each specific fish stems from the chef’s knowledge and familiarity with the sea and fishing. In particular, he made a point of serving sunfish because it is “often considered rubbish because it is difficult to work with due to its very tough skin and because it is difficult to get hold of, so it is not used a lot”. He wanted to test ageing it and had no doubt that it would have a place on the menu.

    Meat dishes include black Alentejo pork neck, Provençal-style tian and prune chutney; aged Arouquesa beef, served with boiled corn and carob, slow-cooked with fig wood ash, a technique that dates back to the Aztecs; and duck breast, aged for five days to achieve crispy skin and tender meat, served with Jerusalem artichokes and Óbidos sour cherry sauce.

    The pork neck was chosen to honour this “gastronomic icon” and the specific part of the animal was chosen because it is a piece that the chef loves to work with and can be used in various dishes. The last dish is also one of the chef’s favourites, as it reminds him of the duck rice made by his grandmother and highlights the meat’s versatility, since it can be served “both fully cooked and more on the rare side”.

    Desserts include soufflé de melosa, a Vilalara icon that has been on the menu since 1972, made from medronho and honey from the Monchique hills; tangerine, parfait, granita and pickle, with various textures and flavoured with pennyroyal; and chocolate and carob and pastel de nata reinvented by António, master pastry chef at the resort for over three decades.

    The menu also has a vegan option with seven moments featuring almond gazpacho and caramelised onions, pumpkin steak, spinach and ancient wheat, mushroom chou farci, yam puré and pumpkin sauce and chocolate and carob. The rest are surprises, chosen by the chef himself.

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  • Praia Dourada celebrates Blue and White Party this August

    Praia Dourada celebrates Blue and White Party this August

    Armação de Pêra’s beachfront restaurant celebrates summer in style

    – August 3, 2023

    Vila Vita Parc’s, beach restaurant Praia Dourada (1) (1)

    Vila Vita Parc’s beach restaurant Praia Dourada is hosting its anticipated summer event, which will take place this August 8 and 29.

    Starting at 9.30pm and until 4am, guests will have the opportunity to ”dance under the stars to top guest DJs”.

    The drinks menu will include the Spicy Pineapple made with Curado Tequila, pineapple, apricot, and jalapenos and the Miss Ginger made with Ginraw Cherry Blossom gin, red fruits, and ginger beer.

    Vila Vita Parc’s beach restaurant Praia Dourada

    “The sandy terrace and adjacent beachfront location provide the perfect backdrop for this fantastic event”, states de resort, recommending guests to try the delicious meals that the restaurant will prepare before the beginning of the festivities.

    Dishes on the menu will include mussels with chilli, coriander, and coconut milk; giant prawn with black rice and mango; and fresh sushi and poke bowls featuring locally sourced fish.

    “Don’t miss out on this amazing event, come and party with Vila Vita Parc and experience the best that Armação de Pêra has to offer!”

    The dress code for the event is blue and white and the entrance is free for everyone.

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  • Ferragudo is home to a trendy brunch spot that has already become a reference in the area

    Ferragudo is home to a trendy brunch spot that has already become a reference in the area

    Brunch in Rio offers “a memorable experience for more than just the food”

    – July 31, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    In a familiar, intimate and comfortable environment, Brunch in Rio offers a memorable experience, not only for the food – which is exceptional – but for its relaxed atmosphere and pleasing décor.

    It is a place that was missing in the Algarve and has been much appreciated by locals and foreigners who haven’t stopped coming here since it opened on August 8, 2021, exactly as the owner Ana Prudêncio had envisioned.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    The restaurant is remarkable for the diversity of the dishes on the menu and also for its location, all carefully chosen by the founder: “The idea was all mine and so was the name,” she admits.

    Just as the name states, this brunch spot is situated close to the Arade River (‘Rio’ in Portuguese), which crosses Ferragudo village.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    And there is no lack of tasty options – from typical local dishes such as ‘Tábua Barrosão’, named after the building’s owner, to the traditional Peruvian dish ceviche, Mexican tacos, bao buns, originally from China, or bagels inspired by those of the Polish Jewish communities.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    The product suppliers are from all over the country but, as it could not be any other way, the oranges are locally sourced.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    “I only want to have nice dishes on the menu; I want food that leaves an impression,” Ana explains, adding that clients can expect a multitude of cuisines – something unusual in other restaurants that normally focus just on one.

    The owner also says that “people are not treated as if they were ‘just another client’ but as a family member. The goal is for them to feel as if they’re coming to a friend’s house”.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    Some groups will have lunch at the restaurant and then spend the afternoon there, ordering pancakes and waffles or just enjoying cocktails.

    This comfortable attitude is a result of small details that make the place feel loving and warm. For instance, ‘Panquecas do João’ (João’s Pancakes) is a dish that Ana invented for her 8-year-old son during quarantine, as well as the puff pastry croissants that she used to make at home but never ate at any restaurant.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    The menu is a mix of all the dishes that Ana tried in different places, mostly in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and flavours that have stuck with her. She also encourages the bartenders and the kitchen staff to come up with their own original ideas for the menu and attend to customers’ special requests, always making room for innovation.

    There are also many vegan and vegetarian options, which earned Brunch in Rio the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” accolade in the area in 2022 and 2023 by the rating platform Restaurant Guru.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    Ana wants the customers to feel at home, in a cheerful space decorated with sofas and unique tables she chose.

    “I wanted something different so I picked a combination of diverse components, from the lamps that say ‘love’ and in the shape of a heart to the decorative quotes that inspire and make sense to almost everyone,” shed said, pointing out that there is much more to the restaurant than just food.

    The wallpaper with plant motifs and green colours, the tables made from restored wooden cable coils, wood features, shades of orange and strong neons create a pleasant environment with nooks that were created specifically to set themselves apart from one another with different tables, allowing customers to choose the one that best matches their vibe.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    Although the eclectic food and decoration are already great reasons to visit Brunch in Rio, the attentive team is another highlight, composed of a group of seven, most of whom have been here since the beginning.

    Ana reveals that, when she started, she wasn’t looking for anyone in particular but it was like the right ones came to her through friends who knew that they had restoration experience and were ready to take care of the place.

    Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    On the opening day, only Eduardo Leite and Fábio Fonseca were working in the front house with the kitchen helmed by Paula Fernandes, a 60-year-old experienced cook that has known Ana since she was a child because of her grandmother.

    When Paula heard that the restaurant was about to open, she offered to help. By the time the opening date was chosen, the team wasn’t fully set and it was a challenge, however, taking this risk has paid off until today.

    Ana Filipa, Brunch in Rio, Ferragudo

    Brunch in Rio is exactly as Ana imagined, not only because it combines all the types of food that she likes and couldn’t find together before she created the concept, but also for the decoration and the good atmosphere everyone can enjoy, especially locals, as well as many English, German and French visitors.

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  • Enjoy the real taste of the Algarve at Carvoeiro’s beachfront “Tapas da Vila”

    Enjoy the real taste of the Algarve at Carvoeiro’s beachfront “Tapas da Vila”

    In addition to its breathtaking view of Carvoeiro Beach, Tapas da Vila serves up a delicious and diverse menu

    – April 12, 2023  |  Text by Patrick Stuart

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos - Camarões

    When local couple Toni and Maria Rebelo opened their restaurant, located on the hill up to Carvoeiro’s church just before the GNR police station, they decided from the outset to create something that the village has long been lacking, and that is somewhere to sample authentic Algarve and Portuguese cuisine.

    The great location and terrace overlooking the beach is a bonus. This is a small restaurant with seating for just 40 people, of which around 16 highly coveted places are outside on the terrace. But locals who visit on a regular basis can usually be found dining inside, concentrating on the food as opposed to the views.

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos - Lulas

    The menu is varied and quite extensive with far too many dishes to mention here but favourites for many regulars include the delicious fried squid with garlic; small tender squid cooked in white wine and garlic with a lovely sauce that begs to be mopped up with the fresh rustic bread.

    The fried prawns in garlic are a similar story, as is the traditional Portuguese dish of clams cooked in fresh coriander and garlic “Bulhão Pato” style. These are just a few of the dishes ideal to be served as starters for sharing between a group, without forgetting the great garlic bread.

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos

    All dishes are designed for sharing and for main course it is worth looking out for the daily specials.

    On a recent visit, we enjoyed an excellent Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice stew), which included some large, tasty prawns cooked in the same pot.

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos - beef

    There is also usually good fresh fish on offer and meat lovers are also well catered for with dishes such as grilled rib-eye steak.

    For dessert, a traditional home-made chocolate mousse is a favourite, best enjoyed after a traditional feast such as this with a drop of your espresso coffee and a dash of after-dinner Portuguese brandy mixed into it.

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos - dessert

    As for the wines, Toni and Maria carry a small but good selection including various references from the Algarve along with wines from other parts of the country.

    Tapas da Vila is open Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner and during the afternoon for snacks, wine and sangria.

    Follow Tapas da Vila on Facebook and Instagram.

    Tapas da Vila - Tapas & Vinhos, Carvoeiro Algarve

    Read more Algarve News:

  • “10 Years, 10 Chefs” Event at Bon Bon Restaurant to bring Portuguese Michelin stars to Lagoa

    “10 Years, 10 Chefs” Event at Bon Bon Restaurant to bring Portuguese Michelin stars to Lagoa

    Michelin-starred restaurant will host an event in honour of its 10th anniversary

    – February 16, 2023

    Bon Bon Restaurant Carvoeiro, Algarve Portugal

    The event will take place at Carvoeiro’s Michelin-star restaurant Bon Bon on February 24 and 25 and will see a star-studded line-up of chefs preparing a special food and wine pairing experience. Bon Bon chef José Lopes will be teaming up with four different chefs on each night.

    The first night will feature chef Luís Brito from A Ver Tavira (one Michelin star); Gil Fernandes from Fortaleza do Guincho (one star) in Cascais; Diogo Pereira from Cascade Wellness & Lifestyle Resort in Lagos; and Óscar Geadas from G Pousada in Bragança (and a former host of Masterchef Portugal).

    dish at the Bon Bon Restaurant Carvoeiro, Algarve Portugal

    The line-up for the second night will consist of João Marreiros from Loki in Portimão; Leonel Pereira from Check-in Faro; Pedro Lemos from his self-titled restaurant (one star) in Porto; and Alípio Branco from Casa Velha in Quinta do Lago.

    The menu will be inspired by classic Portuguese cuisine, in line with the spirit of Bon Bon, and will “take advantage of the best national ingredients available at this time of year”.

    Bon Bon owner Nuno Diogo says each evening will be limited to 40 guests, who will enjoy a welcome drink, champagne and wine pairing along with their meal. Price is €300 per person.

    Located in the Sesmarias area, with views to the Monchique hills, Bon Bon offers visitors a Michelin-level culinary experience that puts Portuguese and Algarvian food in the spotlight.

    “Adapting to new circumstances has meant that we have had to change and do things differently. Therefore, we have decided to reinforce our support for local producers and to bring our lost traditions back to the table. We have decided to be courageous, to do things differently and to add a contemporary touch to our traditional gastronomy,” says chef José Lopes on the restaurant’s website.

    For reservations, contact +351 282 341 496 or reservas@bonbon.pt | www.bonbon.pt

    Read more Algarve News:

  • Ocean restaurant receives highest award from Boa Cama Boa Mesa guide

    Ocean restaurant receives highest award from Boa Cama Boa Mesa guide

    Vila Vita Parc’s Ocean restaurant was awarded the ‘Platinum Fork’ for the fourth year straight in the ‘Boa Cama Boa Mesa’ restaurant-hotel guide

    Chef Hans Neuner from Ocean Restaurant, Algarve, Portugal. Photo- Paulo Barata

    – April 19, 2022

    With two Michelin stars, Vila Vita Parc’s Ocean restaurant, headed by chef Hans Neuner, has been awarded a ‘Platinum Fork’ for the fourth year straight in Expresso’s ‘Boa Cama Boa Mesa’ restaurant-hotel guide. And the five-star resort in Porches also received a ‘Platinum Key’ in the hotel category of the awards.

    Ocean restaurant was awarded with its first ‘Platinum Fork’ in 2012, when the category was first introduced.

    The guide’s criteria for Boa Mesa (restaurant category) was selected based on five categories: location, service, wine cellar and price/quality, whilst Boa Cama‘s criteria (hotel category) was selected based on the touristic project, the building, its architecture and décor, services, customer service and price/quality. Visits and evaluations were carried out until the beginning of March 2022.

    The restaurant has already started the new season with the “Route of India“ menu, taking diners on a journey with sojourns in Cape Verde, Ghana and Mozambique to Goa.  The new menu is described as an exploration of the richness of flavours and ingredients characteristic of each area and, above all, of the influence brought by the caravels of the golden period of the Portuguese Discoveries to the valued Portuguese gastronomy.

    The menu costs  €235 per person and offers the option of pairing for €140 per person. Ocean serves only dinners, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 7pm to 10pm.

    Reservations can be made through the restaurantocean.com website or via telephone +351 282 310 100, and the full Menu can be seen here.

    Photo by Paulo Barata

    Source: Essential Algarve Magazine

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  • Michelin Star Bon Bon restaurant delights guests with new flavours

    Michelin Star Bon Bon restaurant delights guests with new flavours

    After retaining its Michelin star for the 7th consecutive year, Bon Bon restaurant is ready to delight guests with new flavours

    Nuno Diogo and Chef José Lopes from Bon Bon, Carvoeiro, which retained its one star
    Nuno Diogo and Chef José Lopes from Bon Bon, Carvoeiro

    – April 7, 2022

    Bon Bon has maintained its star for seven years on the trot, the only one-Michelin-star restaurant in the region to do so. Owner Nuno Diogo celebrated the restaurant’s accomplishment: “It is an award that leaves us proud, but that should also leave Lagoa proud for having a restaurant of unmatched quality,” he said.

    “I also want to thank chef José Lopes, our whole team at Bon Bon and those who contributed to its success with commitment, creativity and sacrifice,” the owner added.

    Last year, Nuno Diogo called on chef José Lopes to join the team. At the time, the young chef was at Lisbon’s Eleven restaurant, where he was working with Michelin-favourite chef Joachim Koerper. “His cuisine is consistent, full of flavour, and varied,” said Nuno.

    Bon Bon Restaurant dish

    The creative chef enjoys looking for Portuguese roots to add to his cooking. His latest creation is a chickpea stew with a rack of lamb, based on a recipe he found in an old Algarvean cookbook his wife gave him. Timing is also fundamental to guarantee Michelin-level service. Bon Bon only accepts three bookings every half hour, to ensure clients don’t all arrive at the same time, and has no more than eight tables, not to ruin the ambience. This isn’t something new that came with COVID; it’s something we’ve always done,” insists Nuno.

    Bon Bon restaurant inside
    Bon Bon restaurant

    For his part, he enjoys surprising his clients with unique pairings, adapting his choice to their mood and taste, with a selection of rare wines made by small producers. “What I want is for each person to leave with a complete experience, feeling fulfilled.”

    How can they not in this unique octagonal dining room with a suspended central fireplace, where Nuno and his team produce their show? Where tables strategically placed under spotlights turn into a stage on which dishes consistently waltz, paired with singular wines.

    Visit Bon Bon‘s website.

     

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  • Vila Vita Parc’s Ocean Restaurant reopens with New Menu

    Vila Vita Parc’s Ocean Restaurant reopens with New Menu

    hans_neuner_ocean chef

    Two-Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant opens with a new “Route of India” Menu

    – March 4, 2022

    Ocean Restaurant starts the new season with “Route of India“, taking diners on a journey with sojourns in Cape Verde, Ghana and Mozambique to Goa.  The new menu is described as an exploration of the richness of flavours and ingredients characteristic of each area and, above all, of the influence brought by the caravels of the golden period of the Portuguese Discoveries to the valued Portuguese gastronomy.

    The “Route of India” includes fourteen distinct moments: Stewed Maize | Yam | Imperial Caviar, Blue Crab | Green Pepper | Avocado or Pyrenean Lamb | Mungo Beans | Mango Achar | Purple Curry with a sweet ending starting with Cassava | Malambe | Finger Lime.

    ocean restaurant team

    This narrative follows the fieldwork carried out by chef Hans Neuner and the kitchen team over the last two years, who first focused on the country, from north to south, with the menu “Discovering Portugal“, then, with a jump from the mainland to the islands of the Azores, Madeira and Cabo Verde, broadened the proposal with the “Islands Edition“. This invitation to navigate between charismatic dishes and typical ingredients takes guests a little further with the will to delve into the origin of many gastronomic influences, since the golden Portuguese times, still present today.

    The tasting menu at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant respects the time of the products and the seasons of the year, which is also part of the Vila Vita Parc philosophy of sustainability. The wine pairing is crafted by sommelier Ricardo Rodrigues, always guided by a careful selection of national and international wines, with preference for limited and exclusive productions – unique opportunities for all food and wine lovers and gourmands.

    The menu costs  €235 per person and offers the option of pairing for €140 per person. Ocean serves only dinners, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 7pm to 10pm.

    Reservations can be made through the restaurantocean.com website or via telephone +351 282 310 100, and the full Menu can be seen here.

    Ocean-Vila-Vita

    Source: Essential Algarve Magazine

     

    More News:

    Tapas Route (Rota do Petisco) Wins National Gastronomic Award 

    Well-known local jazz musicians from the Rui Filipe Freitas Trio perform this Friday

    First-ever World Trailer Awards hosted in Portugal, Vilamoura this February

     

  • Tapas Route (Rota do Petisco) Wins National Gastronomic Award

    Tapas Route (Rota do Petisco) Wins National Gastronomic Award

    Rota do Petisco (Tapas Route) awarded national gastronomic prize at the National Tourism 2021 Awards

    – March 3, 2022

    The Algarve’s Rota do Petisco (Tapas Route) event has won a national gastronomic tourism award at the Prémio Nacional de Turismo 2021, which recognises the best companies, practices, and tourism projects in Portugal.

    Organised by the Expresso newspaper and the BPI bank, the awards feature different categories each year. For this year, the categories were the following: Gastronomic Tourism (which Rota do Petisco won); Innovative Tourism; Sustainable Tourism; Inclusive Tourism and Authentic Tourism. Tourism entrepreneur André Jordan received the Career Award (Prémio Carreira).

    To win one of the awards, there are several factors taken into account, such as the adaptability to the Covid-19 pandemic, the relations established with the consumers, innovation and compliance with Sustainable Development Goals.

    rota do petisco awarded national gastronomic award

    The Gastronomic Tourism award had a stiff competition of 439 bids, leaving only five finalists at the end, with the top spot belonging to Rota do Petisco, which is organised by the Teia D’Impulsos association.

    “We are so proud to receive (the award), but we also give ourselves more responsibility to continue working and improving the quality of Rota do Petisco,” said Teia D’Impulsos president Luís Gonçalves.

    “It was with great pleasure and pride that the whole Teia D’Impusos team received this national award,” added Rota do Petisco coordinator Nuno Vieira, who stressed that the event “directly involves” thousands of people in the Algarve and acts as a “motor” for the region’s economy and its tourism sector.

    According to Vieira, this award will “encourage more partners to join Rota do Petisco and contribute to its consolidation as one of the largest gastronomic events in the country”.

    New Rota do Petisco edition on the way, with new routes to promote local gastronomy

    This year’s edition of Rota do Petisco is already under works and will take place between September 14 and October 16 in several municipalities in the Algarve. New ‘routes’ are being prepared, such as the “Memory Route” and “Wine Cellar Route”.

    The event brings together hundreds of restaurants and eateries in the Algarve, each of which presents a small-sized dish or dessert at a small, fixed price. The goal is to encourage clients to discover new places to eat and promote local gastronomy.

    Source: Essential Algarve Magazine
  • Chef Hans Neuner to host live cooking event at Estoril Open Tournament

    Chef Hans Neuner to host live cooking event at Estoril Open Tournament

    Hans Neuner Estoril Open Cascais 2022

    Algarve chef Hans Neuner receives ‘wildcard’ to cook at Estoril Open tennis tournament

    – January 24, 2021

    Chef Hans Neuner from the two-Michelin star restaurant Ocean at Vila Vita Parc Resort in Porches has been invited to host a live night-time cooking event on April 29 for the guests of the Millennium Estoril Open tennis tournament in Cascais.

    Using the kitchen at Slice Restaurant, the chef will be serving dishes inspired by Cascais and its “excellent products, telling a story about the region through his brilliance”.

    Neuner has lived in the Algarve for more than 13 years, having become one of the region’s most famous and successful chefs. He has been a two-Michelin star holder since 2011 at Ocean and also placed 50th in the 2021 edition of The Best Chef Awards.

    He will now be showcasing his talents at Millennium Estoril Open, the only ATP World Tour tennis tournament to take place in Portugal.

    “The combination of the art of gastronomy and sports – two distinct worlds which deep down share the same ambition of being at the top – could only result in a unique and inspiring experience for all visitors,” said Vila Vita Parc general manager Kurt Gillig.

    “It is with genuine pleasure that we team up with Millennium Estoril Open, which, like us, has the will to create a positive impact in our country, which is immediately reflected on an international level,” Gillig added.

    Meanwhile, Estoril Open tournament director João Stilwell Zilhão said that the partnership with Hans Neuner and Ocean is “further proof that Millennium Estoril Open aims to be much more than a tennis event.

    “We are proud to provide our sponsors and partners with truly unique experiences, not only in terms of tennis, and I’m certain that the night starring Hans Neuner will be memorable,” said Zilhão.

    This will be the seventh edition of the Millennium Estoril Open in Cascais. Last year, the tournament took place behind closed doors due to the pandemic, but tennis fans will be returning to the stands this year.

    The ATP tournament receives great media attention, having been the subject of 38 hours of television broadcast in Portugal and over 2,360 hours internationally. The global sponsorship is evaluated at around €360 million.

    Tickets are already for sale at Meo blueticket.

    Source: Algarve Resident Newspaper
    Photo: Paulo Barata
  • Algarve’s Bon Bon and Ocean Restaurants maintain Michelin Stars

    Algarve’s Bon Bon and Ocean Restaurants maintain Michelin Stars

    Ocean Restaurant, Best Luxury Restaurant in the World 2021, wins Michelin Star for the 11th consecutive year

    – December 15, 2021

    Chef Hans Neuner’s Ocean Restaurant in Vila Vita Parc Resort (Porches, Lagoa) has retained its two Michelin stars,  adding yet another victory to the team’s portfolio after having received two international awards in October this year for Best Luxury Restaurant in the World (2021) and Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu by The World Luxury Awards.

    “We are happy and always honoured to be part of the @michelin world, seeing our Michelin stars maintained. It’s 11 years of Michelin stars now! Thank you fantastic team!” was posted on the restaurant’s Instagram account.

    Created under the strategic vision of Kurt Gillig, Managing Director at Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, in Porches, who has put the region on the world gastronomy map, restaurant Ocean, whose cuisine has been led by Chef Hans Neuner since 2007, offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the perfect combination of sublime cuisine, impeccable service and an elegant atmosphere, but stripped.

    Bon Bon Restaurant in Carvoeiro Wins Michelin Star for the 7th consecutive year

    Nuno Diogo and Chef José Lopes from Bon Bon, Carvoeiro, which retained its one star
    Nuno Diogo and Chef José Lopes from Bon Bon, Carvoeiro, which retained its one star

    Bon Bon owner Nuno Diogo has celebrated the restaurant’s accomplishment which has come after a change in kitchen leadership and at the end of an “atypical and very difficult year on every level for the restaurant sector.”

    As Nuno Diogo pointed out, this was the seventh straight year that Bon Bon has received a Michelin star.

    Bon Bon Carvoeiro Fine Dining Dish

    “This is a distinction that honours us greatly in a particularly difficult year, one of many sacrifices and uncertainty,” he said, adding that receiving the Michelin star comes as a “prize for all the difficulties we overcame this year”.

    “It is an award that leaves us proud, but that should also leave Lagoa proud for having a restaurant of unmatched quality,” he said.

    “I also want to thank chef José Lopes, our whole team at Bon Bon and those who contributed to its success with commitment, creativity and sacrifice,” the owner added.

    Here’s the full list of awarded restaurants in Portugal

    Two stars:

    • Alma (Lisbon, chef Henrique Sá Pessoa)
    • Belcanto (Lisbon, chef José Avillez)
    • Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (Leça da Palmeira, chef Rui Paula)
    • Il Gallo d’Oro (Funchal, chef Benoît Sinthon)
    • Ocean (Alporchinhos, chef Hans Neuner)
    • The Yeatman (Vila Nova de Gaia, chef Ricardo Costa)
    • Vila Joya (Albufeira, chef Dieter Koschina)

    One star:

    • 100 Maneiras (Lisbon, chef Ljubomir Stanisic)
    • A Cozinha (Guimarães, chef António Loureiro)
    • Antiqvvm (Porto, chef Vítor Matos)
    • Al Sud (Lagos, chef Louis Anjos) – newcomer
    • A Ver Tavira (Tavira, chef Luís Brito) – newcomer
    • Bon Bon (Carvoeiro, chef José Lopes)
    • CURA (Lisbon, chef Pedro Pena Bastos) – newcomer
    • Eleven (Lisbon, chef Joachim Koerper)
    • Eneko Lisboa (Lisbon, chef Eneko Atxa e Lucas Bernardes)
    • Epur (Lisbon, chef Vincent Farges)
    • Esporão (Reguengos de Monsaraz, chef Carlos Teixeira) – newcomer
    • Feitoria (Lisbon, chef João Rodrigues)
    • Fifty Seconds by Martín Berasategui (Lisbon, chef Filipe Carvalho)
    • Fortaleza do Guincho (Cascais, chef Gil Fernandes)
    • G Pousada (Bragança, chef Óscar Gonçalves)
    • Gusto by Heinz Beck (Almancil, chef Libório Buonocore)
    • LAB by Sergi Arola (Sintra, chef Sergi Arola e Vladimir Veiga)
    • Largo do Paço (Amarante, chef Tiago Bonito)
    • Loco (Lisbon, chef Alexandre Silva)
    • Mesa de Lemos (Viseu, chef Diogo Rocha)
    • Midori (Sintra, chef Pedro Almeida)
    • Pedro Lemos (Porto, chef Pedro Lemos)
    • Vila Foz (Porto, chef Arnaldo Azevedo) – newcomer
    • Vista (Portimão, chef João Oliveira)
    • Vistas (Vila Nova de Cacela, chef Rui Silvestre)
    • William (Funchal, chef Luís Pestana)

    Text by Michael Bruxo, Algarve Resident Newspaper
    Source: Essential Algarve Magazine
  • Putting Ferragudo on the Map: New Gastrobar elevating the Scene

    Putting Ferragudo on the Map: New Gastrobar elevating the Scene

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar

    Two entrepreneurial brothers are elevating the local seafood scene with a brand New Gastrobar based in their former family home

    – December 3, 2021

    João and Pedro were born and raised in Ferragudo. They lived with their mother, brother, and father (also a restauranter) in a three-bedroom townhouse that the family owned since 1987. Growing up, the pair would often dream of having their own restaurant together, and little did they know that the place they had dreamed of was literally on their doorstep.

    Although their vision began when they were teens, serious renovation started just over two years ago. They completely tore down their home to build the business with their bare hands and it paid off. Today, their gastrobar, Ferragudu’s Terrace, boasts panoramic views of the quaint fishing village that inspired it and the river Arade.

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar

    The menu consists of freshly caught, local seafood. They even operate a daily seafood market with the best local produce from fishermen across the Algarve. Cocktail lovers will be ecstatic, as the drink’s menu is far from ordinary: rather than a mundane Sex on the Beach, guests can enjoy a Smoke Penicillin, where the glass is actually smoked with fresh rosemary. The brothers also crafted one of the most carefully selected wine menus, most from regions within Portugal.

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar Cocktails

    Each member of staff has been enlightened by João and Pedro with their rich experience in the hospitality industry: Pedro was a mixologist and studied hospitality management at the School of Tourism, Faro. Meanwhile, João worked at high-end restaurants in Vilamoura for years, but also experienced a three-year stint in one of London’s top restaurants — Novikov. He was determined to learn every trick in the trade; how to run a business and what gives it that extra je ne sais quoi.

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar

    During his time there, he surprisingly discovered that Novikov have around 95% of their seafood produce flown from the Algarve nearly every day! With staff equipped with deep-routed knowledge, Ferragudu’s Terrace takes customers on a journey from appetizers to mains and delicious deserts and they can enlighten guests on the best drinks pairings. One of their specialty dishes is the Spider Crab Soup which has received raving reviews.

    According to the brothers, Ferragudu’s Terrace offers “typical Algarve cuisine, reinvented by talented chefs”. When creating their menu, they were coached by well-known Portuguese chef Ricardo Luz, who praised the brothers as soon as they opened their business: “I always appreciate being able to work with people who are so dedicated and go after what really matters,” he said.

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar

    João and Pedro want to “put Ferragudo on the map” with their concept. “There is a rise in people buying houses here, in the surrounding areas,” João explains. “A lot more people are coming over to the Algarve, from all over Europe, and we want to provide these new guests with something authentic and fresh.”

    Although they are aiming to provide guests with an upmarket experience, their prices are very reasonable. They officially opened their doors on May 12 and have since had various opening times due to the pandemic but are now open from 3pm to 1am on weekdays and 12pm to 1am on weekends. Restrictions allowing, they also hope to host several live music nights and events.

    Ferragudu's Terrace Gastrobar

    Best suited to those who are seeking quality over quantity, this gastrobar offers a concept of sharing and bringing together the authentic flavours of the Algarve coast in a sociable atmosphere. The brothers have big ambitions for the future and aim to be well known across Europe.

    For reservations call: 966 299 215
    Instagram: @ferragudusterrace

    TEXT ALEX BRENNAN
  • Get your Passport Ready for Quick Bites

    Get your Passport Ready for Quick Bites

    Rota do Petisco returns with 292 restaurants and eateries

    Boca Xica
    Boca Xica

    Eleven Algarve boroughs are participating in the 11th Rota do Petisco this year, totalling over 200 venues. Taking place between September 10 and October 10, this gastronomic ‘route’ was born in Portimão but has grown to include eateries from all over the Algarve. Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira all have entries this year.

    Dogtown Lagos
    Dogtown Lagos

    The concept is simple: each participating restaurant presents a tapas-size dish or dessert at “very inviting prices”. All kinds of eateries take part, from traditional Portuguese ‘tascas’ to Asian and Italian restaurants. A passport costing €1.50 (which is sold at each participating establishment and goes to charity) is required to participate in Rota do Petisco and serves as a guide to all the venues.

    Bruncheria
    Bruncheria

    This year, the money raised will go to nine entities: Associação de Dadores de Sangue do Barlavento do Algarve (ADSBA), Bombeiros Voluntários de Monchique e de São Brás de Alportel, Casa do Povo de São Bartolomeu de Messines, Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo, ECOS – Oficina de Dança, Fundação Irene Rolo, Grupo Desportivo Odeceixense and HELP – Apoio ao Cuidador. Rota do Petisco is organised by Portimão association Teia d’Impulsos and is backed by several public and private entities.

    Academia de Medronho
    Academia de Medronho

  • Hexagone restaurant is back with a steakhouse concept

    Hexagone restaurant is back with a steakhouse concept

    Since its opening 2013, Hexagone has strived continually to deliver delicious food, using only the freshest produce and carefully sourced ingredients. In 2021, the restaurant decided to adapt to changing times whilst maintaining their commitment to quality that guests had become accustomed to. And so, Hexagone Steakhouse was born.

    The new concept highlights top-quality meats, with a wide range of cuts, all cooked to tender, juicy perfection, plated elegantly. “We choose the meat very carefully, seeking the best quality and flavour. A prime cut of beef, cooked properly, is such a satisfying dish, and we are committed to offering our guests an outstanding steakhouse experience,” says owner Gilberto Gato.

    Located in Sesmarias, between the picturesque villages of Ferragudo and Carvoeiro, and close to the Pinta and Gramacho golf courses, Hexagone Steakhouse is spacious and welcoming with high ceilings, large panoramic windows and an open kitchen where diners can see the chefs in action. The summer patio and terrace are perfect for leisurely lunches or al fresco dinners; in the winter, the dining room is cosy, thanks to the wood-burning fireplace. Hexagone Steakhouse is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

  • Chef Hans Neuner receives third straight ‘Platinum Fork’ award

    Chef Hans Neuner receives third straight ‘Platinum Fork’ award

    Chef Hans Neuner from the prestigious two-Michelin star restaurant Ocean at Vila Vita Parc Resort in Porches has been awarded a ‘Platinum Fork’ for the third year straight in Expresso’s ‘Boa Cama Boa Mesa’ restaurant-hotel guide. The resort also received a ‘Platinum Key’ in the hotel category of the awards.

    “This prize is recognition of the dedication and work of the whole team, which every day wants to perfect its knowledge about the country’s products and gastronomy and give them a stage to be presented on in their simplest form to all those who visit us,” the chef said in a statement to the press.

    Neuner received the ‘Platinum Fork’ award for the first time in 2012, when the category was first introduced.

    The award ceremony, held on Monday (June 14) at Quinta da Pimenteira in Lisbon, was led by Pinto Balsemão, president of Grupo Impresa which owns Expresso newspaper.

    Ocean reopened in April with a new menu inspired primarily by the islands of the Azores, Madeira and São Tomé e Príncipe.

    “Last year, Chef Hans Neuner surprised everyone with a trip around the country with the ‘À Descoberta de Portugal’ (Discovering Portugal) menu, which is now followed up by the ‘Edição das Ilhas’ (Islands Edition) menu,” said the resort at the time.

    The new menu features a series of “charismatic dishes, typical ingredients and new rich flavours” from Portugal’s two archipelagos and the former Portuguese colony, but also from other parts of the country and other former colonies such as Cape Verde.

    The Algarve town of Lagos inspires the first course of the meal with a combination of mackerel, tomato and basil, followed by a plate of Azores clams.

    The list goes on and on, with other dishes including rump steak served with the Azores’ typical ‘bolo lêvedo’ (a sweet muffin-like bread), Madeira cheese served with ‘pitanga’ (also known as Suriname, Brazilian or Cayenne cherry) and apple, or São Tomé pork served with sweet potato and cinnamon.

    All in all, there are 15 gastronomic “moments” to enjoy, each inspired by a different location.

    According to the resort, the menu “respects” the seasonal quality of the products used, “not only because it is part of its sustainability philosophy, but also because it ensures the quality and authenticity of the flavours”.

    The menu costs €210 per person, with wine pairing courtesy of sommelier Ricardo Rodrigues costing €140 per person.

    Reservations can be made on the restaurant’s website (restauranteocean.com) or by telephone (+351 282 310 100).

  • Bon Bon is back

    Bon Bon is back

    New chef and a new start for Carvoeiro’s only Michelin-starred restaurant

    – May 11, 2021

    Getting ready to open Bon Bon for this season, owner Nuno Diogo was faced with the challenge of finding another chef and team. His last chef, Louis Anjos, moved on to pastures new at the beginning of the year but there was no shortage of candidates and he settled on José Lopes, a 31-year-old who appears to have the experience and the team behind him needed to keep Bon Bon at the top of its game. There is a refreshing confidence to the new chef’s cooking and a clear focus on the cuisine and ingredients of the Algarve.

    The lunch menu offers an excellent introduction to the restaurant at a more accessible price, with three courses at €45, four at €59 and five at €70, but even the three courses end up at six or seven if we include amuse bouche appetizers, the bread course, pre-dessert and petit fours. But it is the dinner menu that really showcases the work of the kitchen with five courses (or Moments as they call them) at €115 or seven at €140, all prices without wine.

    Two of the standout dishes on the lunch that show a strong connection to the Algarve are carabineiro(scarlet prawn) with flavours of Caldo Verde soup and an outstanding rendition of Algarve pork and clams. The current dinner menu is themed on the ocean and is presented at the table like a message in a bottle. One of the most impressive dishes, served as a transition between the fish and meat courses, is one that tricks the palate; a rack of sole is served to resemble a tiny rack of meat on the paired bones with a pork belly demi-glace, a foam flavoured with smoked pork, textures of cauliflower and pickled seaweed.

    There is no doubt that the standard of cooking at Bon Bon today is as worthy of a Michelin star as ever. Chef José Lopes brings a new style of fine dining to the restaurant, whilst the familiar face of Nuno Diogo, as host and sommelier, gives this outstanding little restaurant the continuity and unwavering standards that should make sure Carvoeiro’s only Michelin star remains firmly in place.

    www.bonbon.pt

    TEXT Patrick Stuart
  • Ocean restaurant’s new menu celebrates Portuguese cuisine

    Ocean restaurant’s new menu celebrates Portuguese cuisine

    Vila Vita Parc’s two-Michelin-star Ocean restaurant reopened on July 1 with a new menu that celebrates “typical Portuguese flavours, ingredients and recipes from all over the country” and highlights the “diverse richness of the Portuguese gastronomy.”

    Says the resort, the new menu will take diners on a “gastronomic journey through Portugal, discovering a colourful array of regional and national dishes”.

    It features seven dishes, each inspired by Chef Hans Neuner’s “research tour of the country’s many culinary corners”, which saw him meeting with many producers throughout the last few months, dining at their homes and swapping stories and culinary secrets.

    Notable new additions to the menu include the typically Portuguese “Papas de Milho”, the “Vila Real de Santo António Tuna”, the “Fried Cuttlefish with Ronaldo Rice” from Setúbal, the “John Dory Bulhão Pato Style” from Lisbon, and the “Scarlet Atlantic Prawn with Squid and Bacon”.

    “Each dish is the result of extensive research and experimentation by a curious and dedicated team, always in direct and daily contact with local producers,” says the resort.

    The wine selection focuses on “unique and exclusive vintages made by small national and international producers”. Sommelier Ricardo Rodrigues is in charge of wine pairing.

    Chef Hans Neuner (©Paulo Barata)

    According to the resort, the new tasting menu “not only respects the seasonality of the products, but also highlights the sustainable philosophy at Vila Vita Parc, which is a guarantee of quality and freshness”.

    Many of its vegetables, meat and wines originate from Herdade dos Grous, the resort’s 780-hectare sister property, located just over an hour’s distance away in the Alentejo. The fish is caught along the Portuguese coast.

    The tasting menu costs €195 and offers a wine pairing option for €125. Bookings can be made through the restaurant’s website or by phone.

    Ocean is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 7pm to 10pm.

    +351 282 310 100
    www.restauranteocean.com

  • A feast for the eyes

    A feast for the eyes

    Inside Carvoeiro took a tour around the area to find out what’s new on the dining scene

    We are blessed with an abundance of excellent eateries in this small part of the Algarve — with more than 100 just in Carvoeiro, we are already spoiled for choice. Inside ventured around over the winter to find some exciting new restaurants that are bound to become local favourites in no time. Here, you’ll find a brief overview from Carvoeiro to Silves for your to-do list.

    TOURIGA WINE & DINE
    CARVOEIRO


    A stunning, stylish new wine and dining venue at the top of restaurant hill, here you’ll find a very comfortable space with tasty, mostly tapas-style treats and a few main dishes. Owner Jorge has been collecting wines for years and has a magnificent selection of Portuguese wines. The front-of-house staff has been rigorously trained and is extremely professional and pleasant, always happy to share their knowledge. There is comfortable seating either inside at the bar, dining area or outside on the terrace.

    LEVELS
    CARVOEIRO


    Formally Piu Grand Cafe and Martins Grill on the main square, Levels will be a beach-side oasis with a mixture of Asian and European décor. A full renovation of the old 1980s building will see massive glass frontage to take total advantage of its highly privileged location. We had a sneak preview, and it looks incredible. The menu will focus on quality, and popular Portuguese grilled dishes will feature heavily. Trained barista staff will be on hand to prepare excellent coffees for visitors, and each of the three levels will offer different experiences. The cherry on the cake is the Sky Bar with cocktails and sharing platters during regular service and private dining for up to 20 guests for special occasions.

    BAUSHI SUSHI & BAR
    CARVOEIRO

    A brand new concept for Carvoeiro, Baushi Sushi & Bar is due to open in the summer in the old Ele & Ela on Rua do Barranco, serving the finest quality sushi and Japanese drinks with special lunch, evening and tasting menus. Patricia, a trained sushi chef, will be working her magic in the kitchen and Ivo, previously from Inside Cocktail bar, will be putting his years of mixology to good use, creating fabulous Japanese-inspired cocktails.

    GASPACHO & MIGAS
    LAGOA


    There’s a significant regeneration going on in Lagoa, and this city bistro-style eatery is creating quite the storm in the usually sleepy town. You’ll find this lovely place between the Council building and the healthcare centre (centro de saúde). With a bold and stylish décor with dark accents and bright lighting inside, there is also an airy covered terrace, perfect for watching the world go by. The menus are varied and bring a lot of older and sometimes forgotten Portuguese produce into their modern dishes. The restaurant boasts high-quality ingredients, friendly service and comfortable surrounding and lunchtime specials, a lighter menu and a full evening menu offer something for everyone. To top it all off, the wine list features mostly local labels and is well paired.

    O CAIS
    SILVES

    O Cais is run by owners Nuno and Zane, who returned from Ireland to create their dream restaurant by the river and the municipal market. Traditionally clad walls, stylish furnishings and fixtures with some modern touches blend in well in this ancient building, complete with an internal well. Nuno is passionate about meats, and the selection is good with a delicious venison steak to complement the otherwise beef-centric main courses. The starters are varied and rich with a good variety of fish and cheese dishes, and Zane makes great desserts.

    MOSAIKO
    SILVES


    On the main pedestrian street of Silves, you’ll find a gorgeous Moroccan patio, straight out of a riad. The menu features tagines, couscous dishes, moussaka, charcoal-grilled kebabs, koftas, falafels and hummus. The perfect place to enjoy some calm moments and eastern treats, the restaurant’s décor is bright and perfectly in keeping with the city’s Moorish past.

    COMPROMISSO
    SILVES


    Another surprise in the usually traditional and sleepy Silves is this Mediterranean-inspired café/restaurant/lounge bar. An industrial loft space meets a large dining venue, perhaps more something that you would expect to find in an urban city. The menu leans more towards the Italian side, with pasta, pizzas and grilled dishes, although they do have some Portuguese dishes. They offer a pleasant two-course lunch menu for €12.50, including a drink. Live music and events also take place during the season.

    AL-GOSTO
    SILVES


    Up a side street from the river heading to the pedestrian street lays this little vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Generally open during the day, Al-Gosto serves a vegan/veggie lunch buffet and an à la carte menu, with everything made on site. Homemade drinks and cakes are a big favourite here too, and there’s always find a fresh new creation coming out of the kitchen.

    O CANTO
    FERRAGUDO
    With Venezuelan chef Jimmy Cruz still at the pass, the changes here are more with a new menu and a facelift in the dining areas. The new menu features a great mixed tapas sharing platter, octopus carpaccio, big salads, a juicy surf and turf and fish dishes with the chef’s signature flair along with a selection of vegetarian options. They will be opening from 10am for coffee and pastries then serving food throughout the day. Watch out for their fun theme nights and lots of new additions along the way.

    At the time of going to print, there were more new places that, unfortunately, we couldn’t feature as they were in various stages of building work and/or finalising names. Watch out for Chef Antonio’s opening under new management, which promises be an exciting addition, according to the new owners. Ele & Ela are in the midst of finalising their new venue — keep an eye on Chef’s Kitchen Facebook page for information on that. Chef Raquel Marques left O Rafaiol restaurant and has opened The Square in Monte Carvoeiro. This fine-dining venue has modern décor, a large terrace and a great menu. O Rafaiol has reverted to the original management of the owners Osvaldo and Peggy, who have opened again and will return to their more traditional style of dining. Luisa’s Place in Sesmarias is changing management and will now be run by Harry who you may know from years ago in Happy’s and Carvoeiro Bar. In Ferragudo, Kitty and Ton of Amigos catering are opening a cool little spot serving breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks next to O Canto.

    Bom apetite!

    Text Mia Wallace
    Photos ©Chloe Ophelia
  • New chef at Bon Bon

    New chef at Bon Bon

    Chef Louis Anjos takes the reins at Carvoeiro’s Michelin-starred Bon Bon restaurant

    The only restaurant in the Carvoeiro area with a Michelin star, awarded in 2016, Bon Bon has placed the town firmly on the gastronomic map, and owner Nuno Diogo has plans to build on the reputation with important changes taking place this year. Exit chef Rui Silvestre, who has moved on to pursue his own projects, and enter one of Portugal’s most promising up-and-coming chefs, Louis Anjos.

    Anjos, who until recently was executive chef at the Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa, already has some impressive awards to his name, to which he plans to add retaining the star at Bon Bon in next year’s Michelin guide. After starting his Algarve career in the kitchens of Vila Vita Parc, he moved on to Suites Alba Resort & Spa, where his creative cooking saw him win the national Chef of the Year award (Chefe Cozinheiro do Ano) in 2012. Whilst at Macdonald Monchique, he gained recognition for the hotel’s Mon-Chic restaurant last year, winning the Revelation of the Year award from one Portugal’s most important gastronomic guides – Boa Cama Boa Mesa , published by Expresso newspaper.
    Alongside him at Bon Bon is sous-chef Ricardo Silva Luz who, before working with Anjos in Monchique, already had Vila Vita Parc, the Penha Longa Resort and a spell at the old Tavares Rico restaurant in Lisbon, under Portugal’s most famous chef José Avillez, on his résumé.
    Bon Bon’s kitchen is in very good hands and the team is making some changes that should be well received by customers. Most importantly, the restaurant has introduced an à la carte menu to operate alongside the tasting menu options. The restaurant is now also open on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch.

    Text: Patrick Stuart

  • East meets west

    East meets west

    Introducing the new menu and cuisine at one of Carvoeiro´s favourite restaurants

    Earlier this year, Chef Valdemar Guerreiro joined the team of the Pimenta Preta restaurant, at Palm Gardens, and brought his lifetime of world travels and experience with him to create a bright, vibrant and delicious fusion menu to the resort restaurant, formally famed for its white gloves and fine dining.

    The changes see the introduction of numerous mildly spicy dishes, with Thai, Indian and South American cuisine adding to the restaurant’s Mediterranean offerings.

    Chef Guerreiro spent some 20 years of his career working around the world both on luxury cruise liners and on land, which is evident in all the flavours packed into the dishes.

    Having spent all these years working as a chef between the USA, Mexico, Australia, Alaska, Argentina, the UK and Central America, the Portuguese-born chef decided it was time to return to his roots and be with his family again, back in the Algarve, bringing a wealth of global gastronomic tricks of the trade with him.

    During his travels, he took a few trips to Thailand, India and Japan to further improve his skillset. In Japan, he began to learn the craft of sushi-making and even dabbled in preparing the highly toxic pufferfish. Whilst in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Goa, India, Chef Valdemar really got to grips with the oftencomplex techniques involved in preparing and blending spices.

    Valdemar has a true world cuisine approach, using simple but authentic techniques. He grinds all of his own spices and makes everything from scratch for dishes such as the Thai green curry of sole, red curry monkfish and chicken tikka masala. Anyone who appreciates a well-made curry will recognise the care and attention that goes into making his sauces. When trying out the dishes, it’s always advisable to discuss the level of intensity that you prefer, as most dishes are very fragrant but not too spicy. It’s really a matter of asking the waiter or waitress to let the chef know that you would like the dish to be spiced up a bit.

    Whilst the menu features numerous authentic Asian dishes, others such as wild salmon fillets with honey, mustard and ginger sauce, offer just a slight influence in the Pacific Rim fusion style.

    We asked Chef Valdemar to choose his favourite 3-course meal from the current menu, and, as a great fish lover, he told us he has access to “some of the best fish around here. The sea is literally on our doorstep so I would go for the beautiful mixed fresh fish ceviche as a starter, a ‘meaty’ monkfish in red curry with lychees as a main course and the sticky rice with mango for dessert.”

    “The fresh flavours in this menu are perfect for the long summer here in the Algarve. I’ve created somewhat of a fusion menu, which is effectively the essence of my personal voyage and culinary experiences over the past 20 or so years.”

    The restaurant, of course, still has a few western classics on the evening menu, including Caprese Salad, veal loin “Rossini”, Chocolate Fondant and the fabulous, theatrical Flambéed Crepe station, which is prepared tableside.

    There really is something for everyone, at very reasonable prices considering the quality and, as always is the case at Pimenta Preta, an excellent and well-priced wine selection, which is generally something that is sorely missing when enjoying Asian flavours. With a new, bright paint job and a few small decorative touches, the restaurant is more relaxed in style now, creating the perfect harmony between venue and menu. Pimenta Preta is open daily for lunch and dinner but the full menu is only available in the evening.

     

  • The Inside story

    The Inside story

    The Inside story

    Inside Magazine is 10 years young

    Back in April 2007, when the first edition of this magazine was published, Carvoeiro was buzzing. After the slump that followed, it’s only recently that the “Village” (see overleaf) has regained its upbeat vibe. By 2010 many businesses had closed down, but this magazine carried on through the lean times.
    Inside Carvoeiro was launched with the aim of creating a local magazine that would appeal to English-speaking residents and tourists alike. We are part of Lagoa-based Open Media, the Algarve’s main publishing group, which produces numerous magazines and newspapers. Most of the team either lives in or around Carvoeiro, so it seemed logical to create a local publication on our own doorstep, written and produced by members of the local community.
    We toyed with the idea of publishing monthly or bimonthly, but decided that four editions per year would better suit the advertising budgets of local businesses. It would also allow us to pick and choose the best editorial content over the course of a year to fill four magazines with interesting articles. Later that year we launched another edition of Inside Magazine, this time in Lagos and covering western Algarve where some of our team also live, enabling us to replicate the same concept.
    Today our print edition is complemented by our website inside-carvoeiro.com and a busy Facebook pages.
    From all of us here at Open Media and Inside Magazine a big thank you to all who have supported us over the last 10 years.
    We look forward to the next 10 years: Obrigado Carvoeiro!