5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In The Algarve

Algarve’s remarkable landscapes are matched by an exceptional food scene that epitomizes achieving more with simplicity. From Lagos to Faro, fine dining restaurants capitalize on the region’s access to fresh seafood, abundant produce, and fertile farmlands to create recipes that modernize Portuguese classics.

Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an evening of romantic, oceanside dining or an authentic regional meal, these 5 restaurants are among the best in the Algarve, and should be on every foodie’s radar:

Address: Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, 8400-450 Porches, Portugal

A two Michelin stars restaurant considered by many the flagship of haute cuisine in central Algarve, Ocean offers a total sensory experience with an oceanfront dining room. This Vila Vita Resort’s restaurant features a progressively modern five to eight-course tasting menus masterfully assembled by award-winning chef Hans Neuner. Every dish is created using organic local produce and seafood ingredients crafted into a minimalist presentation that exemplifies culinary precision.

Must Try: Ocean Menu and Culinary Moments Menu with recommended wine pairing.

Address: Vila Joya, Estrada da Galé, 8201-917 Albufeira, Portugal

If looks can be deceiving, then Vila Joya deceives completely. This seaside pavilion is the signature restaurant of the eponymous 4-star boutique hotel. While most would shrug off its compact, alfresco dining room, others might be surprised that it’s studded with two Michelin stars. For the past 20 years, chef Dieter Koschina has turned the modest venue into an accolade accumulating powerhouse. Here, foodies can expect fresh, catch of the day seafood, sushi, grilled meat entrees, and elegant cocktails paired with extraordinary sunsets.

Must Try: Sushis, sashimis, grilled steak, desserts, and house cocktails.

Address: EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, Pinhal do Concelho, Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Água, 8200-593 Albufeira, Portugal

A stylish hidden gem that packs plenty of theatrics, Al Quimia is the main restaurant of the 5-star Epic Sana Algarve Resort. The venue’s contemporary but secluded dining room overlooks Praia da Falésia and owes its tranquil and romantic vibe to the beach’s laidback ambience. Chef Luís Mourão delivers his wildly inventive culinary concepts with two six and eight-course menus: “The Origin” and “The Tribute”. Each dish is artfully put together with locally sourced ingredients, and served in highly imaginative presentations that can more than raise a few eyebrows.

Must Try: Amuse bouches, mussels, tuna, octopus, dry aged beef.

Address: Urbanizacao, R. do Cabeco de Pias, Carvoeiro 8400-525, Portugal

Located in the picturesque resort town of Carvoeiro, Bon Bon delights the senses with refined Mediterranean cuisine, local flair, and a sweeping view of the verdant Monchique Hills from its terrace. Awarded one Michelin star in 2015, this airy and sunlit restaurant features seasonal four, five, and six-course tasting menus with highly original recipes from chef Louis Anjos. Diners can enjoy Algarve-inspired seafood and daintily arranged dishes by the warm glow of Bon Bon’s central fireplace. The kitchen features a daily chef’s recommendation to go along with its extensive wine selections.

Must Try: Four to six-course tasting menus, amuse bouches, desserts, wine selections.

Address: Quadradinhos, Lote 52, Vale Do Lobo, Loule 8135-034, Portugal

With a simple but aggressively modern tapas menu, Paixa dares to be different in a region of the country that heavily favours seafood, meat, and poultry dishes over delicate share plates. Its chic, candlelit, open concept dining room is a mesh of glitzy wine bar and ultramodern grill house. The restaurant’s dishes highlight Iberian specialties that range from pork ear with coriander, Algarve oysters, veal cakes, to oxtail croquettes. Finish the evening here with sinful egg, chocolate, and almond desserts for a truly unforgettable Algarve dining experience.

Must Try: Braesola carpaccio, octopus salad with peppers, Algarve oysters, pork ear with coriander, veal cakes, Oxtail croquettes, Golden Soup (dessert), egg and almond pudding, chocolate mousse.

Want to experience the pinnacle of Algarve’s culinary scene at these unbelievable restaurants? Contact our Expert Travellers today and ask about Better Beach Portugal. Call or visit in-store for more!