35 Best Restaurants in The Algarve, Portugal

The family-run winery and brewery Quinta Dos Santos started as a tap room, but his since established the restaurant A Esquina on site, with a gorgeous courtyard ringed by arches and a surprisingly sophisticated dining room serving sharable Portuguese dishes.

Set away from the hustle and bustle of the coast and outside the touristic area, Calhou is a traditional Portuguese restaurant with a side of Italy—serving incredible Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-fired oven. A wood-paneled interior makes the restaurant feel rustic and cosy.

Locals flock to La Dolce Vita for its fabulous homemade pizzas, hearty pastas, refreshing sangria, and charmingly old-fashioned decor. Meals are served on bench tables with blue-and-white tiled surfaces, which give a delightfully traditional feel.

In a brave move, there's no menu at this restaurant. Promising diners 11 carefully curated dishes, chef João Marreiros weaves his passion for his country in every bite. The decor is pared back; modern and yet traditional. Sit back and enjoy the journey knowing you're in safe hands.

Despite the misleading name, this cheerful restaurant actually does have a patio, and a beautiful one (the name translates roughly as "in the courtyard"). The chefs incorporate premium local produce in dishes that have an international flair.

From the outside, owner Noélia's restaurant (which she shares with her partner, Jerónimo) looks like just another unassuming local place, but inside the flavors sing and the senses are delighted, particularly with the tomato rice with seafood or, to be even more indulgent, the rice with champagne and local oysters. Make reservations, or be prepared to wait.

Dine beneath the canopy of trees at O Barradas, a farmhouse restaurant set on its own leafy grounds. Portuguese charm comes in spades here, in the decor as well as in the menu, which sources herbs and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Wine poured is from an on-site winery, and other regional specialties feature too, like Mirandesa beef from the north of Portugal, and wild Atlantic shrimp.

Done up in vivid shades of blue and gold, this upscale restaurant at the Vila Vita Parc impresses with its innovative tasting menus, fabulous wine selection, and wonderful ocean views. Choose from two tasting menus of four or six courses featuring interesting riffs on Portuguese classics. That means lots of fish and seafood along with perfect wine pairings.

The extraordinary Portuguese dishes served here are the creations of Austrian chef Dieter Koschina, who has been awarded two Michelin stars for 23 consecutive years. A stone's throw from the ocean and surrounded by greenery, the dishes are inspired by these very surrounds. Choose the Signature Menu, for a four-course tasting experience. Though reservations are strongly recommended, call in the morning for last-minute openings.

With its quirky interior illuminated by dozens of pendant lamps, this lively tapas bar—with inventive cuisine and fine wines—is popular with locals for a big night out. There's a strong focus on Portuguese wines, but the menu ranges further afield, with sushi rolls, shrimp tempura, and chicken gyozas.

Regional cuisine's on the menu at this intimate timber-clad restaurant, stacked floor-to-ceiling with antique wares and hand-painted ceramics. Choose the regional sausage—usually grilled, stewed or baked as a daily special—for an authentic taste of Monchique. 

Built in the ruins of an 8th-century castle tower—hence its name—this eatery serves fine renditions of typical Algarvian fare in four dining rooms with balconies overlooking the beach. It's a unique option for a special occasion, but great food in a historic setting comes at a price.

Popular among locals for celebrations, this down-to-earth adega (wine cellar) serves typical Portuguese dishes like monkfish rice, salted cod, or grilled rump steak served with rice and stewed beans. The seating arrangement on benches around long wooden tables helps keep things lively, and you'll find more good cheer in the tile-covered bar.

This charming restaurant has an absolutely lovely location on the eastern edge of a dramatic beach. Specialties here include fresh fish and delicious seafood stews, supported by a selection of fine wines. The crepe dessert is a must.

Service comes with a smile at this humble Portuguese seafood restaurant, with ocean views. Sip a sundowner on the rooftop bar. The spare ribs are also popular with the local clientele. There's weekly live music, too—a blackboard outside the restaurant advertises the times.

Although it's located directly opposite Praia Nossa Senhora da Rocha, this eatery is a world away. The always-crowded dining room has a romantic feel. Hot and spicy tandoori dishes are the draw, but mild options are plentiful.

The resort's first restaurant is still one of its best. Casa Velha occupies an old farmhouse and focuses on French-style fine dining. Many of the ingredients come from Quinta do Lago's organic farm or the ocean right nearby.

Decorated Portuguese chef Leonel Pereira (who previously earned a Michelin star at restaurant São Gabriel in Almancil) now helms this bright and breezy restaurant nearby the Doca de Faro marina. Since opening in 2020 it's received a Bib Gourmand, and its menu celebrates traditional and seasonal Portuguese fare, like confit cod in garlic sauce or pork cheek stewed in red wine. A sommelier is on-hand to pair courses with Portuguese and international wines.

Since 1925, this family-run restaurant has attracted a robust clientele, thanks to its excellent regional dishes and vast national wine selection. The large dining room and plant-filled indoor terrace have a homey vibe, with exposed-brick arches and high-backed chairs.

Traditional Portuguese cooking (especially charcoal-grilled fish) is the draw at this Michelin-listed restaurant. You can dine at elegant candlelit tables inside or on a sidewalk out front. You may wish to start your meal with a typical lobster or shrimp dish, followed by grilled fish or the seafood stew—all extremely good.

This upscale restaurant and bar, which includes lounge chairs by the infinity pool as well as dining tables inside, is perched on a promontory at the mouth of the Guadiana River. The menu features Portuguese classics, plus a range of pizzas and burgers.

Situated a little way out of town in Quartiera, this independent French-Portuguese restaurant has a traditional, family-run feel. Fair-priced seafood tapas is on the menu, along with French classics like French onion soup. Reserve ahead of your visit.

Overlooking the dramatic Praia da Batata, this restaurant has a simple but lovely dining room and a popular outdoor terrace. The fish is exceptionally fresh, and what's more, there's a small public parking area just yards away—a rarity in this busy town.

Although there's no atmosphere to speak of, the fresh fish and shellfish at Marisqueira Rui never fail to reel in a crowd from near and far, who dine alongside in-the-know locals. The service is just as good as the food—friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient.

If you're looking for fresh fish and a view of the ocean, you can’t do much better than this smart restaurant above beautiful Praia do Camilo. Along with fish that's just come from the market, there are clams and oysters from Ria de Alvor that are prepared with skill.

Cool, contemporary Onze e Meia offers a tempting array of Mediterranean dishes and one of the best views in the village, right on the cliffs overlooking the beach. Start with the mixed platter of authentic Greek meze, then move onto one of the mouthwatering risottos.

Crossing the Roman bridge, you'll pass by a lot of tempting spots before you reach this typical Portuguese eatery—trust us, it's worth the trip. Here the focus is on fresh fish, including the traditional bacalhau a bras, but there's a range of beef steak on the menu too. There is a smattering of outside tables with views to the adjacent square.

With a focus on healthy cuisine, diners can expect nutrient-packed bowls, salads, wraps, and ciabattas. It's all served in a pretty indoor-outdoor dining room.

This restaurant is more than just a glamorous beach club—although it is that, too. Both outside on the terrace and inside the glass-walled dining room, the staff turns out an accomplished menu, with a seafood or fish catch of the day, plus impressive salads, and sandwiches.

Just west of Monchique, the simple but elegant Teresinha has good country cooking and a lofty dining room warmed by a fireplace. An outdoor terrace overlooks a valley as well as the coastline.