Algarve Dining Guide
Discover the finest restaurants and authentic Portuguese cuisine
A Culinary Paradise
The Algarve offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences, from traditional Portuguese tavernas serving fresh-caught seafood to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. The region is renowned for its grilled fish, cataplana (a traditional copper pan dish), and the famous piri-piri chicken. Pair your meal with excellent local wines from the Algarve and Alentejo regions.
Must-Try Dishes
Cataplana
A traditional seafood stew cooked in a copper clam-shaped pan, typically with clams, prawns, and fish in a tomato and white wine sauce.
Frango Piri-Piri
Spicy grilled chicken marinated in piri-piri chilli sauce, a Portuguese-African fusion that originated in the former colonies.
Grilled Fish
Fresh-caught sea bass (robalo), sea bream (dourada), or sardines, simply grilled with olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.
Pastéis de Nata
Portugal's famous custard tarts with flaky pastry and creamy filling, best enjoyed warm with a dusting of cinnamon.
Recommended Restaurants
Ocean Restaurant
Fine Dining / Seafood
Two Michelin stars make Ocean one of Portugal's finest restaurants. Chef Hans Neuner creates innovative dishes showcasing the best Atlantic seafood in an elegant clifftop setting.
Restaurante Veneza
Traditional Portuguese
A beloved local institution serving authentic Algarvian cuisine for over 40 years. The grilled chicken and cataplana are legendary, and the prices are remarkably fair.
A Tasca do Kiko
Traditional Portuguese
A charming family-run restaurant in the historic town of Silves. Known for generous portions of traditional dishes and an excellent wine selection at honest prices.
Restaurante O Chameco
Piri-Piri Chicken
The undisputed king of piri-piri chicken in the Algarve. This unassuming roadside restaurant has been perfecting their recipe for decades. Always busy – a testament to quality.
Restaurante Ramires
Piri-Piri Chicken
Another legendary piri-piri chicken spot in Guia, the self-proclaimed "capital of chicken". Family-run since 1964, with a loyal following of locals and tourists alike.
Noélia & Jerónimo
Seafood
A Michelin-starred gem in the eastern Algarve, offering creative interpretations of traditional seafood dishes. The tasting menu is a journey through local flavours.
Casa do Polvo Tasquinha
Seafood / Octopus
In the "octopus capital" of Portugal, this restaurant serves the cephalopod in every conceivable way. The octopus rice and grilled octopus are exceptional.
Restaurante A Eira do Mel
Traditional Portuguese
Set in a beautifully restored farmhouse, this restaurant offers refined takes on traditional Algarvian recipes using locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Tips
Meal Times
Portuguese eat late – lunch from 12:30-15:00 and dinner from 19:30-22:00. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Cover Charge
Bread, olives, and butter brought to your table are not free – they're a "couvert" charge. Politely decline if you don't want them.
Portion Sizes
Portuguese portions are generous. Many restaurants offer "meia dose" (half portion) which is often plenty for one person.
House Wine
Don't overlook the house wine – Portuguese table wine is excellent quality and great value, often just €5-10 per bottle.
Need a Ride to Dinner?
Enjoy your meal without worrying about driving. We offer evening transfers to restaurants throughout the Algarve.
Discover the best restaurants in the Algarve, from Michelin-starred fine dining to traditional Portuguese tavernas. A22 Transfers provides comfortable transportation to restaurants throughout the region, so you can enjoy local wines without worrying about driving.