10 Best Restaurants in The Algarve, Portugal

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In an elegant dining room overlooking Praia da Rocha, this Mediterranean-influenced restaurant specializes in meticulously presented dishes that use local ingredients. Chef João Oliveira worked at some of Portugal's most award-winning restaurants, and here he puts his own stamp on refined Algarvian cuisine.