“They can increase the retirement age, but if they take away food, even the Portuguese will riot.”
That’s a direct quote from a golf club manager who fed us here in the Algarve. When you think of food destinations, your mind likely jumps to Italy (and it should), but the Portuguese would happily argue that although overlooked, they’re a direct competitor to Italy, France, and their own neighbour, Spain. They’re not lying either.
They bring the heat in the battle of pastries, with their infamous pastel de nata, pastel de feijão (sweet bean tarts dusted with icing sugar), pão de deus (or God’s bread, like brioche laced with a dash of rum and lemon and crusted in shredded coconut), and they raise the bar on charcuterie and cheese boards.
Sorry France, but if I could sleep in a vat of São Jorge cheese (from the Azores), I would. But don’t let us be the ones to tell you, go and try it for yourself. Ask questions, they’ll happily walk you through every dish, tell you how their grandmother makes it better, and pile your plate so high even the foodiest of foodies will be defeated. It was the prego no pão (steak sandwich) that did me in. No regrets.
Here are some of our favourite spots in the Algarve.
Restaurante Ideal
Cabanas de Tavira, Eastern Algarve
Little Cabanas hangs tight to its fishing village roots, with many of its restaurants serving food caught that morning. If you had to pick one, Restaurante Ideal leads the pack. Go for the fish soup (served in a bread bowl), the grilled octopus, and the rooster fish fillets. It’s small so make sure you reserve your table in advance, especially in high season.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Pastelaria Dália
Tavira, Eastern Algarve
If our introductory pastry-sell has whetted your appetite for sweet things, then this is the place to go get them. You’ll find all the pastels and more at Dália. Plus, being that it’s in the centre of beautiful Tavira, you’ll have ample opportunity to walk those sweet treats off around the town, or on the course after. You can call this ‘fuel’ if you need to. We call it ‘well-deserved’.
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
Three Monkeys Bar
Lagos, Western Algarve
If you’re an Algarve regular, chances are you’ve been to Three Monkeys. It’s not a place for the discerning type who likes their whiskey sour oak-smoked, or their margarita glass crusted with Maldon sea salt. This is where you go for €3.50 beers, and a happy hour that (although we can’t quite remember) is about six hours long. Add it to the list, tick it off the list, and make sure you’ve got a late tee time the following day.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
Charneco
Estombar, Western Algarve
Another one to get ahead on the booking (especially in the summer months). Charneco is a YGT favourite. The menu changes every day, so if you’re a fan of consistency this is not it. And it’s a set menu of items you will not be able to peruse in advance of the dishes arrival. It’s food-Russian-Roulette, but of the best sort. Think local goats cheese with a pumpkin jam on newly baked bread, fried shrimp starters, freshly-fished clams, and stingray fishcakes. If they put the monkfish with rice or the ox knuckle with potatoes under your nose: eat. Recent dessert favourites include carob cakes, their homemade almond brittle, and macaroons. If you’re feeling really adventurous (and it’s served) have a try of the sweet egg noodles: “It’s just a weird thing to put in your mouth, but it tastes really nice,” Glenn, Europe Golf Travel Expert.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
Fishermans Rest
Alvor, Western Algarve
Our advice here is; don’t go if you want to be served very quickly, if you’re ‘hangry’ or you’ve come bearing temperamental offspring. They won’t rush the orders through, even if you ask them. But still, it makes the list as the casual kind of place, where the beers are cold, the atmosphere and pace is relaxed, and if you’re a seafood lover, you order the seafood spaghetti and the mussels (because they’re the best).
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Lusitania
Alvor, Western Algarve
This made the list for Kareem (Europe Golf Travel Expert) and person who does “not.like.fish”. Why? Because despite the fact that he does “not.like.fish” he loves (guess?) the fried shrimps in garlic sauce. Perhaps like Kareem, other non-fish lovers stand to be tempted over to the watery dark side of the dinner plate, with Lusitania. If not, there are plenty of options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike; the fried tofu, marinated in orange and almond sauce is not to be sniffed at.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
19th Hole
Villamoura, Central Algarve
Like Three Monkeys, the 19th Hole is another Algarve staple. It’s a sports bar, so if you “need” one of those for that game you have to see, we’ve got you covered here. The drinks menu is broad, varied, and it’s reasonable. Chances are, you’ll run into your home fans here, and if the sporting god’s favour you, none of your rivals.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
Maria’s
Almancil, Central Algarve
This is not a “clubhouse chic” setting. If you’re coming to Maria’s for the food and the sea views (incredible), you’re putting on an ironed collared shirt, and you’re making an effort, because it’s worth the effort. A little more refined than some of our other recommendations. The sea bass ceviche is sensational, and the chicken piri piri is next level. It definitely leans more heavily towards fish offerings, but there are vegan, vegetarian, and meat options available too. Get organised; book in advance. Far, far in advance. You won’t regret this one.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from courses if you fancy a snack after golf
Parrilla Natural
Almancil, Central Algarve
Parilla is a meat-lover’s dream (it’s a steakhouse). There aren’t a huge amount of options for anyone meat-free or fish-favouring. But if you’re wanting a meat feast, we couldn’t recommend anywhere better than this one. They also know how to make a cocktail (as opposed to pouring one from a can or dispensing one from a machine) and their dessert menu even includes ‘dessert cocktails’. The tiramisu cocktail is heavenly and should be consumed alongside their salted caramel brownie.
Distance from hotel if you fancy an evening meal
Distance from Quinta do Lago courses if you fancy a snack after golf
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