Albufeira, one of Portugal's most popular holiday destinations, is ideal for individuals, couples and families who want to enjoy superb weather, many wonderful tourist attractions and an impressive array of dining options. Thanks to the resort's popularity with tourists of all nationalities, tastes and ages, Albufeira offers a great selection of eateries, with something for everyone. So whether you fancy a curry, a fresh fish platter or a pizza, you're sure to find just what you're looking for during your holiday in Albufeira.
Local cuisine
One of the most popular restaurants in Albufeira, A Tasquinha do Rossio is a great place to go for local cuisine. This small restaurant can only seat around 25 people at a time, so making a reservation is a must in order to avoid disappointment. You won't find a menu here, instead visitors can choose from a platter of beef, chicken or fish, each of which is brought out in stages so you don't feel overwhelmed. If you're unsure which one to go for, pick the fish, it comes very highly recommended.
Families and couples who want to try something local should visit Dom Carlos Restaurant. The most popular selection here is the affordable five course menu, which features the best that the restaurant has to offer. If there is a dish you're not keen on, the chef will be happy to switch it for something else. You'll also be presented with an extensive wine list, packed with quality bottles to complement each dish.
Il Cappuccino is the best place to go for low-cost local cuisine. Here you can enjoy a soup or a salad to start, followed by a main course, a dessert and a drink, all for one affordable set price. There is a great selection of main dishes to choose from, including steak, fresh fish, chicken and there's usually a vegetarian option available, too. Despite the low price, the service and quality are not compromised, which encourages guests to return time and time again.
Situated in Old Town, near the church, Os Arcos Restaurante boasts a contemporary menu packed with Portuguese specialities. Here you'll find starters such as fried baby sardines and fresh crab salad, followed by mains like dory fillets with banana and grilled calf's liver. The restaurant's speciality is the seafood 'cataplana' which is a stew-like dish full of fresh seafood and vegetables. There is also a great selection of homemade desserts to choose from, if you're still hungry.
Modern European
Couples and families searching for modern European cuisine should visit Johnny Hooper's Saxophone Bistro. Situated in Areias de Sao Joao, this restaurant offers a fantastic range of traditional European dishes, each with a unique twist. Thai fish cakes and parcel of smoked salmon are two of the most popular starters and work well with the Cajun-spiced pan-fried fillet of catfish and gorgonzola-stuffed chicken breast. You'll also find a great selection of pastas and gourmet burgers available, as well as a number of homemade desserts.
Museu dos Salgados is another great choice when it comes to modern international dining. This restaurant features a four-course gourmet tasting menu which changes regularly, according to the season. Using creamy French sauces, Eastern spices and Portuguese ingredients, Museu dos Salgados creates a fusion of flavours which are sure to please. To accompany each dish, there is a selection of young and mature wines, as well as homemade sangria.
Invictus is always a hit amongst visitors on holiday in Albufeira, Portugal. This restaurant serves elegant and contemporary dishes in generous portions, making it popular with families. Offering much more choice than many other restaurants in the area, the children's menu features tasty dishes such as Swedish meatballs and fresh salmon fillet. The staff are very clued up on the wine list and will be happy to suggest a bottle to accompany your meal.
Offering an interesting fusion of Dutch and Israeli cuisine, Shalom II boasts a menu packed with steaks, savoury pancakes and ribs. With such a great choice available, there is bound to be something to put a smile on the face of even the fussiest eater. You can choose from veal steak, spare ribs, lamb chops, Dutch pancakes, pasta salads and Hawaii schnitzel, as well as a large children's menu. Many people travel to Shalom II for the superb all-you-can-eat ribs, made with a special recipe.
Asian
If you find yourself craving Indian food, pay a visit to Great India Tandoori Restaurant. Every dish is cooked to order here, so although you might have to wait a while for you meal, it's worth it to enjoy a freshly prepared dish made with local ingredients. Here you'll find all your favourite Indian, starters, curries and side dishes which are served in generous-sized portions. If you visit for lunch, you'll be able to take advantage of the affordable set menus which include a number of the restaurant's most popular dishes.
The Indian Ocean is another great choice for those in the mood for an authentic curry. Here you'll find a selection of dishes made from fresh ingredients which are cooked to order by experienced Indian chefs. The staff are very friendly and will be happy to make suggestions if you're not familiar with Indian food. Suitable for vegetarians, The Indian Ocean also offers a great choice of dishes made with vegetables and paneer, a popular Indian cheese.
Perfect for couples who want to enjoy a romantic meal, O'Licorne provides a warm and welcoming candle-lit atmosphere along with delicious Asian food. Open every day, this popular restaurant serves homemade, freshly prepared Indian food, which is sure to put a smile on your face. If you're not in the mood to eat out, O'Licorne also offers a takeaway service and will even deliver your order to your hotel or apartment, upon request.
Pub grub
When it comes to pub grub, it doesn't get much better than the food dished up at The Cockerel Country Kitchen. Due to its small size, advanced booking is a must to ensure you get a table. Here you'll find a large menu packed with popular dishes, such as BBQ ribs, Black Angus steak pie and cod and chips. Those of you who enjoy ending your meal with a coffee will be pleased to hear that this restaurant regularly offers a two-for-one deal on Irish coffees.
Situated in Old Town Albufeira, Bistro is a great place to enjoy good old pub grub. Offering something for everyone, this restaurant serves dishes such as Thai green chicken curry, battered cod and steak with a variety of sauces. The chef is very friendly and enjoys chatting with guests about their meals and will happily whip you something special up if there is nothing on the menu you fancy. Bistro is known for its amazing desserts, so if you're still feeling hungry, try the panacotta or the chocolate fondant they're both highly recommended.
Established in June 2007, The English Kitchen is a family-run business which serves homemade traditional pub grub, influenced by Italian, French, Indian and British cuisine. Popular with people who have special dietary needs, this restaurant provides a number of dishes suitable for those with a food intolerance. The large menu is packed with tempting dishes, such as pan-fried mushrooms with bacon, chilli and tomato, cottage pie, breakfast burger, mushroom stroganoff, Cajun chicken, turkey steak and homemade pies, ensuring something to suit everyone.
Seafood
Seafood lovers won't want to miss the chance to enjoy a meal at Tres Palmeiras. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular restaurant, which regularly gets full up. Inside the restaurant you'll find a large fresh fish counter where you can choose the fish for the chef to prepare. For those who aren't keen on fish, there is also a decent selection of meat and vegetarian dishes available.
When it comes to fish and seafood, it's tough to beat the extensive menu found at O Lusitano. You'll find a great choice of fresh starters available here, including prawns and clams, followed by main dishes like sea bass and monk fish. If you're dining with someone who isn't a big fish eater, there is also a selection of meat- and pasta-based dishes available. If you save room for dessert, be sure to try the chocolate mousse or the traditional Algarve almond cake.
Donaldo's is one of the best places to go for traditional Portuguese fish and seafood. The large menu is packed with something for everyone to enjoy, including meat-, fish- and pasta-based dishes, as well as several vegetarian options. This restaurant's specialities are certainly the fish and seafood dishes, with items such as the prawn kebab, sea bass and tuna steak being some of the most popular.
Known throughout Albufeira for its quality fish and seafood, A Lagosteira is a must for anyone who loves fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Established in 1985, this eatery offers a number of Portuguese and international dishes, with the house speciality being the live shellfish which are kept in an aquarium. In order to cater to every taste, A Lagosteira also serves a selection of quality meats which are grilled on a charcoal barbecue and flavoured with Mediterranean spices. To accompany each dish, there is a superb wine menu available, with many bottles coming from the restaurants' very own wine cellar.
Meat feasts
Couples and families who enjoy quality grilled meat should visit A Casa do Chefe. The menu features a great selection of lamb, steak, chicken and pork dishes, as well as a number of fish and vegetarian options. There is an extensive wine list available, featuring international and Portuguese bottles, with at least one choice to complement each dish. If you're still feeling hungry, ask to see the dessert menu which is packed with delicious homemade treats.
The Sizzling Stone is ideal for carnivores looking for their perfect meal. Here you'll find a large a la carte menu full of beef, chicken, lamb and pork dishes cooked in a number of ways with a selection of homemade sauces. One of the most popular dishes is the do-it-yourself steak, which is served raw alongside a medley of vegetables and potatoes on a sizzling stone, so you can cook it just how you like it.
Carnivores with large appetites won't want to miss the chance to enjoy an evening at Picanha na Brasa. Offering a selection of Brazilian and South American-style dishes, this restaurant works on an all-you-can-eat basis, making it popular with large families. For a set price, your server will continue to come over to your table in stages, offering a different kind of meat each time. There is a hot and cold salad bar available, with many different side dishes such as garlic bread, potato salad and plenty of vegetables to choose from to accompany your main. This restaurant gets very busy during summer, so if you plan on visiting during the peak season, be sure to make a reservation.
For the best steaks in Albufeira, look no further than O Farnel. Frequently cooked to perfection, these steaks are prepared on a charcoal grill, filling them with a spectacularly smoky taste. There is a selection of homemade sauces to choose from to accompany your meat, including mushroom, peppercorn and béarnaise. If you're dining with children, you'll be pleased to hear that there is an extensive kids' menu available, featuring smaller steaks, as well as all-time favourites such as chicken nuggets, fish fingers and sausages.