There’s hundreds of reasons to visit Portugal’s Algarve. Most people are drawn to the beautiful climate, the stunning beaches or the world famous golf courses. But whether you are thinking about visiting the Algarve as a family, a couple or as a solo traveller, you’ll also get to sample the delicious cuisine that the region has to offer. In this article, we’ll cover the best places to eat in the Algarve and compare what each area has to offer.
Introduction To Algarve Cuisine
Given the Algarve sits along the Atlantic coastline, it probably comes as no surprise that seafood is heavily prominent in the region. Whichever part of the Algarve you find yourself in, there’s a good chance you won’t be too far from a high quality seafood restaurant. The closer you find yourself to the coast, the more you can expect seafood to dominate.
If you head further inland though, menus start to look a little different. Expect meats such as pork and chicken to be more popular, as well as locally sourced vegetables featuring prominently.
Whether you’re looking for fish, meat or vegetarian options, Algarve cuisine tends to put freshness and simplicity at the heart of its ethos.
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Algarve Cuisine By Area
Faro
Many would put Faro at the top of their Algarve culinary rankings, and those who have ever visited will know why. The beauty of Faro’s food options lies in its variety and its ability to tick so many boxes.Being situated on the coast means there’s no shortage of fantastic seafood options but unlike other coastal areas, Faro also offers local food markets, authentic Portuguese options and fine dining restaurants for those looking for something more premium.
Lagos
If you are heading to the Algarve to sample its renowned seafood then Lagos might be the best place to call home for a week or two. Situated in the west with a stunning marina, Lagos offers the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, while also possessing some of the best sea-to-plate restaurants in the Algarve.
Quinta do Lago
This is probably the most premium resort in the Algarve, so expect the cuisine to differ slightly. Upscale restaurants and intimate cocktail bars replace more traditional dining and the menus can be considered slightly more international. On the flip side, the quality of ingredients and dishes is as impressive as the luxury villas in Quinta do Lago.
Albufeira
As one of the most popular tourist destinations within the Algarve, Albufeira is another area where you’ll find a vast array of options. However, the area’s popularity with young partygoers does mean you may have to work a bit harder to find the better options. You’ll want to avoid the central strip of bars and clubs which cater more for those in need of a takeaway at night. The old town however is where you’ll find quieter, more authentic options serving a mix of international food and traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are drawn to the Algarve for its scorching summers or wild nightlife, you’d be crazy not to sample the area’s food while visiting. In most towns you’ll find both authentic options and international alternatives. If you favour international dishes, areas like Albufeira and Quinta do Lago are more suitable options. For a taste of authentic Portuguese food, places like Lagos and Faro come into their own.
Photo Credits: PortugalGetAways.com and Domes Lake Algarve
