Are you finally ready to visit the Algarve? It is no secret that
the beautiful Portuguese beaches can ensnare even the strongest of
will. But what is it that makes or breaks the deal? After all,
could it be the views? The beautiful waves of the Atlantic are just
mesmerizing as they hit the shoreline. Could it be the sand? Taking
a sunset afternoon walk in silky-smooth sand is literally
therapeutical for your health! Or could it be... the food?
Eating right at the beach, getting sand all over your plate may
not seem like the perfect idea at a first glance. Usually you just
picnic at the beach with a handful of sandwiches and some carton
juice boxes, right?
Well not in the Algarve! We have some of the best traditional
Portuguese food right by the beach, with a side of oceanside view.
From juicy seafood platters to a tasty BBQ of grilled beef, take
your pick from our list of the best beachside restaurants in the
Algarve.
BJ's Oceanside - Almargem Beach, Almancil
Bex and J have started BJ's Oceanside Restaurant over 10 years
ago, so these two expats are more than experienced at making you
feel right at home.
The restaurant is located right in the shoreline in Almargem
Beach with a beautiful view of the coast near Vale do Lobo. The
restaurant has just been upgraded with a huge brand-new wooden deck
right atop the beach so you will be more than comfortable with the
ocean breeze cooling you off.
BJ's specializes in fantastic seafood dishes, with fresh fish
and seafood from the local market in Quarteira. The fishermen here
work daily to provide fresh catches that are sold right to the
people every morning.
At BJ's you will be able to try anything from juicy shrimps and
fresh clams served literally in a platter to a wonderful
Mediterranean seabass dish cooked just right.
The staff are like family, and they make sure to treat you just
like that. Friendly and thoughtful, the BJ family will make the
best experience during your stay.
And don't forget about the music! You can find a live band
playing the best tunes in the afternoon, creating a brilliant
atmosphere for a wonderful time.
Source: BJ's Oceanside
Izzy's - Vale do Lobo
Izzy's a stylish beachside restaurant located on the Garrão just
outside Vale do Lobo. Built over the rocks just by the beach, the
moment you walk in you can feel laid back atmosphere. You can sit
outside in the lounge, decorated with lovely white and blue
furniture for that relaxing sea vibe. And what a view! You can
taste the salty ocean just from where you're sitting!
Rory O'Shea has been the long-standing manager at Izzy's for
quite some time now, and alongside his wonderful team work daily to
make sure the experience is up to par with the view.
The restaurant is actually quite private, and you can enjoy
delicious fresh seafood platters, big juicy tiger prawns, some
famous piri piri chicken just to spice up your lunch. Grilled steak
is also on the menu, and it is tasty. Followed with a crisp glass
of wine, you can't get much better than this.
If you are in the mood for a weekend cocktail, Izzy's also has
live music in the afternoons for a relaxing sunset hangout.
Source: Izzy's
Gigi's - Quinta do Lago
Finding this restaurant is an adventure on its own. Gigi's is
built on a little sand dune right in Quinta do Lago beach,
surrounded by smooth white sand and with a view of the ocean that
goes as far as the eye can see.
But there is a catch: in order to get there, you have to cross
the iconic long wooden bridge that connects the beach to the
mainland, as these are separated by the stunning Ria Formosa
Natural Park.
Gigi's is very much, a wooden rustic shack. But do not let looks
deceive you because as soon as you see those yellow parasols, you
are in for a treat. The authentic Portuguese staff and the shack
feel create a wonderful cozy atmosphere for indulging in a great
lunch.
Seafood is the word around here: Prawns, clams, mussels - you
name it. At Gigi's seafood is sold by the kilo, so be ready for a
feast. The food is colorful, vibrant. Rich in taste and flavour,
Gigi and the crew will cook up real food for real people.
This restaurant is well known in Quinta do Lago, and everyone
will tell you how great the food is. But what you might not hear
about is how equally amazing the Sangria is.
An Iberian classic, this beverage will knock your socks off if
you are not careful. Then again, why are you bringing socks to the
beach?
Gigi's has all sorts of clients, from local Portuguese regulars
to tourists that just want to come and try a piece of the action.
But the feel stays the same. The restaurant has been in business
for over 20 years, and it shows. If you want to give it a shot,
your best bet is to book a table in advance, as during most days
you just can't get a table there! If you happen to be reading this
right before lunch, call +351 964 045 178 to book a table, or just
let us know and we will book it straight for you.
Source: sol.sapo.pt
Sandbanks - Vale do Lobo
Sandbanks is a relaxing restaurant perfect for a light breakfast
or a relaxed lunch meal right in Vale do Lobo. It is right in Vale
do Lobo's main restaurant square, where all the action is! With
live music during the summer and a children's play area with
entertainment and even a bouncy castle, this place is fit for whole
family!
This vegan-friendly restaurant has a number of options to choose
from, starting at spicy curry with basmati rice and poppadom, and
an amazing three bean casserole served with sourdough toast, these
are fantastic options for vegans.
The restaurant also has seafood dishes, including those
fantastic panko prawns served with African rice and spicy mango
sauce! Or maybe a Portuguese styled Perch, served with tomato sauce
and sauté potatoes, and a touch of white wine.
The restaurant is a great option for the family, and if you
would like to take part in fighting for animal rights, the team at
Sandbanks work in partnership with ARA - Animal Rescue Algarve, so
you are helping by enjoying your time here.
Source: SandBanks Vale do Lobo
Estaminé - Faro Desert Island
If you are looking for a private gastronomic experience, it does
not get much better than this. The one-of-a-kind restaurant
Estaminé is located in Faro's Island "Deserta", meaning deserted -
literally the only building in the island is the restaurant!
In order to get there, you have to get a boat from the Marina in
Faro. We can recommend a lovely yacht tour to the island with iSea, and
on the way you get to experience what the Ria Formosa is all about!
Or if you are just that hungry how about a quick ride with Animaris?
They offer ferries all day long! Just let us know what your plans
are and we can arrange transportation for you!
The experience of having lunch here just tops it all. You are
literally on a small island, surrounded by nothing but sand and
ocean, and of course, awesome food.
Estaminé offers a wide variety of local dishes from fresh
oysters to sardine cooked in charcoal grilling, lobster served with
a delicious clam rice and fresh coriander, even juicy squids served
with chips. Fish, seafood and even some meat courses are available.
You can check the menu here.
The island is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the
fantastic Ria Formosa Natural Park. Classified as a Ramsar site,
the Ria is system of barrier islands with unique wildlife from
white flamingos to the Purple Swamp Hen. Don't worry, these are not
considered local delicacies!
Source: Estaminé Restaurant
Tropical Beach Club - Faro
Going back to Faro island you will find a picturesque beachside
village with a lovely 80's feelings. The island has homes and
restaurants right on the coast, with a big bright beach that
extends right to your doorstep. Here you can find the modern
Tropical Beach Club, a hip place in the Algarve with a relaxing
vibe.
You can spot the lounge from between rest through their bright
pink and green lounge chairs. The fun vibe carries on to the
restaurant, and to the food!
You can enjoy some fresh salads for a hot afternoon, maybe fresh
octopus salad tickles your fancy. Or some classic clam chowder that
just hits the spot. You can also enjoy some more simple meals, like
a lovely pizza for the children or some beef skewers with a side of
chips.
The Tropical Beach Club is also a great place for an afternoon
cocktail, with live djs and a big rooftop for cool hangout parties.
The rooftop has modern glass walls for a 360º view of the ocean and
the Ria, and an awesome bar for those lovely gins.
Source: Tropical Beach Club
Rei das Praias- Tavira
If you venture out into Tavira be sure to visit the King -
Literally, the restaurant is called the King of the Beaches!
Established in 1976 the Rei das Praias has been a marker in
Algarve cuisine like no other. The restaurant is located in the
Praia dos Caneiros just outside Tavira. You can certainly relax
here, as the beach offers lovely sunbeds for a day out in the
beach, and there are even massage tents for that extra pampering.
The restaurant has a fantastic, modern lounge with an unrivalled
view of the ocean. If you happen to go for dinner, you can even see
the sunset right from your table.
And for the food, this team has over 40 years of experience
cooking the freshest seafood in the Algarve. The restaurant takes
pride in working together with the best oyster farmer in the
region, so they can deliver the freshest orders right to your
plate.
At Rei's you can have some fantastic Turbot found only in
European waters, roasted to perfection, and served with baked
potatoes. They also serve some fantastic White Grouper that just
pairs nicely with some crisp white wine. And if you happen to visit
during the summer you will be able to try some fantastic sardines
that the Portuguese are well known for! These are only served here
from July to September to guarantee the freshest dishes, so do not
wait around any longer.
The restaurant also has its own Port that pairs nicely with the
fish, and it is a must. Their reputation is so well known that
anyone in Tavira will tell you just how famous the restaurant
is.
Bóia Bar - Budens
If you happen to go out to the West Coast of the Algarve there
is a lovely village named Budens near Vila do Bispo, just outside
Sagres. This place has been growing in popularity thanks to its
fantastic views of the coast, the rocky cliffsides like Ponta da
Piedade and the secret beaches in-between the grottoes that create
the perfect hideaway.
Here in Budens lies an awesome restaurant called Boia Bar that
specializes in Mediterranean food cooked Portuguese-style. A
humble, authentic restaurant, Boia is an underrated beachside
restaurant right in Salema Beach, or Praia da Salema in
Portuguese.
The friendly Portuguese team at Bóia are experts at home meals,
serving Sea Bass and Snappers with a fantastic tomato rice just
like the Portuguese grandmas used to.
The fresh mussels and prawns at Bóia are amazing, followed with
the crisp house wine that pairs nicely with these delicacies.
And all this getting that cool breeze overlooking the ocean.
Bóia is actually located in a lovely cove in the beach, quietly set
away from the big mess of the city.
Source: Bóia Bar Restaurant