8 Best Places To Eat In Albufeira, Portugal

places to eat in albufeira
Christopher
Christopher 
Updated
| 5 min read

The Portuguese coastal city of Albufeira is a magnetic travel destination for a slew of travelers who want to immerse themselves in the serene Mediterranean lifestyle. And of course to indulge their palate in all the best that the Algarve coast has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of choice seafood or you’re looking for something more robust in your dining, these eateries will be sure to grace your plate with the best that Albufeira has to offer.

1. Vila Joya

Vila Joya
Source: Booking.com

The “House of Joy” is located within the hotel and spa sharing its name atop a hilly drive overlooking the ocean in Albufeira. First opened in 1982, Vila Joya is a seasonal establishment that’s open from March to November. It gets its name from the daughter of the family that purchased the entire property – that same daughter now owns and runs the complex. Visitors to Vila Joya will marvel at the impressive view made possible by the dining space being located on an open-air terrace. The restaurant owns the notable distinction of obtaining two-stars from Michelin – the first in 1991, and another eight years later. The seafood of the Algarve coast is the centerpiece of both the lunch and dinner menus, crafted by a staff of up to 25 chefs. The variety of dishes include French, German and Asian fusion influences to high satisfaction.

Vila Joya

Address: Estrada da Galé, 8201-917 Albufeira, Portugal

Website: Vila Joya

Visited this place?

2. Iguana Cafe

One of their menu; Greek salad
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

The Iguana Café ranks high among those who call Albufeira home as well as the multitude of visitors who come to the city. While it is more of a café and snack bar in terms of fare, the offerings are prepared and served with a gourmet touch that leaves folks satisfied and their plates clean. Another highlight of the Iguana Café? The breathtaking scene from the layered deck out in the back that not only lets you get a gander at the bay but on some days can let you see all the way to Faro. For those who want to visit, check with the café first in terms of their hours (sometimes they do open slightly later than advertised) then snag a house cocktail and enjoy.

Iguana Cafe

Address: R. Latino Coelho 59, 8200-150

Facebook: Iguana Cafe

Visited this place?

3. Restaurant Dom Carlos

Dom Carlos Restaurant Rua Alves Correia 26 March 2015 (5)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user View more used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This restaurant is traditional through and through, being a mainstay in Albufeira due to their dedication to delivering high quality cuisine. The place is named in honor of the revered King Carlos I who was assassinated in 1908. Located a short distance away from one of the eight World Surfing Reserves in Vila de Ericeira, Dom Carlos serves up a menu with seafood at its core and they are famous for their five-course meals. One dish in particular is their cod, delicately prepared to go with a choice selection of fine wines and a crowd favorite. In terms of the décor, the dining room evokes a charming seaside air without it being over the top.

Restaurant Dom Carlos

Address: R. Alves Correia 100, 8200-099

Website: Restaurant Dom Carlos - in Portugese)

Visited this place?

4. Evaristo

Praia do Evaristo Albufeira24 09 2012
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user stavros1 used under CC BY 3.0

Perched on the white sands of the beach it gets its name from, Evaristo has developed a reputation since 1986 for premium dining in Albufeira. Patrons arrive here and are greeted by a simple but alluring décor with open views of the sea and the beach activity. Of course, fresh seafood lies at the heart of the menu, whether you’re in the mood for sumptuous lobster or a plate bedecked with oysters. Those dining here can also avail themselves of a sunbed to lounge before or after their meal if they wish. Evaristo offers a three course meal and in the case of certain dishes, entrees priced by the kilogram.

Evaristo

Address: Praia do Evaristo, 8200-903

Website: Evaristo

Visited this place?

5. Castelo do Mar

Castelo do Mar, Albufeira (34296984051)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Patrick Nouhailler used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This bar and restaurant on the Rua de Orada gets high praise in Albufeira’s culinary scene. Castelo do Mar sets itself up as a mellow establishment that serves traditional fare, and evidence of that greets patrons as they arrive. The restaurant is expansive with a vast outdoor deck area complete with plush chairs allowing you to get grand views of the coastline. And the food offerings are just as impeccable – there are goat cheese sliders as appetizers, and while their cod entrée is a notable delight, the steak done in Argentinian fashion is not to be missed. Another attractive feature of Castelo do Mar lies in the live entertainment they offer most nights.

Castelo do Mar

Address: R. da Orada, 8200-371

Website: Castelo do Mar

Visited this place?

6. Restaurant Veneza

Veal loin
Source: Needpix

This bistro has a lengthy history – it began first as a country store in 1954, evolving to include a coffee shop and a dance hall before becoming a full-fledged restaurant. Veneza’s dining experience is a blend of influences from the Algarve coastal region and the family’s Italian roots. This mix is keenly reflected in dishes such as a veal loin pan fried with sprigs of garlic, and the pork medallion entrée that’s presented with a local delicacy known as xarem, which is a potato dish sometimes served with ham or clams. Wine connoisseurs will love Veneza in particular since the eatery has over one thousand labels of wine available – you’ll see proof as you step into the dining space and see the immense amount of bottles lining the walls. Bear in mind that the restaurant is more within the countryside rather than in Albufeira proper, so check with local car services to plan your visit.

Restaurant Veneza

Address: Estrada de Paderne, 8200-488

Website: Restaurant Veneza

Visited this place?

7. Docaria Almeixar

Crepes
Source: Pexels

Tradition stemming from the hands of loving grandmothers is what lies behind Docaria Almeixar. This bakery and tea room has a hefty following in Albufeira and its name introduces visitors to one of its specialties - cakes with figs. Docaria Almeixar greets patrons with a cozy atmosphere and a warm and friendly staff. Although it bills itself as a tea room, the eatery has a bountiful menu with local dishes like the Algarvean tomato stew and bacalhau com natas (cod with cream pie). The desserts are the main draw here naturally, with dozens to choose from. One crowd favorite? The almeixar crepes. The eatery also has brunch hours for the weekend crowds.

Docaria Almeixar

Address: Estrada de Vale Rabelho, 8200-428

Website: Docaria Almeixar

Visited this place?

8. Al Quimia

Prosciutto
Source: Pixabay

Al Quimia is the premier dining establishment of the Epic Sana hotel in Albufeira, and when one gets a look at their menu the reasons are clear as to why. With a name stemming from the Portuguese word for “alchemy”, the restaurant crafts their dishes with a keen eye towards providing the best of the region’s cuisine with a sharp modern twist. This includes menu items such as foie gras and prosciutto appetizers, and hearty entrees like sea bass and black angus steaks being presented in a chic and appealing manner. Patrons will also enjoy being in an atmosphere that is subdued elegance from the patio dining space to the earth tones that dominate the main room from floor to ceiling. Reservations are definitely needed to enjoy the breadth of what Al Quimia has to offer.

Al Quimia

Address: Av. da Praia da Falésia, 8200-593

Facebook: Al Quimia

Visited this place?

Dishing out more about eating in Albufeira

The Algarve coast is a prime place for travelers to partake in the oceanic and epicureal delights that Portugal has to offer. In Albufeira, this is brought out in restaurants and cafes that cover the traditional and the newly popular trends in dining. One thing is sure - the various eateries of Albufeira make it a high point to treat a patron as if they are family and make their experience as warm as the breeze from the Mediterranean.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Christopher Smith is a writer who hails from New York City. Growing up, he had the love of travel instilled in him from a young age thanks to his parents to go along with a love of writing. After a...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Albufeira
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.