What’s on the Menu?
I absolutely love going out and I get a lot of my inspiration for interior design from discovering new places and eating delicious food. So many people have DMed me for good recommendations, whether it be in the Algarve or London, so I thought I would share some of them here! More particularly, my favourite spots in the Algarve. I’ll post several of these in the future as this is an extensive list.
As a foodie, quality is a MUST. But I do look for excellent service or the general view or vibes of the place.
BRAVA
Let us begin with one of my favourite places ever, BRAVA Restaurante in Almancil. Honestly, tapas at their best. The food served is out of this world, and portions allow you to share or try different dishes, great with a group of friends! Seared tuna, pork buns, octopus carpaccio or mini hamburgers… And do not forget their incredible mille-feuille to finish it all off. Customer service at Brava is outstanding and the owner is a real gem. You get lovely cosy decor in the Winter and a cute terrace in the Summer, but reservations are a must.
The CHEEKY PUP
You are not a local if you don’t know The Cheeky Pup in Quinta do Lago. They serve great food on a lovely terrace, good cocktails and my favourite superfood salad and poke bowls.
SUSHI MISHI
Sushi Mishi is a very good Japanese restaurant I recently discovered. I usually go for lunch by myself to get some work done or with a friend to enjoy their beautiful sun-flooded terrace. The sushi is fresh and the service is quick. I personally don’t go there in the evening but for very well-priced sushi, it’s the perfect quick lunch spot.
UMAMI
On the more high-end Japanese restaurants, I love (love, love, love…) UMAMI in Quinta do Lago. The decor is absolutely stunning, with huge wooden octopuses hanging from the ceiling and their terrace in the Summer is heavenly. They have live music on several days of the week, which is a huge plus. In my opinion, this is as close as it gets to Zuma London food-wise. Their cocktails and service are at a very high standard, I could talk about this place for hours.
Oh and dress chic!
CASA DO LAGO
It’s so beautiful to sit by the lake on the stunning terrace of Casa do Lago. I love their interior decor, making it a great Winter spot (cosy and chic!). I always go for their amazing sea bass and clams and my hubby gets the delicious chicken with gravy sauce. A really beautiful place to hang out for a boozy lunch or a moderately fancy dinner!
PURE
Pure is a wonderful healthy-juice-bowl-salad and co. cafe, with a spacious terrace, perfect for those afternoon meetings. they have great quality coffee and a huge variety of salads, brunch foods and juices. This place is IT if you want a healthy snack or veggies on the go.
AL GHARB & SUGAR RABBIT ALBUFEIRA
Within the Albufeira area, I highly recommend these two healthy coffee/brunch spots. Al Gharb is one of my faves; with the best Açai bowls and locally roasted coffee. It's got a really cool vibe for a great breakfast or brunch on a lovely terrace and boho interior. Sugar Rabbit Kaffee is within the Old Town, but I only recommend it on foot as parking is basically none existent. It's a tiny place with great juices, avocado toast and banana bread. I personally recommend their Greek yoghurt and granola.
CASA VELHA
This restaurant is very chic and has probably got the most amazing terrace around Quinta do Lago. It feels like the Provence, warm and welcoming. The inside decor is beautiful and their gourmet menu definitely is worth it. I would go for a special occasion rather than a casual dinner, as the experience does come with a heavy bill…
BROOKLYN HAMBURGUERIA
When in Loulé, or dying for a hamburger, this is THE place to go. Brooklyn Hamburgueria makes my absolute favourite burgers. This joint will serve you really fresh meat and really yummy sweet potato chips, plus the decor is super fun! A great place to chill out and vibe.
Watch out for more recommendations in the future. Keep your eyes peeled!