When visiting Portugal, you might be interested in some of the best restaurants around Albufeira Old Town. One of the best things about Portugal is its array of culinary cultures. And when you visit a place like Albufeira you can expect a deep connection with the ocean through the variety of delicacies. Albufeira offers fresh yummy seafood that will remain in your memory for a long time. So, in this post, you will discover the best restaurants around Albufeira Old Town, where you can enjoy these sea-inspired recipes that match all kinds of budgets and preferences.
What does Albufeira have to offer?
Albufeira is located in the Algarve region and is especially known for how it reflects the charming colors of waters from the Atlantic Ocean.
The coastline of Albufeira is also made up of a combination of dramatic cliffs carved by wind and waves, paving the way for bucolic arrays of golden sands.
Here you can look forward to astonishing beauty, creating a driving urge to explore and water activities. You can also experience Albufeira’s rich fishing heritage from the commonly seen traditional fishing boats. And like we just said, it’s so close to the Atlantic Ocean, giving assurance of an abundance of fresh seafood. Hence, seafood takes center stage in restaurants across Albufeira.
5 Best Restaurants around Albufeira Old Town.
Casa Mak – Restuarante E Shisha Bar
- Location: R. Cesário Verde, 999, Albufeira 8200-655 Portugal
- Call: +351 962 262 388
Casa Mak is a lovely restaurant in Albufeira with a large outdoor terrace offering a sea view. They also serve a mix of Moroccan, Egyptian, and Portuguese cuisine. Expect meals like tagines, Sangria, couscous, grilled fish, mezze-type entredas, and more. You will also enjoy awesome service, great Portuguese wine, and good food.
Fabio’s Roadstop
- Rua Dr. Manuel de Arriaga Sea Salt Building Lot 1 Store E, Armação de Pêra 8365-140 Portugal
- 351 282 317 025
Fabio’s Roadstop is much loved by Americans visiting Portugal. You can expect a varied international and Portuguese cuisine. Here you’ll enjoy mouthwatering burgers, donuts, brownies, cakes, and lots more. They also have a friendly and efficient service. However, most of their menu options tend to be large potions. So you should consider this when ordering.
Metropole Restaurant & Bar Lounge
- Rua das Caravelas Building Odisseias store A, Armação de Pêra 8365-116 Portugal
- tel:+351 963 421 265
This is more famously known as a steakhouse, due to their well-prepared top-quality steak and generous portions. However, you’ll also enjoy a vegetarian-friendly menu here. Metropole is also known for its amazing food. However, you should expect a romantic dinner ambiance, perfect for your nights of fine dining.
Al Quimia
- Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira, 8200-593, Portugal Quimia
- +351 289 104 300
Al Quimia is a Michelin-awarded restaurant in Albufeira, Portugal. So you can expect the best of services alongside a decent balance between international and Portuguese cuisine. This luxurious restaurant is situated in a large resort. So you can expect the best of amenities there.
Indian Ocean
- Rua Latino Coelho 14, Albufeira 8200-150 Portugal
- tel:+351 289 508 116
If you’re looking for the best fusion of Indian recipes, this is one of the best restaurants around Albufeira Old Town for you. Here you can expect a variety of Indian, Asian, and Balti foods. Customers often rave about their authentic and spicy flavorful meals served in a relaxed yet vibrant dining atmosphere.
Spice Lounge
- Rua Alves Correia No. 67 No.67, Albufeira 8200-090 Portugal
- tel:+351 289 501 102
Spice Lounge is also a great Indian restaurant situated in the Old Town. It’s a small but intimate restaurant where you’ll have a hospitable waiting staff at your service. Plus, the food there is delicious. Think of recipes like Chicken Karai, and Chicken Mango.
Restaurante O Marinheiro
- Caminho da Praia da Coelha, Sesmarias, Albufeira 8200-054 Portugal
- tel:+351 289 592 350
This lovely setup is also one of the best restaurants in Albufeira. You can expect a good blend of International and Mediterranean dishes here. O Marinheiro is also a pretty old establishment but they have continued to improve meal selections to cater to travelers and locals alike.
What to Expect at Restaurants in Albufeira?
As expected, there are many different categories of restaurants in Albufeira. You can expect bistros, cafes, local diners, and off-course fine dining restaurants. Here we’ll talk about what to expect in each of these categories of restaurants.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Several unique dining restaurants await you in Albufeira. If you love luxury, then some of the restaurants you can visit for your fine dining delights are Windmill, Selfish Restaurant, and Sar Maris are just a few on the list. Many such fine dining restaurants in Portugal are Michelin awarded.
You can also look forward to elements such as soft lighting and well-stationed lamps or candles creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere.
You will be thrilled by the friendly staff offering you a memorable dining experience.
In warmer months, some restaurants offer outdoor seating on terraces or patios. Here you can enjoy the views of the ocean and soak in the warm ocean breeze while listening to live music.
The fine dining menu also changes with the seasons. That way, they offer the freshest meals made from high-quality, locally sourced products. This is even evident in the local cheeses, cured meat, and handcrafted olive oils used in preparing the dishes.
Many fine-dining restaurants also offer a mix of innovative cooking methods to curate the most mouthwatering and mind-blowing dishes.
Local Flavor Restaurants
Some restaurants stick completely to local Portuguese foods. Good examples are Donaldo’s, Mato a Vista, Doris Grill & Bar, and so on. Often these restaurants have staff who are either family members or locals. You can expect the warm Portuguese hospitality here. Often, you’ll have decors of whitewashed ceilings, visible stone walls, terracotta floor tiles, and wooden beams are some of the warm and comforting decorations that coat them. Across some local restaurants here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss:
- Cataplana: Cataplana is a great meal made by cooking a rich combination of shellfish, sausage, fish, vegetables, and rice. It is amazing to note that it is prepared in a traditional copper pot.
- Pastel de Nata: Your experience of the dishes in Albufeira can not be completed if you don’t have a taste of this mouthwatering pastry. It has creamy custard seated in the middle. It is a popular demand in the whole of Portugal and you will love it.
- Grelhados(Grilled Fish): Grelhados is made from grilled sardines grilled with olive oil, or dourada (sea bream), or succulent sea bass, lemon, and a mix of herbs are used to spice it up. This is a must-try dish in Albufeira.
The amazing part is that you can enjoy the original Portuguese dining experience without breaking the bank. Local flavor establishments strike a pleasant balance between quality and affordability.
Hidden Delights
Some of the best restaurants in Portugal are found off the beaten path. The hidden gems in Albufeira offer a stunning variety that precedes mere traditional Portuguese fare. They offer a fusion cuisine that combines Portuguese flavors with international flavors. Think of Asian-inspired curries featuring fresh Algarve seafood or tapas with a creative Mediterranean touch. Here are 2 favorites that you should visit:
O Escondidinho da Marina
- Beco do Cemiterio 2, Lagos 8600-651 Portugal
- +351 282 760 386
O Escondidinho da Marina is located at Albufeira Marina. It is a nice spot if you are a seafood fan. They concentrate on fresh, local catches prepared with traditional ingredients. Here, you can enjoy a delicious octopus simmered in garlic stew (polvo à lagareiro) or grilled sardines served with crispy potatoes.
A Casa do Chefe
- Rua Pedro Álvares Cabral 24, Albufeira 8200-169 Portugal
- tel:+351 969 587 014
A Casa do Chef Laurent is a charming restaurant known for their variety of Portuguese meals. Imagine meals such as lasagne, duck and lamb, gourmet burgers, bacalhau (salted cod) dish, and more. All are served in a warm and friendly environment.
Portugal’s Street Food Scene
You shouldn’t limit your experience to restaurants in Albufeira. On Albufeira’s backstreets, you can also try local vendors that are good in regional specialties like cured meats and cheeses, grilled sardines on skewers, or savory pastries. This is an amazing way to experience the authentic flavors of the region in a casual and budget-friendly way.
What to Expect at Restaurants in Albufeira?
Several unique dining restaurants await you in Albufeira. If you love luxury, then some of the restaurants you can visit for your fine dining delights are Windmill, Selfish Restaurant, and Sar Maris are just a few on the list.
Albufeira’s fine dining scene offers a sophisticated scene. Many such fine dining restaurants in Portugal are Michelin awarded. So, you can also look forward to elements such as soft lighting such as lamps or candles creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. You will be thrilled by the artwork adorning the walls, the seats are comforting, and the tables are well dressed in modern clothing, indicating the unique class of luxury. Expect a friendly waiter or staff at your service.
In warmer months, some restaurants offer outdoor seating on terraces or patios. So, you enjoy the warm ocean breeze often while listening to live music as you enjoy your meal.
Menus also change weekly and seasonally to accommodate how the oceans change.
For instance, you can expect prawns in summer. And besides most restaurants whether fine dining or not source their ingredients locally. So, you’ll love the local cheeses, cured meat, and handcrafted olive oils used in preparing the dishes. Michelin-awarded restaurants also use innovative cooking techniques such as sous vide or molecular gastronomy, offering you mouthwatering and mind-blowing dishes.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, there are many fascinating best restaurants around Albufeira Old Town waiting to be explored. The truth is Albufeira has tons of exciting restaurants, shops, and side attractions for you. Feel free to experiment beyond this list. In truth, close your eyes and throw a dart to help you pick. You’ll be glad at the spontaneity, allowing you enjoy all that Portugal has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Restaurants in Albufeira?
Is Albufeira Old Town worth visiting?
Albufeira is worth visiting. You can expect cobbled streets, restaurants, and shops waiting to be explored. The Old Town is located on a cliffside overlooking the stunning Praia dos Pescadores beach. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and the coastline.
What is the best month to go to Albufeira?
The best months to visit Albufeira are generally from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the hottest months, but they can also be the most crowded and expensive.
Is Lagos or Albufeira better for nightlife?
If you’re looking for the wildest nightlife in the Algarve, Lagos might be a better choice. However, Albufeira Old Town still has a good selection of bars and pubs with live music.
Is Albufeira a walkable city?
Albufeira is not a completely walkable city, especially in the summer heat. The town is built on a hill, so there are some steep inclines. However, the main tourist area of the Old Town is fairly compact and walkable.
Is there a dress code in the clubs in Albufeira?
There is no strict dress code in the clubs in Albufeira. However, most people dress up a bit for a night out. Smart casual attire is always a safe bet.
How much is an average meal in Albufeira?
The cost of an average meal in Albufeira can vary depending on the type of restaurant you choose. A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around €15-€20 per person. A glass of wine will cost around €3-€5.
