From traditional Portuguese delicacies to a wide range of international flavors, Vilamoura truly is a gastronomic paradise that caters to all palates.
While your private villa’s fully equipped kitchen or BBQ might tempt you to cook up your own meals, Vilamoura’s dining scene presents an irresistible array of tasty options. Be prepared to indulge in some of the finest dishes Portugal has to offer.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Vilamoura.
Casa do Pescador
Nestled on the Vilamoura Marina, Casa do Pescador is an authentic and traditional restaurant beloved by both locals and visitors. With a menu crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant promises to delight with the flavours of the Algarve. Operating for nearly three decades, Casa do Pescador has become a renowned dining destination, offering the freshest fish, delicious meat, and a diverse selection of local ingredients. If you seek a place to savour a fantastic meal, relish a warm ambiance, and enjoy an excellent wine selection, look no further than Casa do Pescador.
Photo Credit: Casa do Pescador Facebook
Photo Credit: Ostra D’Ouro Restaurant Facebook
Ostra D’Ouro Restaurant Grill
Ostra D’Ouro Grill, renowned as one of Vilamoura’s top restaurants, offers a delightful seafood experience. Their menu showcases grilled fish, seafood platters, and shellfish dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Algarve. With a relaxed ambiance and welcoming staff, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors. Don’t miss their signature dish, the mouth-watering Cataplana, a traditional Portuguese seafood stew bursting with flavour, cooked in a copper pan.
MoTAO Restaurant
MoTAO is a stylish eatery and nightlife spot that offers fantastic views of Vilamoura marina and a vibrant beachlife atmosphere. Fairly new, the restaurant features an Asian-inspired menu, chic décor, and a blend of indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Enjoy street finger food, such as pork belly skewers, baos and dim sum, as you relax and watch the sunset on swings.
Photo Credit: MoTAO Facebook
Photo Credit: Wild Fire Smokehouse & Grill Facebook
Wild Fire Smokehouse & Grill
At Wild Fire, you can enjoy a fabulous dining experience in a stylish and fun setting with a Western theme. The restaurant creates subtle flavours using their in-house smokers, unique to the traditional smoked flavours created in the MidWest USA.
They offer a variety of flavourful dishes, including quality steaks, sizzling fajitas, juicy burgers, and more, all served with magnificent cocktails. The Western theme adds to the great atmosphere, with friendly staff providing excellent service. The garden terrace is the perfect spot for relaxed summer meals, while the cocktail bar and deck tempt you to indulge. Inside, you’ll find plush décor, a long fire feature, and captivating views of the open kitchen.
Willie’s Restaurant
Willie’s Restaurant offers a charming and intimate dining experience that celebrates the flavours of Portugal with a creative twist. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to craft traditional Portuguese dishes.
Nestled in a tranquil residential area near the Pinhal golf course, this highly-acclaimed restaurant promises an evening of fine dining. Helmed by the talented Michelin Chef, Willie Wuger, the restaurant offers a mouth-watering selection of dishes. Among the house favourites are the delectable sautéed scallops on truffle risotto and the succulent rack of lamb accompanied by thyme jus and gratin dauphinoise.
The pretty Sol e Mar and Villa Acacia are conveniently located near the restaurant.
Photo Credit: Willie’s Restaurant
Photo Credit: Cafe Del Arte Facebook
Cafe del Arte
Cafe del Arte has become a favourite spot for both international residents of Vilamoura and holidaymakers seeking a unique and refreshing dining experience. Nestled away in a quirky, hidden location, the boutique cafe offers an intimate atmosphere and an impressive menu of homemade dishes. Guests can enjoy their food and drinks in a beautiful outdoor area shaded by grape vines, often accompanied by live music, gin-tasting events, and other special summer activities. The blend of chic and down-to-earth vibes, along with the welcoming ambiance and big smiles, make this cafe a must-visit restaurant in Vilamoura.
The Fisherman’s Shack
The Fisherman’s Shack is a hidden gem of a simple seafood restaurant that may not impress from the outside, but holds delightful surprises inside. As you step through the front door, you’ll be welcomed by a bustling atmosphere and a mouth-watering menu of seafood delights, featuring sardines, sea bream, sole, and sea bass. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book a table in advance as it fills up quickly.
This rustic restaurant is a haven for seafood lovers, adorned with maritime tales on its walls and offering a variety of fish dishes and home-grown delights. Once a well-kept secret, this place has now become a treasured spot that everyone should experience during their holidays in Portugal.
Photo Credit: Julius Restaurante Facebook
Julius Restaurante Wine Bar
Tucked away just off the marina, Julius Wine Bar is a hidden gem that promises a delightful dining experience. With a diverse menu featuring succulent meats, juicy seafood, and fresh salads, this restaurant and wine bar offers perfectly cooked steak and local sardines that are particularly popular among diners. The dishes, accompanied by some of the finest wines from the region, create an evening meal to remember. Don’t miss their mouth-watering fillet steaks, monkfish, and garlic prawns, making it an excellent choice for a romantic dinner in a lovely ambiance.
Craving authentic Indian flavours? Look no further than Mughal Clay. With a rustic décor, the restaurant offers a tantalising selection of Indian dishes that will delight your taste buds. Start with crispy poppadoms and spicy samosas before indulging in the Brit-favourite tikka masala or exploring other delightful options with the help of the attentive waiters and their best recommendations. Get ready for a spicy and delicious culinary experience.
Chico’s
Since 2004, Chico’s has been a cherished family-run establishment, serving up authentic Portuguese cuisine. Renowned for its big hearty steaks and flavourful seafood dishes, this traditional restaurant guarantees a satisfying dining experience.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, complemented by soft music that sets the stage for easy conversation and relaxation. Plus, there’s a pool view. Chico’s delights its patrons with tantalising sea bass, cod, grilled chicken, and flaming chorizo, while the menu also features delightful almond tart, and ice cream for those seeking a sweet ending to their meal.
Photo Credit: Chico’s Facebook
Photo Credit: Purobeach Facebook
Purobeach
Experience the world-famous Purobeach brand in Vilamoura, offering beachside and pool club fun. At the beach club, you can relax on Balinese beds by the sea, enjoy signature cocktails, and indulge in fabulous food while resident DJs provide great sounds. For trendy poolside fun, visit the Purobeach Pool Club, where you’ll find tasty snacks, cocktails, and live DJ performances throughout the day and night.
This Ibiza-style beach club invites you to savour a variety of delectable dishes. The menu features salads, fresh seafood, and their signature Puro hamburger. Don’t miss the delightful lobster salad. Plus, the stunning views offer a colourful spectacle during sunset, making it an ideal spot for an unforgettable beachside dining experience.
Thai Beach Club
Experience the exotic flavours of Thailand at the hidden gem, Thai Beach Club, nestled near Praia da Falésia. This beachfront restaurant offers stunning ocean views and serves authentic Thai cuisine, including flavourful curries, aromatic stir-fries, and fresh seafood dishes. Prepared with traditional techniques and ingredients, the food promises an unforgettable dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. With its idyllic setting, the restaurant is a must-visit venue for parties, providing live music, chill-out sunset sessions, and theme parties throughout the year.
Photo Credit: Thai Beach Club Facebook
Photo Credit: Rocha Baixinha Restaurant Facebook
Rocha Baixinha Restaurant
Rocha Baixinha Restaurant, a favourite among Vilamoura locals, is a popular beachfront spot located at the beginning of the striking red cliffs and Falésia walking trail. Offering an extensive menu that caters to all tastes, the restaurant is known for its fresh grilled fish, seafood, and delicious snacks. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, reservations are highly recommended at this highly sought-after dining destination.
Akvavit
Named after the strong Scandinavian spirit, Akvavit, a popular restaurant situated on Vilamoura’s marina, exudes a charming seaside vibe with its lovely above-water deck and picturesque views of sleek yachts. The restaurant’s unique appeal lies in its fusion of Portuguese, international, and Scandinavian cuisine, offering an intriguing menu that caters to diverse tastes. The menu features Scandinavian classics like herring and cured salmon, alongside pan-fried seabass and the Portuguese-style beef stew. Open all day, Akvavit provides the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Photo Credit: Akvavit Facebook
We have a huge variety of villas in Vilamoura and we can often suggest some restaurants nearby so just chat to us about your requirements and we can help arrange all aspects of your Vilamoura holiday.
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Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in our blogs. This information is gathered from client and staff experiences and feedback and we are happy to share as a helpful guide. We do not vouch for or recommend any service or establishment.
