A guide to the best restaurants in Alvor
Holidays to Portugal are all about eating and this family-orientated area has plenty of restaurants to choose from, whether you’re after some traditional Portuguese food, Spanish tapas or Italian pizza. And if you’re looking for some good old British food, you won’t be disappointed by the choice. Many of the best venues in Alvor are on the same cobbled street, with views to the harbour.
Escape into a secret garden at Gastrobar 13
This is, as the name suggests, a gastro food venue and bar, and it’s totally charming. The decor inside and in the courtyard garden has a nice hippy vibe, while live music nights ramp up its appeal. The gourmet-style tapas food is created by the very adept Portuguese chef.
It certainly is tasty at Tasty Cuisine
If you’re after a great Indian curry, head straight for this traditional white-stucco building with an outside terrace and stunning views to the harbour. The usual curry fare is on the menu at this popular restaurant, including balti dishes, madras and milder korma options.
Book ahead at Restaurante Ruccula
If you’re either a meat and two veg type or a pizza and pasta person, this is the place to head. Try the tender lamb shank and the chocolate bon bon for dessert, with sorbets to cleanse the palate in-between courses. Ruccula has a lovely indoor and outdoor space, and is one of Alvor’s restaurants worth booking in advance.
Small and cosy at Salsa Bistro
This is a cosy and atmospheric venue with Portuguese tiles lining the walls and wooden furniture. The quality of the international food lives up to the image and they offer everything from fish, to meat and vegetarian options.
A traditional experience at Restorante Pizzeria Napoli
This restaurant does what it says on the tin – offering pizzas from Napoli, while other authentic dishes on the menu include ravioli and seafood options. Owned by an Italian family, the food is freshly prepared and authentically Italian.
Enjoy some of your favourites at Made In Belfast
This cute and casual venue with outside space is the place to head for fish and chips and mushy peas, or a brilliant burger. And if you happen to be in the market for a full Irish breakfast with potato bread and all the trimmings, they offer that too.
Right on the beachfront at O Luis
This venue immediately sells itself because of its wonderful location right on the golden sands of the Algarve. And it wouldn’t do to sit inside, when there’s a fantastic terrace for chatting, eating and watching the incredible sunsets. The international food is freshly prepared.
An authentic experience at Bar O Arco Da Velha
You’ll feel very welcome at this intimate harbour venue. The brick interior feels traditional, while there’s also a nice outdoor space. Fish is popular and includes the traditional starter – sardines, as well as delicious giant prawns, monkfish and sea bream.
Everyone knows your name at Cactus II
You won’t miss this restaurant with its red exterior and red furniture. The owners Mark and Ali are usually there to great the regular visitors to their friendly restaurant, where Mark also sings and plays the guitar. They offer snacks during the day and serve international food in the evening. You could even time it to get there for happy hour.