You can dine from around 6.30 pm in most restaurants and last serving times are usually around 9.45pm – 10.00pm. Most Portuguese people dine between 8pm and 9pm, so if you have not reserved a table, we recommend that you arrive around 7.30 pm!
Most restaurants will offer bread, olives, butter and sardine paste after you are seated. If you don't want to be charged for it, politely refuse it straight away.
Here are a few of our recommendations:
Most restaurants will offer bread, olives, butter and sardine paste after you are seated. If you don't want to be charged for it, politely refuse it straight away.
Here are a few of our recommendations:
O Infante
E.N 125
Altura/Castro Marim Reservations: +351 281 956 817 
O Infante is renowned in the area as one of the most popular places to eat. It is just off the roundabout where the slip road from the A22 and the N125 meet. It is one of the slightly more expensive restaurants but if you have a big appetite, you will find it good value for money. The monk fish and prawns kebabs are good and so is the fillet steak with Roquefort sauce. Lots to choose from and they always have specials. You have to book in July and August for any night and also for a Sunday lunch at any time of the year. It is always busy.
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Panaramico
Praia Verde
Castro Marim Reservations: +351 281 956 207 
This restaurant is ideal for a special occasion. You cannot beat the location with a view of the fantastic beaches from Altura down to Monte Gordo. You reach the restaurant by turning in Praia Verde, go up to the cross roads and bear right. This is the sister restaurant to O Infante. In the summer, ask for a table outside. Like O Infante, the meal size is very large. The specialty is the Tiger Prawns in Garlic and Brandy and this is accompanied by fruit rice. They have a children's menu which include chicken and chips and spaghetti bolognese.
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SabinosAv. Manuel Rosa Mendes
Vila Nova de Cacela Reservations: +351 281 951 679 
This doesn't look much from the outside but it is superb if you like meat!!! One of our favourite restaurants. A specialty is steak on a hot stone - a (very) large fillet steak for you to cook to your liking. They do prawns and pork fillet (Lombo do Porco) on the stone too which are lovely.
Their House style prawns are very good and if you ask them, they will even peel them for you. Prices are reasonable and house wine is very good. |
A Proa
This is a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in the centre of Manta Rota. Lovely local food (excellent fish dishes, the Cataplana in particular is very good). Decent sized portions and overall very good value for money.
For a slightly different experience, make a reservation for Friday evening which is Fado music night. Fado is translated as “fate” in English. The Portuguese language has a word, saudade, which doesn't translate into English. It roughly means “nostalgia” or “homesickness”, but implies a bitter sweet longing. This word forms the basis of the lyrical content of fado music. Songs are often about lost or unrequited love. Vertical Divider
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Fernandas8900, EM509 538Z,
Corte De António Martins Reservations: +351 281 951 770 
A typical Portuguese restaurant serving black pork that will make you come back again and again. Lomboinho de porco preto is the fillet steak of black pork – cuts like a fillet steak and is extremely tender. If you want to try several cuts of black pork between 2 or more, they will serve you with secretes, plumas and lombinho. Another option is a skewer of black pork which is a more manageable amount and comes with peppers and onions. All of the above are char grilled and come with chips and salad. If you like fish, their Sea Bream (Dourada) is excellent. Prices are very reasonable.
It gets busy in the Summer so either go early or reserve a table. Vertical Divider
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KohinoorRua Joao Vaz Corte Real 1,
Tavira Reservations: +351 281 326 814 
There are a number of Indian restaurants in Tavira, but we've found this one to be the best. It's located a 2 minute walk from the eastern end of the Roman bridge.
Basic decor inside but the menu has great choice (including a good selection of vegetarian options) and is inexpensive. Kids are very welcome although the kids menu is limited. Portion sizes for the rice are large and depending how hungry you are, you can often get by by sharing a portion. The staff are always friendly and attentive. Highly recommend this place if you enjoy Indian cuisine. |
Mars Bar
urbanização mantamar,
8900-038 Manta Rota Reservations: +351 281 952 565 
Located in Manta Rota, this is certainly not fine dining! But when you want a change from the traditional Portuguese fare this is a great choice. The clientele are a mix of expats and holiday makers. The menu includes ribs (which are excellent), burgers and burritos - this place is always a hit with our teenage kids. It is always best to reserve a table, especially if there are a few of you or if you want to sit outside on one of the terraces.
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Pizzaria Bella Napoli
R. 5 de Outubro 38
Vila Real de Santo António Reservations: +351 281 542 222 
The lunchtime menu which includes the best garlic bread, a choice of any pizza or pasta, a dessert and a large glass of wine, sangria, beer or soft drink is fantastic value. To get there, head along the N125 heading East and keep going until you reach Vile Real de Santo António. You will cross several roundabouts and when to get to the end of the road, you bear right. There is a car-park on your right and another a little further up on the left.
There are two cobbled streets that run parallel heading for the marina. Take the right hand one and Pizza Napoli is about 50m down on a corner on the left hand side. Vertical Divider
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McDonaldsAv. Fernando Salgueiro Maia 121, Hortas
8900-265 Vila Real de Santo António 
This is the closest McDonalds to the Villa. No need to give you a menu review. We've listed it here because we know kids (and grown-ups) often get the urge for a fast food fix. The other great thing about McDonalds in Portugal is that they catter for Coeliacs with a range of gluten free options.
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