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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Dom Rodrigo
This restaurant is north of the beach resort of Altura, situated next to the railway line from V.R.S. Antonio to Faro. In fact, the restaurant appears to have been built in an old station house and the sound of the trains rattling by will make you jump the first time it happens. The food is excellent Portuguese cuisine and the service is very friendly. The meat skewers are fantastic and the fresh fish dishes are superb. Excellent value for money also.
The location is here on Google maps. |
Restaurante O CasteloR. da Liberdade 76,
8800-407 Tavira, Reservations: +351 915 087 614 
O Castelo, located in Tavira, is a highly acclaimed restaurant known for its exceptional steaks and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant is famous for its high-quality steaks, including Angus sirloin and ribeye, cooked to perfection. You can also find Iberian pork dishes, lamb chops, and grilled chicken. If you prefer seafood the Fresh fish is excellent, with options like grilled sea bass, octopus dishes, and prawn-based specialties. During the summer months dining is Al Fresco with tables on the pavement outside the restaurant. In the cooler months there is limited seating for about 16 people inside. Given its popularity and limited seating, reservations are essential to ensure a table. 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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Maharaja PatialaR. de Gonçalo Velho 6,
900-461 Monte Gordo Reservations: +351 281 105 986 
There are a number of Indian restaurants in Tavira and Monte Gordo, but we've found this one to be the best. It's located a 2 minute walk from the Hotel Navegadores in Monte Gordo.
Not much to look at from the outside and basic decor inside but the menu has great choices (including a good selection of vegetarian options) and is relatively inexpensive. The Restaurant specializes in Indian and Nepalese cuisine. The dishes are all freshly prepared and the service is always excellent. 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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