Home » Carvoeiro Guide » Carvoeiro restaurant guide

Carvoeiro restaurant guide

Inside Magazine’s independent guide to the best places to eat in and around Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro has a huge selection of restaurants, over 15o at our last count and there is something for all tastes. If you are looking for fine dining there are some gems to be found around Carvoeiro and likewise, simple local food and great fish from the ocean are also available. Just follow our guide.

Price guide for an average three-course meal for two including wine:

€ – up to €50

€€ – €50 – €70

€€€ – €70 – €90

€€€€ – €90 – €110

€€€€€ – €110 +

Carvoeiro AREA

O Pátio €€€€

Opened in 1964, this restaurant in Carvoeiro’s main square specialises in traditional grilled dishes accompanied by a good selection of Portuguese wines. O Pátio is renowned for its prime cuts of fresh fish, meats and seafood and its excellent paella. Meals are served on the large outside patio or the elegant interior.

Open daily from 12 noon until midnight

Tel: 282 357 367

L’Orange €€€

A cosy restaurant with a relaxing ambience, L’Orange specialises in international and French-inspired cuisine created by Belgian chef patron Jan Mortier, complemented by the delicious homemade desserts made by wife Karin. The interior is pleasantly decorated, whilst outside, a pretty terrace is perfect for al fresco dining. L’Orange is located just outside Carvoeiro near the Solferias aparthotel.

Open daily for dinner except Sunday.

Tel: 282 357 297

Ele & Ela €€€

A cosy bistro-style eatery in the centre of Carvoeiro which has succeeded in creating something entirely different from other restaurants in the neighbourhood. The small but eclectic menu features a mix of Mediterranean dishes along with some oriental surprises. Wine lovers are also in for a treat. Whilst not extensive, the list has been carefully selected and includes some of Portugal’s finest wines at refreshingly fair prices.

Open for dinner only. Closed Mondays.

Tel: 282 357 509

A Vela €€

Run by owner Antónia on the ‘out’ road in Carvoeiro, A Vela serves both Portuguese and international food, with specialities including black pig, cataplanas and the special suckling pig served on Wednesdays and Fridays. With a range of vegetarian dishes, the restaurant is bright and spacious with a large mezzanine level, as well as an outside terrace. Fado every Wednesday night.

Open for dinner only.

Tel: 282 084 177 / 969 607 116

Primavera €€€

An attractive trattoria-style restaurant at the top of Estrada do Farol, Primavera is under the ownership of Domingos, formerly of Villa Medici. Serving Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant has a lovely ambience and features a stylish interior décor, as well as a large outdoor area that’s ideal for the summer months. Regular live entertainment.

Open every day from 12pm for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 358 017

BONECA BAR €€

Located in one of the best locations in Carvoeiro, Boneca Bar is the perfect place to sit back and while away the time. Set within the cliffs of Algar Seco, this restaurant and bar serves fresh fish and a selection of meat, complemented by a carefully put-together wine list. A family-run establishment, there is also a range of cocktails and sangria if you simply want a drink whilst you enjoy the surroundings.

Closed until March.

Tel: 282 358 391

Pimenta Preta €€€

Creative cooking, excellent service, a charming ambience and value for money make Pimenta Preta one of the most appealing fine dining experiences in the Carvoeiro area. New dishes created by the chef ensure customers are always in for a surprise, whilst the quality of the food is matched by an equally impressive wine list compiled by the owner Nuno Diogo, who is always on hand to help guests with their selection.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 350 281

Vimar €

Run by João, who many may know from Algar Seco and Estrela do Mar, Vimar is a local favourite, located at the top of Estrada do Farol. Serving traditional Portuguese specialities and international dishes, the spacious restaurant serves a special-priced three-course lunch menu including a drink and coffee. With large outdoor terraces and a children’s play area, Vimar is perfect for groups, with discounts available upon pre-booking. Live music on Sundays, and a Portuguese barbecue with accordion music on Mondays.

Open every day from 11pm for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 358 322

Chefe António €€€

One of Carvoeiro’s longest established restaurants which takes its name from owner and head chef serving good Portuguese cuisine. The friendly atmosphere is enhanced by António’s cheerful welcome, as he often comes from the kitchen to greet guests. There is a wide-ranging menu, many of which are António’s own recipes. Portions are large and specialities include the grilled meat kebab, the leg of lamb with mint and the chicken curry. Good choice of wines.

Open for daily for dinner only.

Tel: 282 358 937

Restaurante Oásis €€

Located just 150 metres from the beach, Oásis offers a selection of international cuisine served all day in a cosy atmosphere with a large outdoor terrace. A wide range of starters, fish and meat dishes are on offer, and house specialities not to be missed are the rack of spare ribs and the roast duck. There is a good range of desserts, coffees and liqueurs, a number of vegetarian dishes and a children’s menu.

Open every day from 12pm to 11pm.

Tel: 282 357 332

Taste €€€

Taste is a laid-back venue serving a selection of tapas alongside a number of Mediterranean/international dishes on the à la carte menu, as well as a weekly lunch menu and special homemade cakes. Located between the ‘in’ and ‘out’ road in Carvoeiro, the restaurant is beautifully decorated, and has live music every Thursday and steak night on Saturday.

Open from 12pm until midnight.

Tel: 282 358 092

Outside carvoeiro

Marisqueira Rui €€€

Silves

The Algarve’s most famous seafood restaurant. The food is as fresh as it gets and the ambience relaxed and noisy from the sound of crab-cracking. Vast selection of seafood cooked to order. Speciality dishes such as seafood rice and cataplanas. Very popular with locals at the weekends so arrive early for a table.

Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

Tel: 282 442 682

O Leão de Porches €€€

Porches

Located in the centre of the small town of Porches, this is one of the oldest and most appealing restaurants in the Algarve. Established in the 1960s and now run by Belgian owner Bianca Salden, the restaurant serves Belgian and Mediterranean cuisine complemented by a well-balanced list of more than 80 Portuguese wines. The building still retains much of its 18th-century charm, and the creative menu perfectly complements the cosy and inviting ambience of the restaurant.

Open for dinner only. Closed Wednesdays.

Tel: 282 381 384

Ocean €€€€€

Vila Vita Parc / Alporchinhos

The gourmet restaurant at Vila Vita Parc, the 2 Michelin-star Ocean enjoys a prime location set just back from the clifftop with stunning views both from the terrace and from the inside. The ambience is refined with discreet service and exquisite tableware setting the scene for a special occasion. Diners are offered a choice of tasting menus alongside the à la carte menu prepared by Austrian chef Hans Neuner and his team, with optional wine or Champagne selections to accompany each dish.

Open for dinner only, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Tel: 282 310 100

Arte Nautica €€€

Armação de Pêra

Located on Armação de Pêra beach, well away from the built-up part of town, this is a high-quality fish and seafood restaurant owned and operated by the Vila Vita Parc hotel. Fresh produce is always in abundance and the restaurant has a large terrace with uninterrupted sea views and an air-conditioned interior.

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 314 875

Bar Bacchus €

Porches

Set within the pretty gardens of Porches Pottery, Bar Bacchus serves homemade classics such as soups, salads, baguettes and quiches during lunchtime, as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes and traditional and speciality teas and coffee. The interior is decorated with traditional hand-painted tiles, and outdoors there is a shaded terrace and decking area. Traditional roast lunches served every Sunday from November by reservation; events and functions can also be organised.

Open 10am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm on Saturday. Closed Saturday and open Sunday from November.

Tel: 282 381 667

O Barradas €€€

Lagoa / Silves

Located on the old road from Lagoa to Silves, this is one of the best restaurants in the area for traditional Portuguese food with an international twist. The emphasis is on fresh high quality ingredients such as the superb Mirandesa certified steaks from northern Portugal and locally caught fish grilled. The house potatoes, sautéed in olive oil, garlic and oregano are to die for and the menu is complemented by an excellent wine list.

Open for dinner only. Closed Wednesdays.

Tel: 282 443 308

A Tasquinha €

Lagoa

Tucked away in the back streets of Lagoa, behind the market, this old Portuguese tavern was completely refurbished and is now a cosy wine and tapas bar. Family-run, A Tasquinha serves a range of tapas and sharing platters alongside a full à la carte menu, daily homemade specials, weekday lunch specials and fresh fish every day. Boasting a carefully selected wine list, the establishment is intimate and unpretentious.

Open every day from 9am.

Tel: 282 048 893

bon bon €€€€

Sesmarias

Since the early ’90s, Bon Bon has been well known as one of the best restaurants in the Carvoeiro area for dining in an intimate ambience. Under new management since March 2013, the standards of food and service are every bit as high with a fresh dash of creativity. A menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine is backed up by a solid wine list of Portuguese and foreign labels.

Open for dinner. Closed Wednesdays.

Tel: 282 341 496

Hexagone €€€€

Sesmarias

Formerly the Island Café, Hexagone is the latest venture of chef Gilberto Gato, who moved from his successful Búzio Restaurant in Prainha, Alvor, after 20 years. Maintaining his modern Mediterranean cuisine, the menu is backed up by an extensive wine cellar featuring some of Portugal’s finest labels. Lunching options include a special two-course menu, whilst for dinner there is the choice of à la carte, a special three-course meal or the chef’s suggestion. With an elegant dining room, lounge bar and outdoor terrace, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Open for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 342 485

O Charneco €

Estombar

One of the best places to sample authentic Algarvean cooking in a setting that is delightfully rustic with jovial ambience, the restaurant is in the centre of Estombar near the church. Larger-than-life proprietor Joaquim Charneco and wife Marta have won numerous culinary awards for their efforts and the restaurant is a real favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays.

Tel: 282 431113

Ferragudo area

Rei das Praias €€€

Caneiros

Located on Caneiros beach between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, this high quality restaurant offers a very good selection of prime fresh fish that can be plain grilled or oven-roasted and then de-boned at your table. For a special treat, ask for the fresh giant carabineiros (red prawns). There is an excellent selection of fine wines and champagnes including Billecart-Salmon served at the lounge bed area on the beach. Reservations are essential.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 282 461 006

Gosto €€€

Caneiros / Ferragudo

Located between Caneiros and Ferragudo beach, Gosto serves a range of international dishes with a focus on French and Mediterranean cuisine. With a set price menu offering a range of choices, as well as a special salad menu and daily specials, this restaurant is relaxed with a living-room feel. Complementing the quirky décor is an outdoor terrace with sea views and a large children’s play area.

Closed Sundays, and from December 10 until January 16, 2013.

Tel: 282 411 109

Pintadinho Beach €€

Caneiros / Ferragudo

One of the best beach restaurants in the western Algarve and very popular with locals. Excellent grilled fish and a great house salad with roasted peppers. Speciality dishes include a first class cataplana of pork and clams and monkfish rice stew (arroz de tamboril).

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Closed during the winter.

Reservations recommended

Tel: 282 461 659

Club Nau €/€€

Ferragudo

With an enviable location on Praia Grande beach in Ferragudo, Club Nau is an appealing restaurant and beach lounge with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic views. Featuring a décor inspired by an old ship and with quirky touches throughout, the venue serves food throughout the day, from various tapas and snacks to international dishes with the Nau touch. With a comprehensive wine and cocktail list, the lounge also holds various events, with beach barbecues on Wednesdays and live music every Sunday.

Open daily until late in the summer.

Tel: 282 484 414

O Sueste €€€