A guide to the best restaurants in Vale Do Lobo
Holidays to the Algarve are all about food and drink, and this upmarket area offers a great selection of good quality restaurants. Many are located around the La Praca main square and beachside area, while there are also some fine dining options away from the centre of Vale do Lobo. You can expect to find international food, Italian, tapas and traditional Portuguese dishes here, with the local cuisine brilliantly utilising freshly caught fish.
A little bit of everything at Monica's restaurant
Visitors rave about the beef wellington served at this restaurant, while the varied international menu also includes Portuguese dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s located in a private spot just off the main road, with the quirky patio adding to the lovely ambience of this place.
A touch of class at Casa de Quinta
Located towards Almancil, a sweeping landscape leads up to this elegant restaurant surrounded by palm trees. The smart restaurant-bar provides a nice spot for pre-dinner drinks, while the international menu includes Portuguese cuisine, catch of the day and delicious Chateaubriand.
Trendy flavours at Boavida
This is an increasingly popular seafood restaurant, located right on the beach in Vale de Lobo. It has a cool and modern feel that is highlighted by its natural setting among the sand dunes. The freshly prepared and well-presented food is varied, with the confit octopus coming highly recommended, as does the key lime mouse.
A taste of Italy at La Terrazza
This Italian restaurant is located in the centre of the Praca beachside complex and offers a traditional taste of Italy. From its homely interior and freshly prepared pizzas and pastas, diners here can enjoy a huge range of Mama’s specialities.
Mexican spice at Cantina del Lobo
While Mexican cuisine may not be something you’d commonly associate with Portugal holidays, the fragrant smells are sure to draw you into this restaurant. With a big smile on their face, the attentive waiting staff will serve you all the Mexican classics, including fajitas and enchiladas.
Traditional Thai at Thai Garden
Enjoy an authentic Thai experience at Thai Garden, complete with a canopied area overflowing with beautiful plants. It’s located just off the main road on the outskirts of town near Quinta Do Lago, but it’s worth the short journey to get there. Given that the freshly prepared Thai dishes are generous, you’ll muster up plenty of energy to get back.
Music and snacks at La Creperie
This casual eatery offers savoury as well as sweet crepes. Pop in for breakfast, or just stop off for a coffee, smoothie or ice cream. Whatever time of day you visit, it’s a nice spot to position yourself if you want to listen to live music from the central stage nearby.
A night to remember at Paixa
This fine-dining restaurant attracts the in-crowd, so dress for the occasion to enjoy a meal surrounded by the luxury interior. At night the restaurant is beautifully illuminated by candlelight, while the food here is Portuguese tapas with sublime fish, meat and vegetarian options available.
Organic meats at Gourmet Natural at the Ermitage
Located just outside Vale do Lobo, this is another exquisite fine dining option. Here you can experience the tastes of Uruguay, with grilled organic beef being the order of the day. Book a table in the luxurious outdoor terrace, complete with banana palms and pine trees in the courtyard of a typical Algarve villa.
Catch of the day at Sandbanks
This restaurant sells itself due to its location right on the gorgeous stretch of beach at La Praca. Sandbanks specialises in fish and seafood, serving lobster, salmon and sumptuous seabass among other dishes. Its beautiful outdoor terrace is a lovely spot for a romantic dinner.