Michelin star restaurants in the Algarve
Don't limit yourself to the pool or the Algarve's stunning beaches; add some variety to your holiday. We have everything you need for an amazing holiday in the region centred on the excellent flavours of the Michelin Guide restaurants. In the summer of 2022, combine beach tourism with gastronomy tourism.
You've probably heard of the term "gastronomic tourism." If you are still unsure, we will explain it to you, and perhaps it will become your new motto for a memorable holiday in the Algarve.
What exactly is gastronomic tourism?
Gastronomic tourism is associated with discovery moments of places and people through food. It is about much more than just booking a table and tasting the dishes on the menu. It is about discovering the foundations of cultural heritage and people's identity, not only in restaurants but also in local markets, pastry shops, food and drink tastings or workshops on how to make a particular product. There are countless activities you can do on a gastronomic tourism trip. Not only will you be helping the local economy, but you will also be immersed in a personal transformation.
Do your research before you visit, and discover the many places associated with Portuguese gastronomy in Lagos. We provide you here with a list of the best restaurants in the Algarve so that you can start your gastronomic itinerary in the best possible way.
Michelin-starred restaurants in the Algarve:
The Michelin star is one of the most prestigious gastronomic classifications, as well as one of the most difficult to get. To earn this distinction, restaurants must meet several high standards, not just in food preparation, but also in service and quality/price ratio. There are eight top-rated restaurants in the Algarve region, according to the strict standards of the Michelin Guide.
Restaurants in the Western Algarve:
1 Michelin star*
Al Sud has recently been awarded a Michelin star and is located in the Clubhouse of the Palmares Resort in Lagos. The chef is very familiar with the requirements of the Michelin star, previously having received the same distinction at the Bon Bon restaurant. Enjoy the magnificent view over the sea from the terrace or inside the restaurant. There are menu options of 8 moments (69 euros), 10 moments (90 euros) and 12 moments (110 euros).
Chef | Louis Anjos
Opening hours | Re-opening in March 2022, for dinner only.
Address & Contact | Palmares Resort Clubhouse, Lagos, 8500-250, Portugal, Lagos - +351 926 292 617
1 Michelin star*
The Vista restaurant's backdrop is the sea and the expansive sandy beach of the famous Praia da Rocha in Portimão. Here you can fine dine on the terrace of one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. Chef João Oliveira has been running the Vista Restaurant since 2015 and was awarded the prestigious Michelin star in 2021. He is used to working on the demands of top cuisines, such as at The Yeatman Hotel or Vila Joya. Indulge in the two menus available, the Season Menu (130€) and the Vista Menu (160€).
Chef | João Oliveira
Opening hours | Re-opening in March 2022.
Address & Contact | Av. Tomás Cabreira, Praia da Rocha 8500-802, Portimão - +351 282 460 28
1 Michelin star*
This is a cosy place in a hexagonal room with a fireplace in the middle of the dining room. The outdoor area is an Algarve-style terrace with views of the Monchique mountains. The dishes served here are based on local products, traditional gastronomy with a modern and refined touch. For dinner, you can choose a 6-moment experience (125 euros) or a 9-moment experience (145 euros), with the option of a wine accompaniment for 80 euros or 90 euros for each menu.
Chef | José Lopes
Opening hours | Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday for lunch and dinner. Thursday and Friday are open for dinner only. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lunch: 12 pm to 2 pm.
Dinner: 7 pm to 9 pm.
Address & Contact |Urb. Cabeço de Pias, 8400-010, Sesmarias de Carvoeiro - +351 282 341 496
2 Michelin stars**
The standard of every dish served is to die for, the cuisine is creative, and the chef presents a different four-course menu every day (€195). Dieter Koschina is known for his passion and dedication to this restaurant, and it shows in the flavours, aromas and freshness of the food. The space offers a tasteful view of the ocean, and inside, intimacy is paramount at the Michelin-starred table, which seats just four.
Chef | Dieter Koschina
Opening hours | Re-opening on March 7, 2022.
Address & Contact |Estrada da Galé, 8200-416, Albufeira - +351 289 591 795
2 Michelin stars**
The theme is undoubtedly the sea. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you are enveloped by blue and white tones, reminiscent of the foam of the ocean waves. From the front, you have a view of the horizon that separates the sky from the sea. Get ready for an explosion of flavours, geometrically controlled by the chef. Hans Neuner has been at the helm of Ocean from its start, and the restaurant has received two Michelin stars, the first in 2009, two years after it opened, and the second in 2011. The tasting menu (235€) is subject to change without notice.
Chef | Hans Neuner
Opening hours | Re-opening on March 4, 2022, open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Address & Contact | Rua Anneliese Pohl, 8400-450, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa - +351 282 310 100
Restaurants in the Eastern Algarve:
1 Michelin star*
The A Ver Tavira restaurant is in the hands of experienced chef Luís Brito and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2021. Enveloped by the city itself and monuments such as the Moorish castle of Tavira, this restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Luís Brito, chef, and Cláudia Abrantes - head waiter and sommelier. You'll find two menus here, one with a touch of tradition, the menu O Passado no Presente, €80, for lunch and the second, more gastronomic A ver Tavira menu, €135, for dinner.
Chef | Luís Brito
Opening hours | Open for lunch from 12 pm to 3 pm and for dinner from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, closed on Sunday and Monday.
Address & Contact | Largo Abu-Otmane, Calçada da Galeria nº 13, 8800-306 Tavira - +351 281 381 363
1 Michelin star*
Enjoy the tranquil compass of the leeward view, where the green merges with the blue of the sea, and the flavours of this restaurant, recently awarded with a Michelin star, will transport you to the unique flavours of the Algarve. Indulge in two menus, the first inspired by nature - Fauna & Flora (155€), and the second by the sea - Passeio Marítimo (155€).
Chef | Rui Silvestre
Opening hours | Re-opening 8 March 2022, open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Address & Contact | Sítio do Pocinho, Sesmarias, 8901-907, Vila nova da Cacela - +351 281 950 950
1 Michelin star*
The elegant interior anticipates the sophistication of the three Michelin-starred chef's gastronomy. Classically Mediterranean-inspired with a touch of modernity, Heinz Beck's proposals are prepared in an open kitchen so diners can watch all the dedication in the preparation. There are two menus to choose from, a seasonal "à la carte" menu with signature dishes and a 5- or 7-course tasting menu (120 euros and 150 euros respectively).
Chef | Heinz Beck
Opening hours | Re-opening in March 2022, open Wednesday to Sunday from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Address & Contact | Estrada de Vale do Lobo a Quinta do Lago, 8135-106, Almancil - +351 281 950 950
Discover the restaurants on the Bib Gourmand list as well:
Avenida | Address & Phone Number: Av. dos Descobrimentos 53, 8600-645, Lagos - +351 282 780 092.
O Marinheiro | Address & Phone Number: Caminho da Praia da Coelha, Sesmarias 350H 8200-385 Albufeira - +351 289 592 350
Check-in | Address & Phone Number: Av. Da República, Passeio da Rainha 40, Faro, 8000-079 - +351 289 824 178
Add a touch of gastronomic tourism to your next holiday in the Algarve and discover another of the region's many secrets. The Algarve is known for its beaches, mild weather and warm waters. When these qualities combine with the distinctive cuisine, your holiday is complete.
Book your holiday apartment and set off to discover your gastronomic route.