Food is one of the great pleasures of a holiday in the Algarve. The cuisine is simple, with fresh fish, good olive oil and plenty of flavour. These are the dishes you really must try.
Grilled sardines
In summer, sardines are on almost every menu. They are grilled whole with coarse salt and served with bread, salad and potatoes.
Cataplana
Cataplana is the best-known dish of the Algarve. It is a stew of fish, shellfish or meat, cooked in a copper pan shaped like a shell. You usually order it for two people or more.
Fresh fish from the grill
Sea bream, sea bass or squid: in the Algarve fish is often simply grilled. In many restaurants you choose your fish from the display and pay per kilo.
Frango piri piri
Piri piri chicken is grilled chicken with a spicy sauce made from small red chillies. Especially inland, around Guia, this is a well-known dish.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato
Clams in a sauce of olive oil, garlic, coriander and lemon. Perfect as a starter, with bread to dip in the sauce.
Pastel de nata
The best-known Portuguese pastry: a puff pastry tart filled with creamy custard. Delicious with a coffee, at any time of day.
A taste of the Algarve
The Algarve is also known for sweets made with almonds, figs and carob. You will find them at bakeries and markets.
Where to eat best?
Our favourite restaurants in Ferragudo can be found in the best restaurants in Ferragudo. And want to cook yourself? All our villas have a fully equipped kitchen. View all our villas.