Thanks to its reputation as a tourist destination, Albufeira is blessed with a range of restaurants and eateries that serve up everything from haute cuisine to a gut-busting Full English. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets in search of the best restaurants in Albufeira Old Town, or strolling along the seafront looking for a dinner spot, you can be sure of a high quality meal with unparalleled service.
As the town is so popular, especially in peak tourist months, it’s good to book ahead for lunch and dinner, as spontaneity can often be met with a long wait for a table at the best places. With that in mind, read ahead for our guide to the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Albufeira, so you know where to nab a table to avoid disappointment!
Breakfast
BJ’s Café Bar
When it comes to restaurants in Albufeira, this little gem tends to go under the radar – something to be thankful for as it always pays to be in the know! Laidback, friendly, and relatively inexpensive, BJ’s Café Bar is the breakfast place to go in town, whether you want to lounge for a while with a long meal and coffee, or you’re just keen to get something tasty that will fill you up before a full day of activities.
Although it doesn’t have the classy aesthetic of some of the other Albufeira marina restaurants, it does benefit from gorgeous seaside views, which only add to the sense that you’re getting a world-class experience at café prices.
Food is what you’d expect from somewhere like this, with standard savoury dishes like scrambled eggs available alongside delightfully light and airy pastries, and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. If you’re looking for a consistent breakfast spot in Albufeira, we can think of nowhere better.
Docaria Almeixar
Located in the ancient, cobbled streets of the settlement, this Albufeira Old Town restaurant is convenient, central, and is known for its incredible cakes and other sweet goods, taking its name for a combination of cake (docaria) and a local method used for drying fruits (almeixar). If you’re a fan of the sweeter things in life there really is nowhere better to head for a breakfast, with crepes, waffles, and French toast on offer, alongside the golden, delicious pastries they bake fresh every morning.
Even if you’re not hungry, Docaria Almeixar is a great place to sit back and relax with a coffee or freshly squeezed juice. Dozens of people trundle by the space, and the servers are friendly without being pushy or rushing you.
If you’re looking for a hearty, savoury meal to start the day you can try some of the egg dishes, but frankly, we think a visit here is wasted if you don’t indulge in a sugary treat. At the very least, get yourself a slice of cake for later.
Lunch
O Marinheiro
One of the premiere Albufeira marina restaurants, O Marinheiro oozes class. The recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a step down from a star but a mark of quality nonetheless, this restaurant is set in a stunning villa-style property to add to the incredible ambience. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, you can go from frolicking in the water to sampling some of Portugal’s best seafood in just a few minutes when you visit this venue.
Using a combination of traditional Portuguese styles and modern cooking techniques, O Marinheiro offers up a cornucopia of deliciousness, with a focus on quality ingredients taken from the Algarve area. The presentation is unparalleled for the region, matched only by the exquisite flavours.
Seafood is obviously a highlight, but the meat dishes are tender and moreish, and the vegetables that come with many of the main dishes flavoured perfectly. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself dreaming about the food here in the nights after your meal.
Cais Ao Mar Algarve
If you’re looking for delectable seafood just off the famous strip, this Albufeira restaurant should be high on your list. The seafood is priced per kilo, and the servers are happy to take the time to walk you through all the unique options available. The food is all cooked to order, so this isn’t the best place if you’re keen on a quick bite before rushing off again, but when the meals are this good, you won’t mind lingering so much.
If you’re feeling spoilt for choice try one of the mixed dishes, combining the best of the local, fresh ingredients so you can delve into a smorgasbord of flavour. Wine pairings are, of course, available, meaning the perfect accompaniment to your dish is easily available.
This is a place where you get what you pay for, and although the prices may be higher than comparable options, there’s no doubt the overall experience of a meal here is well worth the extra cash.
Dinner
Vila Joya
When it comes to Albufeira restaurants, Vila Joya – located in the splendorous Vila Joya Sea Hotel – is the peak of class and quality. With two Michelin stars, grabbing a table here can often take some planning, but it’s well worth the effort as you’ll be presented with a world-class culinary experience that would match any venue in Paris, San Sebastian, or other food meccas. Utilising the freshest produce, Chef Dieter Koschina creates a new menu daily, so your gastronomic experience will be totally unique.
The surroundings are almost as incredible as the food, with an idyllic garden and dramatic views of the Atlantic to go with your meal. This is a real culinary experience, so be prepared to be amazed at just what food can do. Yes, it might be expensive, but if you’re looking for the best restaurant in Albufeira, Vila Joya is the place for you.
Al Quimia
Producing beautiful, classic plates with modern twists, Al Quimia is one of the most exclusive restaurants in Albufeira, but getting a table here is worth the effort of ringing up in advance. Al Quimia serves Portuguese and Iberian cuisine. The menu is driven by locally sourced ingredients, and the chefs have studied in some of the finest culinary schools and restaurants globally, so you get the perfect blend of traditionality and worldliness.
The tasting menus vary but each is worthy of being the star of the glittering constellation that makes up the meals here. The friendly staff are knowledgeable, prompt, and have a clear passion for the food and drink they serve, and the meals are innovative without sacrificing the most important thing: taste.
When combined with the magical setting, there really isn’t much more you could ask for from a dining experience.
Ready to enjoy a tipple after all that wonderful food? Check out our guide to Albufeira’s nightlife.
Excited about digging into a dish at one of these excellent Albufeira restaurants? Download the Orbzii app and Dream, Plan, and Book your Algarve trip today.
