Although Portimão may not be the most aesthetically pleasing city in the Algarve, it's still a beloved destination for many due to its gorgeous beaches, scenic hiking trails, and bustling atmosphere. In this post, I've compiled a list of the best restaurants, vegetarian-friendly cafes, and beach bars to help you make the most out of your culinary experience in, and close to Portimão. If you're wondering where to eat in Portimão, look no further! Let's dive in and discover some of our favorite dining spots.
1
Avô Casimiro
My absolute number 1 restaurant in the region! This tiny place is located on a narrow cobbled street in the old town of Portimão. They serve the best traditional food I've ever had in the Algarve. You have to be okay with eating lots of shellfish and seafood but if you do, this is the best local Portuguese food you'll ever have (promise). The concept is to order a few dishes (like tapas) and share with your table. Have the waiter recommend a nice local wine to you and maybe even some of the dishes. Try the weird things on the menu, you will not be disappointed. 😉
Check out the location here!
2
Club Nau
On the beautiful beach of Praia Grande in Ferragudo just on the other side of the Portimão Marina, you'll find one of my favorite beach bars/restaurants! This is the perfect place to go for a sunset drink followed by dinner with a beautiful view of the sandy bay and ocean. Enjoy a cocktail and (also vegetarian) sushi on the beach! The perfect place to kick back and hang out after a big salty day. I love that besides the tasty fresh fish, they also serve many veggie and vegan options. I recommend visiting here on weekends and enjoy the live music and chilled vibes. A must go-to restaurant in Portimão when you're visiting!
3
NoSoloÁgua Portimão
On the main beach of Portimão, Praia da Rocha, you'll find this (slightly fancy) beach club and restaurant. Both are situated (right next to each other) on the Marina bay on the east side of the Praia da Rocha.
The restaurant is located on the Marina side and the beach bar on the beach side. Both with paradise like vibes and a chilled beach atmosphere. Barefoot luxury as I like it to be! 😉
Both places are perfect for unwinding after a big sunny beach day and enjoying cocktail overlooking the ocean. The perfect sea view restaurant in Portimão! I personally love the live music nights the NoSoloÁgua restaurant. Enjoying live jazz and Bossa nova whilst enjoying a sunset drink and dinner overlooking the pools and ocean, doesn't get much better than this right?
4
Rei das Praias
If you love dinner by the ocean (and you probably do), this is the perfect place to go. Located on the east side Ferragudo (the town next to Portimão) , you'll find this beach bar and restaurant with the most amazing view. The roof terrace is a wonderful place for a late lunch or a cold bear overlooking the clear blue ocean and beautiful golden Algarve cliffs. Rei das Praias serves excellent super fresh (sea)food for lunch and dinner. I can only recommend.
5
Taberna da Maré
Just across the street from Avô Casimiro (in Portimão) you'll find the cute little traditional restaurant of Taberna da Maré. It's a simple restaurant serving fresh traditional Portuguese food. Highlights to try at this cute little place in Portimão are the fresh fish and seafood dishes. Grilled fish, squid and other Algarvian style dishes are all on the menu here.
Check out the location here!
6
Caniço
The simplicity of freshly caught fish and traditional dishes with one of the most beautiful views you will ever see! Caniço is a restaurant in (yes, in!) the rock formations of one of my favorite beaches, Praia dos três Irmaos. To enjoy a lunch with these breathtaking views you first have to take a beautiful and somewhat adventurous route trough narrow cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
I will keep expanding this list whenever I find a new place that I love! In the mean time, if you have any recommendations, make sure to notify me about it by sending an email to anna@totheseastories.com.