Top 5 Places to Eat in Portugal

And the country has certainly upped its gourmet game in recent years, now pitted as one of the best places in Europe for foodies.

So along with its team and influential friends, Travel Seen set about discovering what the best restaurants in Portugal are?

1. Mizu Teppanyaki

So it might serve food from the other side of the world, but Mizu Teppanyaki was mentioned time and again as a ‘must’ during a visit to the Algarve. With teppanyaki cooking stations, a sushi menu and 20 different saké to try, this chic Japanese restaurant is just the ticket for a dining experience of food, theatre and atmosphere.

“Mizu Tappanyaki offers modern Japanese cuisine,” says @wealthyadventure. “And we enjoyed an adventurous dining experience directly at the Teppanyaki show cooking table, watching the chef preparing our food live in front of us.”

Mizu Teppanyaki is within the luxurious Vila Vita Parc resort on the Algarve.

2. A Nova Casa de Ramiro

Unlike Mizu, this restaurant north of Lisbon is all about Portuguese fare. “My standout dining experience in Portugal was in a quaint little village in Obidos called A Nova Casa de Ramiro…we went in the evening just as the sun was setting and the ambiance in the restaurant was just unsurpassed,” @amandale tells us.

We’ll certainly be trying it next time we’re in Portugal.

3. LAB by Sergi Arola

Our next contender to make Portugal’s top five best restaurants is the Michelin-star LAB. In a place where the head chef is described as “a Rock ’n’ Roll star with a wild culinary soul”, you know you’re in for an experimental dining experience.

Set in the Penha Longa Resort this trendy restaurant serves up fascinating dishes categorized from ‘Inside the Mountain’ ‘Outside the Mountain’ and ‘Chef’s Garden’. The minimal menu has plenty of choice for vegetarians and celiacs, and there are 550 wines to pick from.  

4. Ocean

Another Michelin-star awarded hotel restaurant (in fact it has two stars to its name), is Ocean at Vila Vita Parc. Many of our team members and influencer friends tipped this as their top place to eat on the Algarve. 

This elegant eatery, with views of the Atlantic after which it is named, is under the guidance of Hans Neuner. As its name suggests everything echoes the water; from the Murano glass and coral decor to the seaweed bread and blue crab on the menu. 

5. Sky Bar Carvoeiro

So while this might not technically be a restaurant – although it does serve tapas style dishes – we had to include Sky Bar at the Tivoli Carvoeiro for having what must be one of the best views in all of Portugal.

This chic spot on a clifftop serves nibbles and sharing boards alongside a long list of alcoholic favourites like sangria, cocktails and Portuguese wines and beers. With live music to create an atmosphere, it’s the only place to be seen at sunset.

Feel inspired to tuck into Portugal’s dining scene? Travel Seen has the pick of the best hotels on the Algarve and beyond. Get in touch for a quote and we can take you there.