The Algarve is not just about stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs; it’s also a paradise for food lovers. From fresh seafood to rich, flavorful stews, the region’s cuisine reflects its coastal heritage and Portuguese traditions. If you’re visiting, you can’t miss these 10 Must-Try Dishes in the Algarve, which showcase the best flavors of the region.
Plus, we’ve included a few sweet treats and traditional drinks to complete your culinary experience!
Cataplana de Marisco – A Seafood Lover’s Dream
A staple of Algarve cuisine, this seafood stew is cooked in a special clam-shaped copper pot called a cataplana. It’s packed with fresh shellfish like clams, shrimp, and mussels, simmered in a rich tomato and white wine sauce with garlic, onions, and peppers.
One of the most iconic Must-Try Dishes in the Algarve, this dish showcases the region’s love for fresh seafood and bold flavors.
Where to try: Restaurante O Camilo (Lagos) or Noélia e Jerónimo (Cabanas de Tavira)
Arroz de Lingueirão – Razor Clam Rice
This traditional dish is made with razor clams (lingueirão), slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with rice, garlic, coriander, and a hint of white wine. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor.
Where to try: Restaurante A Taska (Tavira), Ponto de Encontro (Tavira), or Restaurante Reis (Lagos)
Polvo à Lagareiro – Octopus with Olive Oil
Grilled octopus, drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, served with baked potatoes. The octopus is tender and full of smoky, garlicky goodness.
Where to try: A Ver Tavira (Tavira) or Atascado Taberna (Lagos)
Choco Frito – Fried Cuttlefish
Similar to calamari but meatier, this dish features cuttlefish marinated, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with lemon and tartar sauce.
Where to try: Casa do Polvo Tasquinha (Santa Luzia) or Beloponto Churrasqueira & Petiscos (Faro)
Xarém com Conquilhas – Cornmeal with Clams
A lesser-known Algarve specialty, this dish is a creamy mix of cornmeal, clams, and flavorful broth, creating a comforting, porridge-like dish packed with seafood flavors.
Where to try: Adega Dom Pipas (Faro)
Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled Sardines
A summer favorite, these fresh sardines are grilled over an open flame, lightly seasoned with sea salt, and served with salad, boiled potatoes, or cornbread.
Where to try: Casa de Pasto Fernanda e Campinas (Portimão)
Bife de Atum à Algarvia – Algarve-Style Tuna Steak
Fresh tuna steak marinated in a tangy sauce of vinegar, onions, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. A must-try for fish lovers.
Where to try: Taberna da Mó (Lagos)
Feijoada de Búzios – Whelk Bean Stew
This hearty dish combines whelks (a type of sea snail) with beans, smoked sausage, and aromatic spices, creating a unique and filling meal.
Where to try: Restaurante Zé Maria (Monte Gordo)
Leitão Assado – Roasted Suckling Pig
Crispy-skinned, tender pork, slow-roasted with a flavorful spice rub, often served with orange slices for an extra zesty touch.
Where to try: Restaurante Fernando dos Leitões (Faro)
Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato – Clams in Garlic and Cilantro Sauce
Fresh clams cooked in a delicious garlic, olive oil, and white wine sauce, finished with fresh coriander. A simple yet addictive dish.
Where to try: A Venda (Faro) or Marisqueira Rui (Silves)
Bonus: Traditional Algarve Desserts
No meal is complete without something sweet! Here are some classic Algarve desserts to try:
- Dom Rodrigo – A rich and sweet egg yolk and almond dessert wrapped in shiny foil.
- Tarte de Alfarroba – A carob tart with a unique, slightly chocolatey flavor.
- Figos Cheios – Stuffed dried figs filled with almonds and honey.
Pro Tip: Pair your dessert with a shot of Medronho, a local fruit brandy, for an authentic Algarve experience!
Bonus x2: What to Drink in the Algarve
The Algarve has some fantastic drinks to complement its delicious food. Here are a few must-try beverages:
- Medronho – A strong fruit brandy made from the medronho (strawberry tree) fruit. Often homemade and very potent!
- Vinho Verde – A refreshing, slightly sparkling young wine, perfect for warm Algarve days.
- Licor de Amêndoa Amarga – A sweet almond liqueur typically served as an aperitif or after a meal.
- Algarve Wines – The region produces excellent red, white, and rosé wines, especially in Lagoa and Tavira.
Final Thoughts
The Algarve is a food lover’s paradise, offering fresh seafood, comforting stews, and traditional dishes packed with history and flavor. Whether you’re indulging in a rich Cataplana de Marisco or enjoying a simple grilled sardine, every bite tells a story of Portugal’s coastal heritage.
If you’re planning a trip to the Algarve, don’t miss out on our Ultimate 3-Day Algarve Itinerary for the best places to visit, from stunning coastal hikes to charming towns. And for all the beach lovers, check out our Best Beaches in the Algarve guide to find the perfect spots to relax by the sea.
Have you tried any of these dishes? Let us know your favorites! Happy travels and bon appétit!