We are foody people, so naturally we are always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new.
And when it comes to Carvoeiro, the food scene is as diverse as the town itself.
The west and south of the Algarve are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, which means the fishermen from the nearby villages bring in fresh fish and shellfish daily. So you could say that seafood is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and you’ll find it on nearly every menu in Carvoeiro.
But if seafood isn’t your thing or you’re craving a change, there’s a wide variety of international cuisine available that you can enjoy.
In this blog, we will talk about all the best places to eat in Carvoeiro, Portugal that we locals love and visit often. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Breakfast & Brunch
WHERE TO LUNCH
Dinner Places You’ll Love
Your list of best restaurants in Carvoeiro
Places to eat in Carvoeiro Portugal for dinner
1. TOUriga
Highly recommended for wine lovers and diner seekers. Touriga has a delightful concept where you can pick your wine straight from the shelves or let the knowledgeable staff guide you with their suggestions. It’s a quieter, more intimate, and Carvoeiro’s best restaurant, which feels refreshing from the usual, busy Algarve.
The seafood here is simply outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, which pairs well with some of the fantastic mineral wines from Alentejo. However, it’s on the pricier side, but the quality of food, wine, and service makes it worth it. And since the space is small, reservations are a must.
2. Villa Medici
Villa Medici is an Italian and Carvoeiro’s best restaurant that truly delivers on its promise of "Pizza, Pasta e Amore!" The staff here are super friendly and attentive and make you feel welcomed the entire time. You can enjoy the true Italian classics here — perfectly baked pizzas or rich, flavorful pastas, both of which are made from love and fresh, quality ingredients.
The ambiance here is also unique. The setting features vintage decor like a typewriter and walls adorned with portraits of movie stars, which creates a warm, retro vibe. The lighting further enhances the place, making it perfect for a relaxed family dinner.
3. Le Crô Portugal
Le Crô Portugal is a tapas and wine eating out place in Carvoeiro, Portugal that we’d highly recommend. This tiny place is run by a husband-and-wife duo who go above and beyond to make your evening unforgettable.
They know their wines and recommend the perfect pairings that complement the dishes. The food is tasty, healthy, and comforting, and prepared with fresh local ingredients. Overall, the whole experience feels personal and thoughtful at Le Crô Portugal.
Chef’s Kitchen is a over-the-top kind of dinner spot located in the heart of Carvoeiro. The food is unbelievable, and you won’t be disappointed with anything you order.
Their menu items have quirky names like "Lost in Peru" and "Twist of Maine," a unique concept in itself. The desserts top everything off nicely.
3. Chef’s Kitchen
If you’re craving authentic Portuguese dining, Casa Algarvia is the place to be. This Portuguese restaurant in Carvoeiro is more of a small, warm space that serves hearty, traditional food. The seafood here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned.
Despite being a busy spot, their service is exceptional, which creates a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The prices are fair, and for the quality and portions, it’s excellent value.
But wait, there’s more!
4. Casa Algarvia
Bom apetite
Bon appetit
The bill
A conta
Some portuguese words
Thank you
Obrigado
Please
Por favor
Top restaurants in Carvoeiro
for lunch
1. Encci
Encci is an excellent option for lunch out in Carvoeiro. The food is always delicious, made with fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly and professional and really makes you feel welcome.
The ambiance, especially the outdoor seating, is superb. There are terraces at both the front and back of the restaurant, so you can choose between sun or shade depending on your mood.
The menu includes delicious bowls, fresh juices, and tempting coffee, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options to suit everyone.
2. LEVELS
LEVELS is a cool bar in Carvoeiro Square with a fantastic location right by the beach and lovely outdoor seating. The restaurant has a light, tropical vibe with three floors, each offering a different food experience.
You’ll find high-quality Mediterranean dishes on the menu. But if you’re craving something unique, head to the top floor for oysters and champagne. On Fridays, the place gets even livelier with a DJ playing a fun house/disco mix.
4. Donna Maria
If you're looking for the best restaurant in Carvoeiro for incredible Italian food with a view, we’d absolutely recommend stopping by Donna Maria. Their pasta and pizzas are a standout.
The setting is just as lovely as the food. You can either sit on the terrace and soak up the sunshine or relax on the balcony overlooking the beach and square.
Breakfast & brunch spots in Algarve
This cafe has a lovely shaded terrace at the front, with the option of indoor seating as well. The menu is extensive, with nice options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters. They also cater to gluten-free choices.
It’s close to the beach, so it’s a perfect place to eat in Carvoeiro when you want to relax after soaking in the sun.
3. Café Fino IN CARVOEIRO
Earth Shop Café is pet-friendly place to eat and have breakfast or brunch in Carvoeiro. It’s also a boutique gift shop where you can browse artisan pottery, preserves, and oils, all while enjoying a lovely, laid-back vibe.
They serve breakfasts, healthy lunches, smoothies, cream teas, and delicious coffees, with a mix of Portuguese and international flavors. The outdoor view is perfect but the, the inside is lovely too, with lots of seating and great views from a panoramic window.
2. Earth shop café in carvoeiro
One of the best places to eat in Carvoeiro and an absolute gem of a pastry shop, Fabrica Velha will quickly become your daily ritual.
Their delicious Pastel de Nata, which we believe are the best in town, are always fresh, perfectly flaky, and filled with creamy custard flavor.
The friendly staff and use of high-quality, fresh ingredients really set this place apart. Plus, their bread options—light, airy, and with just the right amount of crust, are a true delight.
1. Fabrica Velha IN CARVOEIRO
Best restaurants near Carvoeiro
1. Rei das Praias in Ferragudo
Located right on the beach, Rei das Praias is a fantastic spot for amazing sea food. With jaw-dropping ocean views, the atmosphere feels relaxed and elegant. Especially on Friday evenings, when there’s live saxophone music playing in the background.
They mainly serve fresh seafood and meat dishes. But they also have vegetarian options available. The service is also pretty outstanding and their staff makes sure you feel welcome and looked after throughout your time. While it is on the pricier side, the quality of the food, service, and breathtaking views make it worth every cent.
2. A ESQUINA IN ESTÔMBAR
Esquina at Quinta dos Santos offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyard. It's the perfect choice if you’re looking for great food in a relaxed atmosphere. This inviting restaurant offers a menu of fresh, locally inspired dishes crafted with care. Guests can enjoy their meals paired with Quinta dos Santos' exceptional wines, craft beers, or creative gin-based cocktails. With a blend of rustic charm and contemporary design,
3. OREGANO in SESMARIAS
It’s a wonderful place to eat in the Algarve that combines the best of Italian and Portuguese cuisine. For an incredible dining experience, we highly recommend sitting outdoors, as the terrace has a lovely setting.
The staff are super friendly and attentive, and they even make recommendations for you to make your meal even more enjoyable.
The food is both original and delicious. And the wine selection is excellent and pairs beautifully with the dishes.
4. Club Nau in Ferragudo
This beachside eating place in Ferragudo has everything you could want—great food, live music, friendly staff, and a huge cocktail menu. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed with multiple seating areas on three different levels, so everyone can have an amazing time.
It’s also one of the best seafood restaurants, serving fish that’s fresh, and buttery soft. On most of the evenings, there’s also live music which just overall lift up this place.
5. O Pescador Benagil
If you’re in the Benagil area, and craving seafood, O Pescador Benagil is your place. This top restaurant in Algarve has a warm, laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxing meal. Their seafood, especially the grilled fish and squid is cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and just right.
They also have a lovely selection of local wines that pair beautifully with the seafood. The portions are generous, and the prices are fair for the quality. It’s a place we’d highly recommend for anyone who loves fresh seafood and a fantastic setting.
Ferragudu’s Terrace is full of surprises, with exceptional seafood. The freshly caught fish is cooked to a remarkably high standard and the desserts are easily the best you’ll have in Algarve.
The terrace has an open rooftop, which is perfect for enjoying stunning views over the village of Ferragudo. The staff are attentive and happy to accommodate extra requests, even creating custom alcohol-free cocktails based on your preferences.
6. Ferragudu’s Terrace
7. Gaspacho & Migas in Lagoa
If you’re in the area, this eating out place in Algarve is a must-visit. The quality of the food and service makes it an amazing place to dine. The staff here are incredibly attentive. So, if there’s something on the menu that you don’t understand, the waiters will take the time to describe each dish in detail.
The restaurant itself is a perfect size and has a simple yet classy decor. It’s not the cheapest option, but if your budget permits, splurge a little and give Gaspacho & Migas a try.
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