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SAMPLING THE LOCAL CUISINE

Eating out in Portugal is both affordable and enjoyable. The Portuguese adore eating ! Portuguese cuisine is often quite simple and mixes Mediterranean ingredients such as onion, garlic, tomato and olive oil with more Northern European attributes such as butter, cream and dripping. During the Discoveries Portuguese sailors introduced many spices to the country, one which is popular in the Algarve is piri-piri, a type of red-hot chilli pepper.

The Portuguese eat a lot of fish but be warned, often the fish will come to the table with scales, eyes and tentacles still in tact; not for the faint-hearted, but please ask the waiter to take the fish off the bone etc. For the more traditional palate there are plenty of beef and pork steaks. For snacks, ham and cheese toasties are available everywhere, and try a delicious Portuguese soup. They are home-made and wonderfully filling. The local, crusty, fresh bread is a wonderful accompaniment and is a treat eaten warm with butter. Portuguese wines are now up with the best in the world and if you're eating lunch a vinho verde is a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Couvert - "Cover": The Portuguese pride themselves in cooking fresh to order, so they provide a series of appetizers known as the "Couvert" to carry you through the seemingly long wait for the meal to arrive. The "Couvert" is charged as a base fee added to your bill at all sit down restaurants. It often catches 1st time visitors by surprise. The "Couvert" usually includes bread, butter, sardine pate and olives. You generally pay for what you consume, although some restaurants have a flat cover fee. Other restaurants will bring you an endless stream of appetizers. Remember that these savoury treats are NOT FREE. You will end up paying for them, so if you are not interested in these appetizers, just politely let your waiter know. Some examples of these additional covers are shrimp; cod fish pastry; shrimp or chicken pastry; octopus salad and more.....!

Main Course Accompaniments: In most restaurants, the main course is served with potatoes and a mixed salad; ask your server for specifics; you can usually request a preference of boiled, chipped or fried potatoes. Rice is also often served.

TVs: If you are visiting the Algarve during any major sporting event you will find that several restaurants now sport flat screen TVs. The Portuguese love their football and so never want to miss any.

Restaurants, Taverns, Cafes & Beach bars:A whole range of national and international cuisine is available, including curry houses if you absolutely must, but in particular we highlight the traditional tavernas and adegas where proper Algarvian dishes are served. Below is just a small selection.

A Tasca - A very basic bar, often even someone’s converted shed or garage; not glamorous but cheap and cheerful.
O Bar - Nice in the evening for a cold local beer (eg. SuperBock), a long drink or something stronger. Visit a Portuguese bar which is very different from a tourist one - and cheaper! Try a regional Medronho with a small black coffee (bica). Medronho is the local fire-water, made from the fruitof the Arbutus tree.
A Churrasqueira (or 'Churrasco') This is a grill restaurant specialising in BBQ meats and fish.
A Marisqueira is a specialist for seafood.
O Restaurant - Don’t be put off by simple Portuguese restaurants; often the more plain the establishment, the better the fare. Portuguese waiters are reputedly the best in Europe and some of the more upmarket restaurants boast food as good as you will find in the best London restaurants and pleasant service.
A Pastelaria - Often a meeting point for Portuguese friends and families, there is a pastelaria on nearly every corner. They serve a range of items from coffees, hot chocolates, soft drinks to beers and whiskeys and, of course a huge variety of cakes and pastries. Try the daily-made cakes which are simply delicious made from almonds, marzipan and egg.
A Gelataria offers ice creams, sorbets and fresh fruit smoothies.

Restaurants in Praia da Luz

Alloro

Closed for holidays until March 2013. An Italian restaurant situated within the Vila Baia resort serving a mixture of dishes. Vila Baía Rua Alfredo Nascimento Batista Lote 35 R/C. Tel: (+351) 282 790 886

Amici

Family owned and run modern award winning authentic Italian restaurant. Open from 18.00 Monday to Saturday with selection of dishes and winter specials including take-away Pizza. Beside Barclays Bank - Rua 25 de Abril, Block 4, St James. Tel: (+351) 282 763 119

10% Discount for clients staying at Ocean Villas

O Antonio

Closed for holidays - A true Portuguese restaurant specialising in fresh fish, national cuisine, grill and BBQ meats and stews. Rua da Praia - half way up the hill from the beach opposite The Duke. Tel: (+351) 282 789 289

Aquario

Portuguese family owned and run. Small but highly recommended. Closed on Sundays. Open from 18.30. Rua 1 de Maio, Edificio Luztur. Tel: (+351) 282 789 177

Art Burger/ Torrie

Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 09.00 offering a basic but good all round menu and take away service. Inside and outside seating (down stairs). Up the hill from the CA bank at the square - Rua 1 de Maio 2B. Tel: (+351) 282 760 662

Atlantico

Good food and wine with friendly service. Great for a relaxing unrushed evening out. Inside and outside seating. Booking recommended - Open daily from 10.30 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beside Chaplins and Pashmina - below the Church - Ave dos Pescador

Belavista Hotel

Belavista Hotel open to non-residents. Varied menu and daily specials. Open daily from 18.00. Musical entertainment some evenings. BBQ on Wednesday nights. Booking recommended. Rua Primeiro de Maio - right at the top of the hill from the square

Barroca

Restaurant/ Bar with spacious outside terrace, lounge, log fire, dining area, pool table, darts board and free wi-fi. Open Mon - Fri from 17.00 - food served from 18.00. Sat & Sun from 12.00 serving Sunday Roast from 13.00 - 20.00. Rua Dirieta, opposite Chinese Shop. Tel: (+351) 282 762 799

The Bull

English Pub serving snacks daily in the bar from 11.00 - 16.00. Sky TV and air-conditioning. Smoking permitted. Sun terrace with outside TV for events. Upstairs restaurant open daily (except Saturday) from 19.00 - 22.00 serving English food. Just off the square before Kelly's

Cafe Fabrica

Closed for holidays uintil March 2013. Bistro/cafe offering an excellent selection of 'home made' food to suit everyone. Free Wi-Fi. Rua da Praia 18 - just up from the seafront. Tel: (+351) 282 761 492

Casablanca

Closed

Chaplins

British homemade dishes - Fish & Chips a speciality. Cataplana is available for one (usually it's for 2) plus steaks, sausages & mash etc, 3 course Sunday Roast (12.30 to 21.00 ) and take-aways. Food served 18.00 - 22.00. Quiz night every Tuesday at 22.0

Chicca's

Fresh homemade food served daily plus take-aways available. Check the blackboards for a daily change of menu. Booking recommended as it has limited space. Rua de Varzea 3, where it joins the Rua Direita on the way out of Luz. Tel: (+351) 282 761 334

City Sol Chinese

Large restaurant offering everything you would expect - Children's menu and set meals available. Inside and outside seating. Open daily 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 23.00. Located on the road opposite Belavista Hotel entrance. Tel: (+351) 282 789 617

A Concha

Situated right on the seafront with inside and outside seating available (terrace is glassed in when the weather bad). Great views of the bay serving a selection of Portuguese food particularly fresh fish & seafood. Av. dos Pescadores 6. Tel: (+351) 282 7

Cozinha da Luz

Also known as the 'Chicken Shack'. Sit in or take away. BBQ style chicken, ribs etc, stews, salads - Full menu available daily. Open 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 00.00. Tel: (+351) 282 789 920

Delicia Pizzeria

The Dolphin

South African restaurant with some Portuguese dishes and fresh fish. Excellent service and great views from the tables on the covered terrace. African Art & Craft shop. Has a separate/bar waiting room. Booking recommended. Open from 18.00. Closed Sundays. Rua da Calheta, 19. Tel: (+351) 282 789 992

Fortaleza

Overlooking the sea with magnificent views. Open for lunch every day from 12.00 -15.00 and 18.00 - 22.00 with daily 'chef's' specials. Live music on Thursday nights and a 'Jazz Sunday Lunch'. 3 Rua da Igreja just below the Church. Tel: (+351) 282 789 926

The Galley

Cafe/restaurant with superb sea views. Open daily from 9am. Full evening menu and specials from 18.00. Some live music. Closed Wednesdays. Av. Pescadores half way along the Promenade up steps or via Rua do Poco down some steps. Tel: (+351) 282 769 063

Hugo Beaty

A large bar and cafe situated within the Estrala da Luz complex. Breakfast, tapas and snacks/light meals all day with daily specials and evening menu. Free Wi-Fi, Pool table, TV's. Some evening entertainment - check the boards! Tel: (+351) 282 789 926

Jake's

Newly relocated. A selection of homemade dishes changing regularly plus 'Jake-aways' - see menus outside. Booking recommended. Winter hours - Open Thursday to Saturday 18.00 to 24.00. Up the hill from the square - Rua 25 de Abril 61. Back door in the corner of the car park beside Royal Garden Chinese. Tel: (+351) 919 178 127

Look

Portuguese 'Steak Cafe' serving drinks, snacks & meals. Open from 11.00am. Closed Sundays. 6/8 Rua da Calheta, beside Kelly's. Tel: (+351) 282 761 316

Lote 1 @ The Mirage

Closed until 2013. Bar and restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine with European influences. Locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. Cocktails including amazing Mojitos! Rua do Ramalhete 1, at the start of the one way system into Luz. Open from 1800 daily. Tel: (+351) 282 788 041

Luz Tavern

Open from 6pm Closed for holidays until 2013. 'In a Basket' meals available. Entertainment most nights - music shows and karaoke. Pool tables and video games upstairs. Smoking permitted. Largo da Republica 2a - at the square. Tel: (+351) 282 789 179

Onda Luz

Portuguese spacious restaurant offering a variety of dishes. Open evenings only from 17.30 - 00.00. Rua Direita 4a - at the end of the village on the road to Boavista Golf. Tel: (+351) 282 767 350

Panini Pizza & Pasta

Closed. Now Rio's @ No. 2 snack bar

Paraiso

Luz's beach bar offering snacks, drinks and light meals daily. Evening menu. Kid's play area on the beach. Ave. dos Pescadores 6 - right on the beach opposite Habana/Lazuli. Tel: (+351) 282 788 246

Pashmina

Tandoori-Indian Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Children's menu and take-away available. Open from 12.00 - 14.30 and 18.00 - 23.00. Situated below the Church - Avenida dos Pescadores 3. Tel: (+351) 282 789 667

10% discount for clients staying at Ocean Villas, Luz

Pizza Real

Re-opening Thursday 28 March - call 00351 913 887 395 for opening night bookings. Pizzas, salads, lasagne, Indian curries and homemade desserts available as either sit in or take away. Booking and pre-ordering recommended as it can get busy during the season. Open daily from 18.00 - 22.00. Located just up from the seafront - a wooden hut know locally as 'The Shack'. Tel: (+351) 282 788

Pizzeria da Luz

Pizza and pasta restaurant. Part of The Ocean Club open to non-residents from 18.00 - 22.30. Located up the hill from the back of Baptista - Rua Dr. Francisco Gentil Martins. Tel: (+351) 912 871 561

Royal Garden Chinese

A large Chinese restaurant and take-away with an extensive menu as well as set menus. Open daily from 12.00 - 15.00 and 18.00 - 23.00. Located just off the square. Rua 25 Abril. Tel: (+351) 282 767 239

Saffron Indian Kitchen

Indian cuisine. Av dos Pescadores Lt 4. Beside Chaplin's below the Church. Tel: (+351) 282 768 825

10% discount for clients staying at Ocean Villas, Luz

San Carlo

Under new management - formerly Val Verde. Bar & Grill Italiano Restaurant including separate bar area with Sky TV and snooker table. Open for lunch and dinner. Live music nights. Take Away menu with free delivery. Located just outside Luz on the road to Boavista Golf Club on Rua Direita opposite the Campsite. Walking is not advised as the road is very narrow - avail of their free minibus! Tel: (00351) 282 789 474

Valentino's

A large family run restaurant with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Child friendly - pencils and paper to keep them occupied while waiting for their meal. Highchairs supplied. An extensive menu with everything homemade including desserts. Good choice of vegetarian plus, during summer season, homemade pizzas. Sunday roast served from 13.00 until 19.00. Fresh fish every day plus daily specials at € 8.95 and a 3 Course meal for €15.00. Take-aways available. Open daily from 18.00 (closed Saturdays until June). Situated just up the hill from the beach past Bombordo/Pizza Real - Rua da Praia 10. Tel: (+351) 282 760 096. Mob: (+351) 914 852 266

10% discount for clients staying at Ocean Villas, Luz (during July & August between 6 & 7 pm)

Windies Grill

Opening 1 March 2013 under New Management. Formerly Lime Tree. Casual British and American Style Cuisine. Regular menu including burgers, wings, ribs, steaks, fish, mixed grill, surf and turf and much more including blackboard specials. Everyone welcome. Opening end February 2013. Rua 25 de Abril, 16. Tel: (+351) 282 769 572)

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