Albufeira: A Food Lover’s Guide
Albufeira, the heart of Portugal’s Algarve region, is a food lover’s paradise… if you know where to look, that is!
While the city is brimming with restaurants, bars, and cafés, their authenticity and quality can sometimes be a little questionable. If you’re craving a taste of Portugal—whether its fresh local seafood, traditional Portuguese flavours, or even authentic international cuisine—this coastal town has something for every taste.
Here’s my fully vetted, tried-and-tested guide to some of the best places to eat in Albufeira for foodies!
Mercado Municipal dos Caliços (Municipal Market)
For: People watching, coffee, fresh seafood, and local produce
If you love fresh, local ingredients, start your Albufeira food journey at Mercado Municipal. This bustling market is perfect for grabbing fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Portuguese delicacies. Whether you’re looking for snacks (try the little bags of toasted almonds) or ingredients for a home-cooked meal (gorgeous tomatoes), this market is a must-visit.
An added bonus: Snack Bar Caliços, a café attached to the market, is the perfect place to get a little respite from the sun. They offer everything from fresh juice and coffee to sangria, wine and beer (locals start drinking early!), plus pastel de nata. You’ll find something for everyone here. The prices are very fair, and the whole atmosphere is extremely laid back. It’s a great introduction to local life in Portugal.
Taberna Vicentina
For: Classic and authentic Portuguese dishes you may have never heard of before
For a truly local dining experience, Taberna Vicentina is a fantastic choice. This charming eatery with an outdoor courtyard at the back looks pretty unassuming at first glance, especially as it’s further away from the central tourist zone in Albufeira. However, it offers traditional Portuguese dishes in a cozy and inviting setting. The flavors are rich, and the hospitality is warm, making it a great spot for an authentic meal.
You’ll notice it’s frequented by more locals than tourists, which is always a good sign! Try the Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with eggs and potatoes), the prawns, and the pork and gherkin stew (trust me, it works!).
Balada do Peixe
For: No-frills seafood where you can pick your own lunch from the catch of the day
This little spot is a seafood lover’s dream! If you’re a seafood enthusiast, Balada do Peixe is a must-visit. This restaurant specializes in fresh, high-quality seafood dishes, prepared with simple yet flavorful ingredients.
With a focus on local fish and shellfish, the menu showcases the best of Algarve’s coastal cuisine. The menu changes frequently, depending on what’s been brought in by the fishermen that day. The owner helps you to choose from the fish on offer and you can see the catch before you eat it. I adored the simplicity of the ingredients, with very little added, allowing the flavours of the seafood really to truly sing.
Buachompoo Thai Restaurant
For: Tasty thai favourites and a friendly, family-run atmosphere
Sometimes you just want a little break from Portuguese cuisine, which is when you should definitely head to Buachompoo Thai Restaurant. This gem is run by a welcoming Thai family and serves up delicious, authentic Thai dishes with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. You can even choose your spice level!
Atípico
For: Modern and creative Portuguese tapas paired with local wines
Looking for somewhere a little bit fancy for a date night or special occasion? Atípico is the perfect place for contemporary dining with a creative twist. Serving small plates, this stylish restaurant offers a mix of Portuguese and international flavours in a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Be sure to book well in advance, however, as table space is limited and I saw lots of people being turned away at the door!
Café In Certo
For: A quaint and cozy al fresco lunch spot
Located in Albufeira Old Town, Café In Certo offers a really great mix of modernity and traditional Portuguese vibes. From brunches and light bites to tapas-style sharing plates and refreshing beverages on a hot day, this is a lovely, central spot to relax and watch the world go by. Kudos if you manage to score one of the little tables at the front.
Top Tip: Portuguese Entradas
It’s not unusual to be served a selection of starter dishes, called ‘entrada’, which translates to ‘appetiser’ in Portuguese. These typically include small plates of traditional snacks like cured meats, cheese, olives, or bread.
In most eateries, these are brought over to you automatically, but it’s often unclear whether they are free or come with an extra charge (in most cases, they do incur a small additional cost). It’s entirely fine for you to politely decline these entradas—it all depends on how hungry you are! Whether you opt in or out, it’s good to be aware of this cultural aspect of Portugal, as it can catch you off guard if you haven’t experienced it yet.
Embrace fresh ingredients, fantastic flavours & local delicacies in Albufeira
Despite requiring a little more digging and research than some other destinations I’ve visited to find traditional and authentic spots to eat, Albufeira’s food scene is diverse, delicious, and full of surprises if you go the extra mile.
I would advise anyone to stay clear of the strip in Albiufeira’s downtown area, where prices are hiked up, you’ll most likely be harassed into getting a table, and the food is not traditional.
Whether you want traditional Portuguese fare, fresh seafood, or international flavors, this town has something for everyone. Make sure to check out these amazing spots and enjoy a taste of Albufeira!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
