Guest Recommendations

The following is taken from our Apartment Guestbook and details some local places for food and drink, both good and in some cases bad.

Pubs

The Water dog pub

An English pub, it provides a good Sunday lunch, has Sky sports and good chat with the landlord "Charlie"

Directions: Down to the beach front and it is opposite the Taxi rank.

The Beach Comber

Generally avoid unless you have a lot of money to waste, It is however open till very late, around 5am. Expect to pay around €4 a shot. However, They also have a pool table.

Directions: Along the beach front. (Not far from the Hotel Garbe).

Bar Boa Vista

There is a 20% discount from 6-9pm. Excellent views and table service. Free nibbles too.

Directions: This is located in the Hotel Garbe which is down on the beach front.

Kippi's

This only opens at night time but will stay open until the last customer leaves!! Owned by Manuel and Anna, Manuel is a member of the magic circle – very entertaining! He was born in Armação but raised in London; he can discuss any football match, from any country due to a multitude of "Del Boy" sized satellite dishes! (Has been known to show 3 different games at the same time)

Directions: Little more of a trek; it is located at the bottom end of the old town

Café/Snack Bars

Snack-bar O Walter

Fresh local fish and all round good menu at reasonable prices. Ideal for a snack lunch.

Directions: Just off the beach in the old town (not far from the "red house")

Forteliza

Great corner to sit for a coffee / beer / snacks etc and watch the world go by.

Directions: Down towards the fisherman's beach in the old town.

Lila's aka the Guitar or pool bar.

If the pool on the roof is busy or you want a relaxing day with a selection of pools for all ages then give the Guitar bar a go. They also serve food and beverages and have Sky Sports too! – Opening times for pool usage are 10am to 8pm (Adults and Children over 9 are €5 each and children 2–9 are €3.

Directions: Head towards the Water Dog / Busisus and it is behind them (should be signposted).

Teddy's

Good for lunch but also does evening meals; the most bizarre selection of food you will ever see.

Directions: Located next to the market in the old town / primary school.

Charrobinha Restaurant

Self service café type but in our opinion they do the best Ice Cream cones. Friendly service too.

Directions: Head along the prom and it is just after the Red House and before the start of the old town. (turn left here and two streets down is Teddy's and the daily markets)

Balbino's

Speciality is Chicken piri-piri, fairly run and very friendly.

Directions: Located behind Primary school / Post office / Teddy's.

Markets / Supermarkets

Daily Indoor Market

Great place for Fish, Fruit and Veg, the market is open daily (except Sunday) from early till about noon.

Directions: Located by "Teddy's" in the old town and by the Post Office.

Twice Weekly Market

This is great for fresh fish, fruit, veg and much more; this is an additional market that is held on Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

Directions: Located by "Teddy's" in the old town and by the Post Office.

Pingo Doce

This is good for fresh fruit and bread.

Directions: At the roundabout near the apartment, turn left; then walk towards the fountain roundabout and it is up on the left.

Eco Marche

Bigger than a mini market, you can get most things.

Directions: At the apartment roundabout go straight over and head towards the beach, At the second turn on the left (look down the street and you will see the flashing Pharmacy sign) and it is at the end of the road.

Inter Marche

Bigger then the Eco Marche, it caters for all your needs, a car is probably required unless you fancy a mile walk (with shopping)

Directions: Located on the road to Porches; at the apartment roundabout, turn right and continue straight on for about a miles. It will be on the left.

Continental

What can we say, it's massive!! It has absolutely everything you may need.

Directions: Located at Algarve Shopping about 10km away, Take the N125 past Guia and the Zoo Marine, it's on the left a few minutes later.

Restaurants

Here are some restaurants that have been tried by some of our previous guests. We've divided them by price range.

On a budget

Gaby's Pizzeria

As the name implies, a Pizza restaurant and this one has a good reputation.

Directions: Located in the Old town.

Kam Kong Chinese

Good Chinese restaurant.

Directions: Located opposite "Santola" next to Santander Bank at the entrance to the old town.

Busiris

Excellent for lunch, dinner, coffee and pastries/cakes and has a great selection of ice creams.
They also have free Wi-Fi if you need to check those all important e-mails. (TIP. If you don't fancy buying anything, the bus stop in front is just as good.)

Directions: Located next to the Water Dog and opposite the Taxi rank on the front.

Lorenzo's

An Italian with authentic fare; it also has an open kitchen.

Directions: Located off the pedestrian precinct

Hong Kong Chinese (avoid)

Not too good in recent years, best avoid.

Directions: Located just down from Busirus / Waterdog heading out towards Porches.

Mid Priced

Porters

Run by James, it has excellent steaks/seafood. They have a "Tourist menu" which is around €12 which is for 3 courses, wine/beer and then coffee. (They also have a cocktail bar).

Directions: Situated just off the main promenade; past "Clipper" on the left and you will see the sign post on the corner of the street.

Villa de Italia

Lovely Italian food, very friendly service and reasonable prices.

Directions: This is about 2 miles away in Porches, at the Apartment roundabout, turn right and keep going until you see the Inter Marche on your left, turn left just after and then first main turn left then after a few yards there is a turn right (it is sign posted)

A little more expensive

Clipper

Fine dining but still friendly! Owned/run by Manuel (who also runs the Busirus Patisserie)

Directions: Situated on the main promenade next to the hotel Algor.

Raj

Best Indian in the area! Excellent food with views over the sea/cliffs towards Senhora de Rocha.

Directions: Situated in Hotel Garbe on the main road opposite the Water Dog.

Santola

Excellent steak and seafood; stunning views over Armação beach.

Directions: Opposite Santander bank / Kam Kong Chinese at the entrance to the old town.

A Tasca

Possibly the best restaurant in town! Small but perfectly formed; however, don't go if you are in a hurry!!! – Booking is highly recommended.

Directions: Situated off Fisherman's beach; go down the hill past pippa's at old town, past Foaliza café then first alley on the left.