Sotavento
Food & Drink
From the freshest fish cataplana to barnacles harvested that morning — the East Algarve's gastronomy is honest, generous and deeply connected to the sea and the land.
Mediterranean · Cacela Velha
In Cacela Velha, on R. de Cacela Velha. Mediterranean cuisine, according to the restaurant’s own booking page (checked on 27 October 2026), open from 11:00 to 22:00 Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday; bookings by phone. Hours and contact details differ between sources, and so do public reviews: check before you go and read the current reviews.
Seafood · Tavira
Seafood restaurant in Tavira, in the Municipal Market, with an indoor room and a terrace. It serves shellfish such as oysters, stuffed crab and lobster.
Seafood · Manta Rota
Restaurant on Manta Rota beach, with views of the Atlantic. According to the restaurant's website, it opens 12pm to 10pm and is closed on Wednesdays.
Seafood · Cabanas de Tavira
Traditional restaurant in Cabanas de Tavira, facing the water. Specialities include clam cataplana, seafood rice, seafood açorda, monkfish rice and razor clam rice. It usually closes on Mondays.
Seafood · Tavira
Seafood restaurant at the Mercado da Ribeira, beside the Gilão river, in the centre of Tavira. It serves Algarve dishes such as seafood rice, cataplana and clams.
Seafood · Luz de Tavira
A simple and very popular seafood restaurant by the Ria Formosa, at Sítio do Pinheiro (Luz de Tavira), with a grill for fresh fish. Razor clam rice is one of its best-known dishes.
Traditional · Vila Nova de Cacela
Restaurant in Vila Nova de Cacela, also known as "O Índio", known for fresh fish grilled over charcoal, especially tuna belly. A very simple setting with shared tables. It usually closes on Mondays.
Traditional · Cabanas de Tavira
A classic of Cabanas de Tavira, famous for its fish soup served inside a loaf of bread and for the D. Rodrigo puff pastry dessert. It is usually full in summer, so it is best to book.
Traditional · Altura
Restaurant in Altura, mentioned for its fish rodízio. Check opening times and the menu before you go.
Traditional · Santa Luzia
In Santa Luzia, the "octopus capital", O Mourão has been open for about 30 years. It serves octopus and prawn skewers, seafood rice, monkfish rice and seafood cataplana. It usually closes on Mondays.
Contemporary · Tavira
Gastrobar in Tavira with tapas inspired by Portuguese and Mediterranean cooking, changing with the seasons. The name comes from the Tavira tradition of "comer na gaveta" (eating from the drawer).
Grills · Altura
Grill restaurant in Altura (Rua da Alagoa), known for its roast chicken. It also serves grilled fish, such as monkfish.
Grills · Manta Rota
Grill restaurant in Manta Rota with a relaxed atmosphere and good selection of fish and meat. Covered terrace by the dock.
Italian · Manta Rota
Italian pizzeria with handmade pastas and pizzas in Manta Rota. Fresh ingredients and family atmosphere — ideal for informal evenings.
Asian · Monte Gordo
Thai restaurant in Monte Gordo with an authentic atmosphere. Aromatic curries, pad thai and Southeast Asian specialities.
International · Monte Gordo
Chef Chakall's restaurant in the The Prime Energize hotel in Monte Gordo, with Mediterranean cooking and international inspiration, and a rooftop bar.
Seafood · Vila Nova de Cacela
Seafood restaurant at Sítio da Fábrica, in Vila Nova de Cacela, on the edge of the Ria Formosa, where the boats to Cacela Velha beach leave from. Terrace facing the ria; serves fish, shellfish and rice dishes at lunch and dinner.
More than a meal
Taste oysters, octopus, fresh fish and local snacks on a guided visit around Tavira and the Ria Formosa.
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Places to stay a few minutes away, bookable on Booking.com.
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