8 Best Restaurants in Vale do Lobo

October 9, 2024

Located along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vale do Lobo is a paradise, not only for sun-seekers, but also for food lovers. Whether you’re craving traditional Portuguese dishes or international cuisine with a twist, this luxury resort has something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

From seaside cafés where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of Vinho Verde as you watch the waves break on the shore, to fine dining establishments that transform dinner into an unforgettable experience, Vale do Lobo is a culinary haven. With an array of dining choices available, we’ve put together our top picks for the best places to eat, where each dish embodies the spirit of this coastal paradise.

Monica’s Restaurant

Monica’s Restaurant stands out as one of the top dining spots in Vale do Lobo. Located at the entrance of the resort, this romantic and elegant venue is perfect for a refined dining experience. The menu offers a wide variety, featuring everything from tender meats to the freshest seafood, with an extensive selection of wines to complement each dish. Committed to inclusivity, Monica’s caters to all guests, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as amenities like parking, highchairs, and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring everyone feels welcome. With seating both indoors and in their beautifully rustic garden and terrace area, there is usually plenty of space. We recommend using their handy booking service to guarantee you a spot and save disappointment when you have a hungry family in tow!

Price: £££
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Avenida Cidade de Loule, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-034 Portugal

U&Co

Located just off Vale do Lobo beach, U&Co restaurant offers simple, delicious and wholesome food. With a welcoming atmosphere and super friendly staff, this restaurant feels like home, accentuated by the fact that the building itself is a cleverly renovated, traditional Portuguese house. The elevated ocean views provide a stunning backdrop while you enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, U&Co is a great choice for couples, friends or family groups. Given its popularity, it’s a good idea to book ahead to secure a table, though walk-ins are also very welcome!

Price: ££
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Avenida do Mar, 23, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-864 Portugal

Umami

For those seeking an indulgent night out, Umami is an obvious choice. One of the newer additions to Vale do Lobo’s dining scene, Umami offers a refined experience with exceptional Asian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the fishermen of northern Japan who cooked over hot coals and shared their meals with oars, Umami weaves storytelling into its dishes, crafting a carefully curated menu using natural elements. With a selection of sushi, small plates, cocktails, desserts, and more, it’s true heaven for foodies. The venue itself is equally impressive, with outdoor seating that offers stunning sunset views from the terraced garden, while the attentive staff ensure a warm welcome. Though on the pricier side, Umami is well worth considering for a truly special evening.

Price: ££££
Cuisine: Asian
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Rua das Palmeiras, Quinta do Lago 8135-162 Portugal

Tinto

One of the most recent additions to Vale do Lobo; Tinto overlooks Vale do Lobo’s main square and offers terrific views of the ocean. With a nod to traditional Portuguese taverns, Tinto features regional sharing plates, perfectly paired with local wines, available by the bottle or glass. With friendly staff and a willingness to cater to those with all kinds of dietary requirements, Tinto easily makes our list of the best restaurants in Vale do Lobo. Tinto is ideal for large groups and families although reservations are required.

Price: ££
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Praça, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-034 Portugal

United Kitchens of India

United Kitchens of India serves up authentic and unique Indian cuisine, offering a thoughtfully curated menu that caters to everyone. Chef Narayan, the mastermind behind the dishes, regularly introduces himself to guests, and a warm, accommodating staff, makes this restaurant a must-visit when in Vale do Lobo. This is not fast food, but your patience will be rewarded and it’s certainly one of the best restaurants in Vale do Lobo; simply pre-book and allow extra time to fully enjoy the experience.

Price: £££
Cuisine: Indian
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Estrada de Vale Do Lobo Corgo da Zorra, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-160 Portugal

Well

Located on the beachfront at Vale do Lobo, Well is a relaxed lunch time spot by day, which transforms into a sophisticated dining experience as the sun goes down. The focus here is premium sushi, although there are alternative menu options like authentic Portuguese dishes, fresh salads and gourmet burgers. Set around a swimming pool, there are Bali influences which adorn the restaurant and regular live music sessions which create a vibrant atmosphere. This is the place to see and be seen in Vale do Lobo.

Price: ££££
Cuisine: Japanese, European
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Praça Vale do Lobo, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-034 Portugal

Marias

One of The Villa Agency director’s favourite places to go when she is in the area – Marias is in a stunning position, right on the beach, between Vale do Lobo and Praia do Garrao. Once a modest beach shack, the restaurant has transformed over the years to become the vibrant, welcoming establishment it now is. There is always a warm welcome here with delicious food; fresh fish and seafood, top quality cuts of meat, vegetarian options and, of course, an excellent selection of Portuguese wines. There is often live music and there is now a glorious rooftop bar to enjoy cocktails as the sun goes down.

Price: ££-£££
Cuisine: Portuguese, Seafood, International
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: Praia do Garrão Poente, Vale do Garrao, Loule 8135-170 Portugal

Sandbanks

Finally, on our list of the best restaurants in Vale do Lobo, is Sandbanks Beach Restaurant. Situated right on the beach, with stunning ocean views, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks, with the sand and sea just meters away. The menu features a variety of local dishes, from exquisite seafood to delicious meats, as well as a kids’ menu, ensuring it is a hit with families and even the pickiest of eaters. Sandbanks offers highchairs, is fully wheelchair accessible, accepts reservations, and is even pet-friendly!

Price: ££
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Family Friendly: Yes
Address: The Praca, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-854 Portugal

We have a huge variety of villas in Vale do Lobo  and we can often suggest some restaurants nearby so just chat to us about your requirements and we can help arrange all aspects of your Vale do Lobo holiday.

Discover more about Vale do Lobo in our latest blogs:

• Best Beaches in Vale do Lobo
• Best Familiy Activities in Vale do Lobo
• Top Golf Courses in Vale do Lobo

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these businesses. This information is gathered from client and staff experiences and feedback and we are happy to share as a helpful guide. We do not vouch for or recommend any service or establishment.