Best Restaurants in Salema, Portugal
May 29, 2024
There’s plenty to shout about when it comes to Salema – including the food choices. In fact, we think one of the very best things about a villa holiday in Salema is the excellent choice of restaurants on offer in this charming town. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find a wide range of cuisine for a variety of budgets, with most places open all day long. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Salema, Portugal.
Agua na Boca
Situated on the cobbled Rua dos Pescadores, this is an upmarket establishment with a reputation for being amongst the finest eateries in the Algarve. Owner Paulo takes great pride in serving a range of meat, fish, local and international dishes, with a wide selection of wines. The airy, contemporary interior is complemented by a spacious outdoor terrace on which diners can relax and watch the world go by. A must-try for a special night out, however we recommend booking advance as it can get very busy.
- Price: £££
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: R. dos Pescadores 82, 8650-199 Salema
Photo Credit: Agua na Boca Facebook
A Boia Bar
This simple but well-run and popular beachfront restaurant serves a friendly welcome at the bottom of Rua dos Pescadores. Offering a variety of fresh grilled fish and meats, along with a popular house special called ‘Caldeirada de Peixe’ and other simple local favourites. For stunning seaside views alongside your lunch, this is no doubt one of the best restaurants in Salema. It has indoor seating, a lovely, shaded terrace and tables on the beach promenade with umbrellas. We had the catch of the day which was Golden Bream served with roast potatoes and salad – they filleted it at the table for use and we paired it with Planalto Douro wine, which is delicious and a great choice for someone trying Portuguese wine for the first time. The Bacalhau a Bras – a traditional Portuguese salted fish served with egg and potatoes – is also delicious!
- Price: ££
- Cuisine: Portuguese/Seafood
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: R. dos Pescadores 101, 8650-199 Salema
Photo: Bacalhau a Bras at A Boia
Atlantico
Located in the main square, Atlantico is the oldest restaurant in Salema. It has amazing sea views and is great all year round as they have an outside terrace and the restaurant is all glass so, even if the weather is not behaving, it is still a lovely place to be. They serve regional dishes – we had the prawn and monkfish curry, which was delicious. They also do impressive kebabs that come out dangling on skewers and look incredible, along with the fresh catch of the day. It’s a great place for lunch or dinner and won’t break the bank. Staff are very friendly and the wine list excellent. They only have the house red and white by the glass but both are lovely. All other wines are by the bottle and separated into regions – lots of Portuguese choices – the waiters can help you choose!
- Price: ££
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Seafood
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: Largo da Liberdade n05 Praia da Salema, 8650-350
Photo Credit: Atlantico
Olhos n’Agua
This is a charming restaurant on the beach with good old fashioned service. Mostly fish and seafood cooked perfectly and with lovely views of the sea. It is not possible to tip using a card here so make sure you take cash as you will want to tip the staff – they are lovely!
- Price: ££
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: Tv. do Miramar 1, 8650-199 Budens
Photo: Fresh mussels at Olhos n’Agua
Casa Pizza
Situated just off Salema square, the amiable Casa Pizza is the first restaurant on the left as you ascend Rua dos Pescadores. Offering home-cooked delights, panoramic views of Salema beach, and genuine hospitality, this establishment goes beyond its pizza-centric name. With a menu featuring a variety of hearty dishes, all prepared in a wood oven, Casa Pizza provides the option to dine in or take away, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. It’s worth a visit just for the sea views!
- Price: ££
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Italian
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: R. dos Pescadores 100, 8560-199 Budens
Photo Credit: Casa Pizza Facebook
Restaurante O Lourenço
Tucked away from the village centre, Lourenco is a hidden gem among family-run seafood restaurants. Embracing a more traditional Algarvian atmosphere, this establishment boasts excellent seafood options, with a focus on lobster, crab, and giant prawns available upon advance order. The genuinely friendly service adds a personal touch to your dining experience.
- Price: £££
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/International
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: R. 28 de Janeiro 11, 8650-200 Salema
Photo Credit: Restaurante O Lourenço Facebook
Mira Mar
With a unique ‘Bohemian’ character, Mira Mar stands out next to Salema beach, offering a twist to traditional cuisine. Open from April to October, this restaurant provides a refreshing variation from typical local menus. Enjoy delectable dishes with a stunning sea view, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in the village.
- Price: £££
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Seafood/European
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: Tv. do Miramar 6, 8650-199 Salema
Spice Cottage
If you fancy authentic Indian cuisine on your Salema holiday, Spice Cottage is the place to visit. Conveniently located in the heart of Salema, this restaurant boasts fresh flavours and friendly faces. With rave reviews from locals and tourists alike, this is a restaurant not to be missed.
- Price: £££
- Cuisine: Indian
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Address: R. 28 de Janeiro 2, 8650-200 Salema
Photo Credit: Spice Cottage Facebook
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Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in our blogs. 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.