Henrique Leis – Almancil
Chef: Henrique Leis

This Swiss-chalet inspired restaurant provides an ambiance of sophisticated elegance and rustic charm. It is the perfect setting for the mastery of Brazilian Chef Henrique Leis who embraces French cuisine enhanced by flavors of his South American homeland. Having set his roots in the Algarve in 1993, Leis is now a gastronomic leader in the region. Seasonal menus can include creations such as crayfish with endive in lemon, rack of Iberian pork with chestnuts and carob, veal loin with sweet milk sabayon two mustards and honey, and royal urchins. The extensive wine list is equally impressive.

Vale Formoso, Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 393 438

Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc – Porches
Chef: Hans Neuner

Having trained with Michelin star chefs in Berlin, Hamburg and Mallorca, Austrian Chef Hans Neuner was hungry for a star of his own. In 2006, he arrived at Ocean Restaurant in the beautiful Vila Vita Parc resort and immediately set out on his mission. He began utilizing innovative haute cuisine techniques on fresh, locally-produced (and largely organic) food products. Within three years, Neuner had a Michelin star of his own, and guests at Ocean receive the rewards of his efforts. The menu changes weekly.

Vila Vita Parc, Alporchinos, Porches
Reservations: + 351 282 310 100

São Gabriel – Almancil
Chef: Torsten Schulz

Starting at the tender age of 15, German-born Torsten Schulz has trained in fine restaurants across the globe, from Chin and Las Vegas to New York and Spain. Today, he infuses flavors from his vast experience in the dishes he prepares at São Gabriel. Menu selections include: seared goose liver and terrine with variation of figs; lobster cream soup; lightly smoked salmon trout with braised cucumbers and crisp bacon; macadamia nut crusted black angus tenderloin with scallop and caramelized shallots; and crème brûlée with green tea sorbet. In the Summer, the patio offers al fresco dining among the lush sub-tropical Thai garden.

Estrada Vale do Lobo–Quinta do Lago, Almancil
Reservations: +351 289 394 521

Vila Joya at Hotel Vila Joya – Galé
Chef: Dieter Koschina

Portugal's only Michelin two star restaurant . In part, Austrian Chef Dieter Koschina credits this recognition to his staff's daily dedication to maintain a high level of excellence in technique and service. Yet, ultimately, the most important factor is high quality product purchased daily from local fisherman and farmers. Says Koschina, “we only use what the Atlantic gives us, for example, lobster; and from the Earth we have veal or goose liver. These are the components of our kitchen every day.” Dinner is a set menu of six courses, except on Thursdays when Koschina serves his famous gala dinner with eight courses. Vila Joya is located in the multi award-winning Vila Joya boutique hotel.

Praia da Galé, Galé, Albufeira
Reservations: +351 289 591 839

Willie's – Vilamoura
Chef: Willie Wurger

German-born Willie Wurger has left a trail of Michelin stars across the Algarve. Since he arrived in the early 1980's, Wurger cooked at La Reserve, the first restaurant in the Algarve to be designated with a star. He followed with seven years at São Gabriel, contributing to the star designation it has today. And, since 2000, Wurger has helmed his own restaurant in Vilamoura, which has been awarded a star every year since 2006. His specialty is cuisine from central Europe, and he prides himself on his hand-made seafood ravioli in a Vermouth cream sauce, pan-fried saddle of monkfish on mustard crème-sauce with potato-mousse, and lemon crème in sugar basket with berries. The restaurant is quietly tucked away behind the Hilton hotel in the residential area of Vilamoura.

Rua do Brazil, 2, Vilamoura
Reservations: +351 289 380 849