Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s western Algarve, Aljezur is a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming a culinary hotspot for those in the know. This charming town, where traditional Portuguese flavours meet modern gastronomy, offers a unique blend of local specialties and world-class dining experiences. From fresh-caught fish and exotic percebes to bustling farmers’ markets and critically acclaimed restaurants, Aljezur is a food lover’s paradise that manages to maintain its low-key, authentic charm. We’ve been talking to Anton, our local guide in Aljezur about what his favourite dishes, restaurants and thoughts are.
The Fish
NITGB: ‘What is the fish like in Aljezur? I have seen quite a few fishermen in the area.’
Anton: ‘Fishing is quite big in the area, personally I like Sargo and Pargo. The famous fish around here is the Robalo, it’s really expensive but many of the locals would recommend that.’
The Local Speciality
NITGB: ‘What would you say is the best food in the region?’
Anton: ‘We have a speciality that is really famous only in this area that is called Percebes which is a mollusc. It’s known as goose barnacle in the UK and it’s a speciality only to this area. They have a festival for a week in October time devoted to the Percebes. This is really a local delicacy. It’s a bit like a muscle or clam in texture and flavour. There are a lot of fresh fish restaurants in the area because that is what the local Portuguese know.’
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The Best Restaurants
NITGB: ‘There are a lot of amazing restaurants in the are, which would you recommend?’
Anton: ‘[…]with the increase in foreigners to the area they have been introducing more modern cuisines. I had some clients that came from London that are multi billionaires and I took them to one of the local restaurants for dinner, Cervejaria O Mar. They said that it is the best restaurant that they have ever been in. One of the group has a holiday home in the Algarve near Faro and he purposefully travels here to Aljezur specifically to eat at this restaurant. He made his millions in the food industry so for him to claim that this is the best restaurant he has ever been is incredible. Especially because he has holiday homes all over Europe and the States but apparently this is the best place to eat.’
‘In the previous 2 years we probably only had 4 or 5 Portuguese based restaurants but now we’ve 3 world class restaurants but they just aren’t world renown. Some of the people that are coming here are bringing some truly amazing cuisines with them. This is a really cool place to be, it’s really up and coming. There are a lot of celebrities and wealthy people that walk around the streets but it’s very low key. The area is attracting the right type of people who appreciate the area and preserve the surroundings, there’s no football shirts and chanting.’
The Farmer’s Market
NITGB: ‘What about finding quality, local produce? Where would you go for that?’
Anton: ‘We shop on a Saturday at the local farmers market which is known as becoming a local tourist attraction in itself actually. There’s a little coffee shop there and people can buy some really lovely produce there. We shop on a Saturday there, obviously we have to shop during the week as well but we do our best to get as much of our food there as possible. The local farmers are all aged between 90 and 120 they’re all little old people growing their veggies during the week and then making a few pennies at the weekend by selling them. This is a good place to live. It is a clean living area and that is why there is a wellness movement in the tourist industry here.’
‘For all of our tours, we prepare all the food which we purchase from the local farmer’s market. So if people get in touch with us with plenty of advanced warning then, we can make their picnic tailor-made.’
As your local guide Anton demonstrates, Aljezur is more than just a destination – it’s a community that cherishes its traditions, environment, and authentic way of life. His intimate knowledge of the area and passion for local cuisine ensures visitors experience the true essence of this Portuguese gem. By booking your holiday with us, you’re not just guaranteeing yourself an unforgettable culinary adventure, but also supporting local farmers, fishermen, and family-run restaurants that are the backbone of Aljezur’s charm. We pride ourselves on responsible travel practices that ensure your tourism euros directly benefit the local community, helping preserve this special corner of Portugal for generations to come. Whether you’re sampling fresh percebes at the market or dining at hidden local gems, an Aljezur food experience with us promises memories – and flavors – that will last a lifetime.
30/01/2019 
