The Michelin Star restaurants of the Algarve

The Algarve is famed for its long sandy beaches, world elite golf courses and being bathed in year-round sunshine. This southern Portuguese holiday hotspot’s culinary talents are less well-documented.

But did you know the Algarve is home to a number of Michelin star restaurants? There are six Michelin Star restaurants on the Algarve.

Vila Joya, Gale

Villa Joya’s head chef, Dieter Koschina from Austria, sources the best fresh caught fish from local fishermen each day. He also deals with the local farmers for meat and vegetables. This eatery actually has two Michelin stars. The top-class Villa Joya is situated on the sea front at Gale, which is close to Albufeira.

Henrique Leis, Almancil

Renowned chef Henrique Leis is from Brazil  and has been on the Algarve since the early nineties. The popular chef likes to cook the French way with a little South American influence thrown in for good measure. Asides his great cooking, Henrique has a fantastic wine selection in the restaurant. Modelled on a Swiss Chalet, Henrique Leis is an interesting and quirky feature of Almancil.

Willie Wurger, Vilamoura

German-born Willie Wurger has been on the Algarve for around 30 years. The restaurant was based at La Reserve when it was awarded its first Michelin star. Since Willy Wurger opened his own restaurant in 2006 he has received a star each consecutive year. Look out for one of his signature dishes – Pan fried saddle of monkfish on mustard crème sauce. Willie Wurger’s restaurant is tucked just behind the Hilton in Vilamoura.

Ocean Restaurant, Vila Vita Parc Porches

Ocean Restaurant is another Algarve eatery to boast two Michelin stars with the added advantage of enjoying breathtaking views of Portugal’s most southern coastline. Head chef Hans Neuner has worked in Berlin, Hamburg and Mallorca. His innovative cuisine makes full use of fresh organic produce and it is little surprise the Austrian cook was named Portugal’s Chef of the Year in 2009 and 2012.