The Algarve is famous for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and vibrant nightlife, but did you know it’s also one of Portugal’s most exciting foodie destinations? While the Michelin Guide still hasn’t awarded a single Bib Gourmand in the Algarve, we believe this region deserves much more recognition. That’s why we created our own Top 20 Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 – a curated list of restaurants where you can enjoy outstanding food at a fair price.
From Michelin-level experiences in Faro and Lagos to cozy hidden gems in the mountains of São Brás de Alportel, every restaurant on this list offers honest, high-quality cuisine without the sky-high bill. Expect 3-course menus between €25–40, tasting menus from just €33, and main dishes starting as low as €12. Many of these restaurants are also vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, making them perfect for today’s diverse food lovers.
This is not fine dining for show – this is real gastronomy for everyone. Whether you’re in Carvoeiro, Lagos, Albufeira, or Vila do Bispo, there’s a spot waiting to surprise you with creativity, authenticity, and value.
Looking at Spain, France, or the UK, the Bib Gourmand category has exploded with dozens of new listings every year. Meanwhile, the Algarve still has zero official Bibs – a shocking oversight when you see how many restaurants here offer the exact same combination Michelin looks for: recognisable cuisine, easy-to-eat dishes, and prices that leave you satisfied, not broke.
Our Top 20 Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 shows that this region has everything: from Portuguese classics with a modern twist to plant-based tasting menus and even authentic Thai cuisine in Almancil. These restaurants prove that you don’t need to spend €500 on a tasting menu to experience food that moves you.
So, until Michelin catches up, consider this list your go-to guide for the best affordable fine dining in the Algarve. Hungry yet? Scroll through, pick your favourite, and book a table – because these gems fill up fast!
## Top 20 Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 (Updated)
| # | Restaurant | Town | Score | Vegan-friendly | Price level | Mains from | Menu price |
|—|————————————–|————————-|:—–:|:————–:|:———–:|:———-:|:———–|
| 1 | Inevitável Restaurant | Armação de Pêra | 9.2 | 🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €12 | 5-course €45 |
| 2 | Casa Velha QDL | Almancil | 9.2 | 🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €15 | – |
| 3 | Vila Velha Restaurant | Sagres | 9.2 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €16,50 | – |
| 4 | Pigs and Cows | Faro | 9.1 | 🌱🌱 | $$$ | – | 3-course €49,50 |
| 5 | No Patio Restaurant | Lagos | 9.1 | 🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €18,00 | 7-course €59 |
| 6 | O Lavrador Taberna | Boliqueime | 9.1 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €14 | – |
| 7 | Restaurante Dos Artistas | Lagos | 9.1 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €19,50 | 3-course €36,50 |
| 8 | Etxea Restaurant | Carvoeiro | 9.1 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €17 | 3-course €25 |
| 9 | O Barradas | Silves (near Lagoa) | 9.1 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €15 | – |
|10 | Bistro Ysconderijo | São Brás de Alportel | 9.0 | 🌱 | $$ | €19 | – |
|11 | Restaurante D’Mestres | Armação de Pêra | 9.0 | 🌱🌱 | $ | €12 | 3-course lunch €12,90 |
|12 | The Birds Nest | Boliqueime (Loulé) | 9.0 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €11,95 | 3-course Sunday lunch €24,95 |
|13 | O Lusitano | Albufeira | 9.0 | 🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €12,95 | – |
|14 | Vegetarian Restaurant Pisco | Vila do Bispo | 9.0 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $ | €8,50 | 5-course €33 |
|15 | Lusitania Restaurant | Alvor | 9.0 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €14,90 | – |
|16 | Black Salt Bistro | Carvoeiro | 9.0 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €17,50 | – |
|17 | Vegan Restaurant Outro Lado | Faro | 9.0 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €14,90 | – |
|18 | A Lota de Alvor | Alvor | 9.0 | 🌱🌱 | $$ | €15,50 | – |
|19 | Siam Authentic Thai | Almancil | 8.9 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱 | $$/$$$ | €12 | – |
|20 | Gastro Bar Ferragudu’s Terrace | Ferragudo | 8.9 | 🌱🌱🌱 | $$ | €16 | – |
What is a Bib Gourmand?
The Bib Gourmand is a Michelin award for restaurants that serve excellent food at a reasonable price. Unlike Michelin stars, which often go to high-end fine dining with high prices, the Bib Gourmand celebrates places where you can enjoy a full, satisfying meal without spending a fortune.
How much does a 3-course Bib Gourmand menu cost?
On average, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in Europe offers a 3-course menu for around €30–40 per person. In the Algarve, many restaurants offer similar menus starting from just €25–33, making it even more affordable.
What is the average price for a main course at a Bib Gourmand restaurant?
Typically, main courses at Bib Gourmand-level restaurants cost around €15–20. In the Algarve, you’ll even find some starting at €12, with tasting menus offering fantastic value compared to Michelin-starred dining.
Are there vegan-friendly Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Algarve?
Yes! Many of the restaurants in our Top 20 Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 offer vegetarian and vegan menus or plant-based tasting menus. Or try Vegetarian restaurant Pisco in Vila do Bispo, there’s something for every foodie.
Why doesn’t Michelin list any Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Algarve?
That’s the big question! Despite Portugal having 28 Bib Gourmands in 2025, not a single one is in the Algarve. We believe it’s an oversight, because the region clearly has dozens of restaurants that fit the Bib Gourmand profile: high quality, authentic, and affordable.
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