Column – Michelin Bib Gourmand Portugal 2025: Why the Algarve Deserves Better

I’m angry. Angry at Michelin – yes, the French tire company that somehow decided it should also decide where we eat.

Their Michelin Stars may have status, but let’s be real: these are restaurants where you easily spend €500 per couple. Great for a one-off celebration, but completely disconnected from everyday dining.

That’s why Michelin created the Bib Gourmand. An award for restaurants that serve a proper three-course meal at a fair price. Affordable, generous, and satisfying. In other words: value-for-money dining for real people.

But here’s the outrage: in the Michelin Bib Gourmand Portugal 2025 list, there are only 28 restaurants. And in the Algarve? Not a single one. Zero.

Meanwhile, France added 77 new Bib Gourmand restaurants in just one year. Spain counts 213 Bibs. The UK & Ireland together already have 150 Bib Gourmand restaurants. And Portugal? Stuck at 28.

So what’s going on? Does Michelin not take Portugal seriously? Do their inspectors skip the Algarve altogether? Anyone who lives here knows: the region is full of places that deliver everything a Bib Gourmand stands for – honest food, affordable prices, and unforgettable evenings.

Because let’s face it: people don’t always want 12 tiny plates in a stiff setting. They want affordable Michelin dining in Portugal – cozy, accessible, and delicious. That’s exactly what the Bib Gourmand was meant to celebrate.

And yet, the Algarve is missing. Outrageous.

So you know what? If Michelin won’t do it, I’ll do it myself.

👉 Here is my Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 list – a collection of the region’s best value-for-money restaurants, chosen not by French tire sellers, but by someone who actually eats here.

Fair. Affordable. Authentic. And, in many cases, better than half the official Bib Gourmand list.

FAQ – Michelin Bib Gourmand Portugal 2025

What is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant?
A Bib Gourmand is a Michelin award given to restaurants that serve excellent food at a fair price. It usually means you can enjoy a satisfying three-course meal without overspending – affordable Michelin dining for everyday food lovers.

How many Bib Gourmand restaurants are there in Portugal in 2025?
In 2025, Portugal has 28 Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants. They are spread across cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Setúbal, and Madeira – but none in the Algarve.

Does the Algarve have Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants?
Surprisingly, no. The Algarve, despite being one of Portugal’s top culinary destinations, still has zero Bib Gourmand restaurants in the official Michelin Guide 2025. That’s why we created our own Bib Gourmand Algarve 2025 list, highlighting the best affordable restaurants in the region.

Which countries have the most Bib Gourmand restaurants?
France leads with nearly 400 Bib Gourmand restaurants, followed by Spain with 213, and the UK & Ireland with 150. Portugal lags behind with just 28.

Why is Bib Gourmand so popular in Europe?
Because food lovers prefer value-for-money dining over stiff, overpriced tasting menus. Bib Gourmand restaurants are cozy, accessible, and affordable – proving that great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

How much does a main course cost at a Bib Gourmand restaurant?
On average, a main course at a Bib Gourmand costs around €15–20, depending on the country and region.

How much is a full three-course Bib Gourmand menu?
A full three-course Bib Gourmand menu typically costs between €30 and €40 per person, making it one of the best value-for-money options in the Michelin Guide.