Vista Restaurant is part of the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa and is located in the lively center of Portimao, and on the Praia da Rocha.

You cannot imagine a better restaurant

The estate has a beautiful front garden and a magnificent garden with a large terrace at the rear. It is located high.

There are only 12 tables on the terrace, for the beautiful summer evenings, with an overview of the garden, the boulevard, the beach and the ocean… There are only 6 tables inside. So book on time...

There is also a beautiful cocktail bar and an attractive lounge with a fireplace. It feels homely, and that is not surprising, if you thank that this hotel villa was once built as a residence..

You will be welcomed in the lounge, followed by a kitchen tour and you will meet chef João Oliveira and his team. A unique experience. Strange that not all top restaurants do that. That makes the experience very personal!

Then you get a tour through the wine cellar with more than 800 types of wine from all over the world. "But most of it from Portugal", my hostess says proudly.

The restaurant has one Michelin Star, but I think a second start will come soon..

The 1st top amuzes are also served in the wine cellar, by the chef who made them himself. How fun!! And all the ingredients they use are organic! Top!

There are 6 tables in the restaurant, with a view of the ocean. Beautiful, and if it is warm enough, you can eat outside.

You can choose the regular tasting menu (200 euros) or the vegan tasting menu (175 euros). Wine supplement 110, euros :

We start with a delicious full Douro,

Then the next top amuse-bouche, of cucumber, is served.

Followed by a delicious couvert, with olive oil from the owner's olive grove, fresh bread, smoked soy butter. Cucumber Pickles and vegan fishcake.. Life can be so good..

Refreshing soup that is put together at the table, fun and delicious!

Watermelon in a delicious way, orgasmic!

Beetroot ravioli with ginger filling, oliebol with divine vegan cheese spinach filling

All equally tasty, nice little flavor explosions!

Then a delicious white chardonnay, 2004, inland Portugal, rich in taste.

Celery ravioli with spicy Thai sauce

Chef will bring black sweet potato himself, with sauce from the skin. 10/10.

He has been working here for 8 years now. Unfortunately they don't do lunch here, but in their bistro, with the same kitchen team

Young broccoli on a bed of smoked green peas

Main course: perfect lentil dish with foam of fried onions. Yum!!

Beautiful and tasty dessert amuse with orange tree..

Because the dessert of apple and avocado was disappointing to me, another, very tasty, 2nd dessert is served within 10 minutes; mango, and mango ice cream with vegan cream. Unfortunately, you don't often see chefs being so incredibly flexible and going to great lengths for a satisfied guest.

And finally a vegan pastel de nata, yum!

What an unforgettable evening this was! Thank you! RECOMMENDED!

Please note: closed in January and February.

Afterwards we get a little tour of the hotel and the spa:

The hotel is set over the cliff with direct access to the beach.
It was built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, along with the area's historical chalets.
Is the private home of António Júdice de Magalhães Barros, a local businessman (1879-1960) and it was inaugurated in February of 1918 in a ceremony that included the presence of the President of the Portuguese Republic at the time, Sidónio Pais. It was then called "Our Lady of Sorrows Villa",  and in it, Magalhães de Barros' five daughters grew up and it was the stage of many memorable events, including visits by famous artists and politicians.
In 1934, Henrique Bivar de Vasconcelos, the original owner's cousin, turned it into a hotel.

And the Bela Vista was born, the first hotel in the Algarve! Later, 2 buildings and a beautiful swimming pool were added. In total there are now 38 rooms and suites. The suites have sea view and cost 600-1200 per night. The hotel has its own parking lot.

The L'Occitane spa is 400m2, 5 treatment rooms including 2 for couples, Sauna, Hammam, Relaxation Area and a Fitness Lounge.
The spa can also be used by non hotel guests.