There’s lots to shout about when it comes to Salema – including the food. In fact, we think one of the very best things about a holiday in Salema is the excellent choice of restaurants on offer, serving a wide range of cuisine for a variety of budgets. Most open all day long – and double up as cafes in the daytime. So here’s our good faith guide to restaurants in Salema…
Agua na Boca
Smart and sophisticated. Situated on the cobbled Rua dos Pescadores, this is an upmarket establishment with a reputation for being amongst the finest eateries in the Algarve. Owner Paulo takes great pride in serving a range of meat, fish, local and international dishes, with a wide selection of wines. A must-try for a special night out.
Boia Bar
A simple but well-run and popular beachfront restaurant with a friendly welcome at the bottom of Rua dos Pescadores. Serving a variety of fresh grilled fish and meats, along with a popular house special called ‘Caldeirada de Peixe’ and other simple local favourites. Worth a visit at lunchtime for stunning seaside views.
Atlantico
On the main square in Salema, this large restaurant has its tradition in an old wooden beach bar which is now long gone. They serve regional dishes of octopus and squid alongside pasta favourites and kebabs. Consider having lunch on the seafront terrace, the perfect spot to watch waves roll in.
Lourenco
An excellent family run seafood restaurant that’s hidden away from the village centre. A local’s secret, more Algarvian traditional than sophisticated, they offer excellent fish and seafood with genuinely friendly service. Lobster, crab and giant prawns can be ordered in advance. A must-visit during your Salema holiday.
Olhos N’Agua
Fanatically located on the seafront overlooking the Atlantic with stunning views and a relaxed ambiance. A clean and contemporary setting, serving fresh fish, seafood, meat, pasta and tapas. Less formal and more relaxed than its sister restaurant Agua na Boca.
Em Lume Brando
A small contemporary restaurant, in a modern purpose-built building. Top-notch food, perfect for a fancy night out or a romantic special occasion.
Casa Pizza
Located just off Salema square, the friendly Casa Pizza is the first restaurant on the left as you head up Rua dos Pescadores. Enjoy home-cooked food, panoramic views of Salema beach and genuine hospitality. As well as good pizzas, the menu is packed with a wide range of hearty dishes – all cooked in a wood oven. Eat in or takeaway.
My Sushi
A popular restaurant just off the beach in the village square. It’s well-liked for its fresh, well-presented Japanese menu of sushi and beyond. The relaxed, informal atmosphere, ‘all-you-can-eat’ and takeaway options make it a favourite stop for those looking for a casual meal.
Spice Cottage
A good Indian restaurant in the heart of Salema that is popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Expect generous portions, fresh food and friendly, attentive service.
Snack Bars in Salema
Beach Flavors
A popular, modern village centre café-bar, known for its casual breakfasts, brunches, light lunches and refreshing drinks right by the beach. Expect a friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere in the sun.
Pastelaria Solma
Check out this long-established, relaxed café in Salema village centre, popular for coffee, fresh pastries, and light meals. With outdoor seating in the square, it’s a convenient spot to pause and enjoy classic Portuguese pastelaria while taking in local village life.
Concha
Expect a warm welcome from husband and wife team Sergio and Magdalena. Located in Salema’s main square, this place is ideal for a drink, or light meal. Sit outside and watch village life go by.
A Palemeira
Away from the village centre, this traditionally Portuguse snack bar and coffee shop offers great value drinks, light meals and refreshments in a casual setting.
Solecci Cafe
A relaxed brunch and to-go spot steps from the beach, taking over the location where the famous Mira Mar restaurant used to sit by the sea. It’s known for fresh, healthy options like açaí bowls, vibrant poke bowls and light snacks, perfect for breakfast, brunch or a casual bite before heading onto the sand.
Restaurants close to Salema, Algarve
O Sapinho (affectionately known as the frog restaurant!) in Figueira is a tiny, family-run restaurant known for authentic Portuguese cuisine. Plus it’s a fantastic sun trap for a drink at the golden hour.
O Sabor da Alegria in Figueira is a laid‑back Italian‑style spot loved for its thin‑crust pizzas, fresh pasta, salads and homemade ice cream, all made with quality ingredients that locals and visitors rave about.
O Tiago in Budens is a highly rated, modern, family-run restaurant known for its delicious Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes, friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favourite choice for visitors seeking quality local cuisine in a charming village setting.
Pizzeria D’Aldeia in Budens is a popular pizza spot on the N125 known for its authentic Italian-style pizzas with thin, crispy dough and fresh toppings, as well as a variety of pasta dishes, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans too.
Mira Rio in Budens is a traditional Portuguese restaurant close to Intermarche on the N125 known for its informal, local-favourite vibe, generous portions and good value classic dishes. Please note: the restaurant is often only open at lunchtime.
GoodFellas restaurant in Budens is an excellent Italian-style spot, known for its pizza and pasta dishes, with a friendly welcome.
Restaurants further afield
The Algarve is particularly renowned for fresh fish, seafood and grilled meats. The choice of restaurants in Salema is indeed fantastic, so there’s not necessarily any need to venture away from the village to eat during your holiday. But saying that, it’s worth remembering that there are many excellent restaurants in the wider vicinity – from Lagos to Sagres and indeed inland – that are well worth a visit. For ideas and inspiration please don’t hesitate to speak to our Resort Manager. Our suggested nearby places to eat include Burgau, Praia da Luz, Budens, Raposeira, Sagres and of course, Lagos.
