Location: Monchique
Top Restaurants in Monchique
Where to Eat in Monchique: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Monchique (Portuguese pronunciation: [mõˈʃik(ɨ)]) is a municipality of southern Portugal, in Faro District (province of Algarve). The population in 2011 was 6,045, in an area of 395.30 km.
Things to do in Monchique
1. Tasca do Petrol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Reviewed By Gail W - Harrogate, United Kingdom
We called in for lunch without a booking and the staff were very welcoming. We arrived mid afternoon so there was just 4 dishes to choose from. We chose the chicken dish which really was delicious and the only negative would be that the chicken pieces used were from the bony parts, so not a lot of meat. That said, it was a casserole of chicken with peppers, onions, garlic and herbs etc and we really did enjoy it. It was also a really good price. Another restaurant we will return to if we visit the region again.
2. A Rampa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By carohands1 - Hopton Wafers
I endorse the last review 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. This restaurant doesn't look much from the outside but the simple interior was nice, clean and warm ( the evenings are turning a bit chilly) and we had a wonderful meal of halibut chicken piri piri, freshly made chips and salad -huge amounts, fresh and beautifully cooked. Some of us also had some delicious soup as a starter. We asked for a local wine recommendation and had some extremely good white at 13 euros a bottle. I can't remember the name so must go back and find out. It's true as the last reviewer says that,of all the restaurants in this road, it was the one with lots of cars outside it. We will return.
3. Restaurante O Luar da Foia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By jasonbgregory66
We've been going here for 20 years, owning a house a couple of miles away. During that time the place has constantly re-invented itself, improved, expanded and developed its menu, perfecting its wide selection of traditional Portuguese dishes and steaks, which are my personal favourites. Vegetarians will have to sift through the menu a little but they WILL find something. For example, the tangerine, garlic and giant watercress salads are delicious.
4. Restaurant Cafe Rouxinol
Overall Ratings
4 based on 144 reviews
Rouxinol is the perfect place for a lovley lunch, afternoon coffe with dessert or a romantic dinner. The view from the Terrace is breathtaking, the air is fresh, just like the ingridiens of all the homemade dishes, which have influence from around the world. Also featured is a wide selection of vegetarian dishes and homemade desserts. Rouxinol is an old huntingludge. The interior at Rouxinol exuding a warm, familiar and friendly atmosphere. On cold days you can enjoy your meal in front of the Algarve's lagest open fireplace,whilst in summer, certainly the best place is outside enjoying the beautiful environment.
Reviewed By Kevin M - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This is one of my favourite restaurants anywhere. It is on the outskirts of Caldas de Monchique which is very pretty anyway. The setting is stunning, with views from the front Terrace onto vineyards and greenery as far as the eye can see. The menu is varied and the quality of food very good. It is expensive, but it's worth it in my view. The owner Stefan is a good guy and a character with a very interesting back story. It is great for lunch or dinner, but early evening is best when the heat of the day has died down and you can pleasantly sit outside and enjoy the stunning location and very pleasant atmosphere. Please don't be put off by negative reviews. This place is well worth a visit.
5. Foz do Banho
Overall Ratings
4 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By John E - Tavira, Portugal
We are staying at the Macdonalds Resort close to this 'restaurant'. We planned to have an evening meal and booked a table at lunchtime for 6pm. When we arrived we were told that the restaurant didn't open until 6.30 pm, no problem...we'll have a drink to start. I ordered a beer and my wife a prosecco. A beer and Triple Sec arrived. We changed the latter for an undrinkable house red wine as there was no sparkling wine.
We seated ourselves as three requests for the menu and wine list had been ignored. We sat there for half an hour before settling the bill to date, walked back to our hotel where we had a good meal with excellent service. For do Banho is a joke!
6. 1692
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By John N - York, United Kingdom
Quite a decent restaurant without being in the fine dining category, more everyday eating rather than for a celebration. The one dish that they do well is half an octopus, yes you get the four legs and half a body on your plate, just make sure that your fellow diners are not of a sensitive nature
7. A Charrette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By Jenny F - Toulouse, France
Feels like a smart 'auberge' with snowy white tables, flowers and sparkling glassware along with an incredible collection of clocks, crockery and kitchenalia on the walls. Once past all the frou frou the menu has local specials plus a good range of tasty dishes of quality meat and fish, inluding stews of rabbit, wild boar as well as grilled pork, chicken etc.. Substantal helpings at reasonable restaurant prices and friendly service. Very glad to find it on a monday lunchtime in Monchique.
8. Ochala
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By jamilla A - Hampshire, United Kingdom
Leave your car near the square or fire station and climb up the cobbled streets, the sign for this charming cafe also says Casa de Cha. I had difficulty deciding which door was the way in - it's the one in the middle directly under the small sign. Once in there is a blackboard with the menu , we ( two people) had quiche and vegetarian chilli, lovely fresh juices, cheesecake and coffees for 20 euros . Local artists paintings on the walls. Loos fine.
9. Restaurante O Parque
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By AmazonLodge - Tunapuna, Trinidad
Considering the overall rating this establishment has received here, it is not inconceivable that we enjoyed lunch here on an "off day". However, my husband and I, along with two friends, out for a day trip, stopped by for lunch and left less than impressed.
Foodwise, the preparation time was so long that we expected something spectacular. However, the mackerel was bitter and had more bones than flesh. Not the soft type you can chew if need be, the small ones that threaten to stick in your throat regardless of how careful you eat. This shouldn't even make it onto any menu. The pork was on the tough side, though the "parque" mushroom sauce was quite delicious. The shrimp omelet was good.
As for service, at best our waiter could have been described as "distracted". It doesn't inspire confidence when a waiter walks off midway through asking him questions about the menu. When he then proceeds to get an order wrong to boot, with barely concealed annoyance despite it being his own mistake, one does not feel that customer service is as it should be.
With tourist season taking off, one would expect regular checks on facilities, yet we found the ladies' restroom without toilet paper. Cleanliness was up to mark though.
All in all, not the kind of eatery I'd return to, simply because nothing rose above mediocrity. Then again, for a budget meal right on the main road, and a spot of people watching, this is a good place for a bite (though not a quick one!) if you are less concerned with the quality of food, and more focused on price.
10. O Recanto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Chris B - Lagos
On the right hand side of the road driving from Portimao to Monchique, this was our first visit this year.
Not very attractive to look at, but the food an friendly service put that appearance into total insignificance. The couvert consisted of Chorizo of both white and black pork origins. In addition there was a generous plate of cured ham served with olives and fresh bread, along with pickled carrots in garlic and olive oil. Main course was chicken piri-piri served with salad and chips. 4 people €58.
