Restaurant Review: Safari Restaurante

Tucked away modestly amidst the hustle and bustle of Portimão's strip, lies a hidden gem - Safari Restaurante.

This charming restaurant is a family-run business, owned by Francisco and Margarida Coutinho, with Beto as the talented head chef. Upon entering, the bohemian decor welcomes you like a warm embrace, offering a delightful contrast to the noisy touristy spots and unhealthy food joints.

The ambiance is enriched by the soothing sounds of La Esquina, performed by Federico Aubele, a gifted musician from Argentina, complemented by a breathtaking view of the ocean.

At first glance, Safari Bistro might be easy to miss due to its narrow frontage, but as you venture inside, you'll discover a surprisingly deep interior with various cozy rooms. The true highlight, however, is the intimate terrace at the back, boasting 10 tables that offer a direct view of the beach and the sparkling ocean beyond.

What a wonderful place! It exudes authenticity, warmth, and coziness. The owner, Francisco, is genuinely involved, always up for a chat, and shows a keen interest in his guests. But of course, the most important aspect of any restaurant is the food, and Safari Restaurante excels in this regard. The dishes are honest, flavorful, and served in just the right portions.

Their menu is an impressive mix of options, well-balanced with starters, salads, 6 fish dishes, 6 meat dishes, and an impressive selection of 6 vegan dishes. It's refreshing to see that Francisco, despite not being entirely vegan himself, recognizes the importance of catering to all dietary preferences and ensures that vegans have ample choices, unlike many other restaurants that offer only one monotonous vegan option.

To kickstart our dining experience, we opted for three delightful starters:

1. Vegetable soup (€4)

It was a heavenly way to begin our lunch.

Moving on to the main courses, we savored the following three delectable dishes:

1. Seitan steak with pepper sauce (€16)

Each dish left us satisfied and impressed with the flavors and creativity in their vegan offerings.

One minor inconvenience is that they only accept cash for payments. Nevertheless, given the reasonable prices, it's hardly a deterrent. For a delightful 2-course lunch, including water and wine for three people, we spent just under €80.

Safari Restaurante truly stands out as a unique dining spot in the Algarve, and it's undoubtedly worth a visit. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking for a tranquil escape from the typical tourist fare, Safari Restaurante promises an unforgettable experience.

Look for more information and the menu:

https://www.hotspotsalgarve.com/restaurants/safari-bistro/

Rating: 8.5 Price: $$ Vegan friendly: 5/5

Food 8.6 - Service 8.0 - Price/quality 8.5 - Atmosphere 9.0

Meet Peter Cruiming, an Algarve-based food blogger. Residing in Almancil with wife Marlot Anna, a professional photographer, and their 7-year-old son, Elyas. Explore daily Algarve dining stories at www.HotspotsAlgarve.com, focused on Peter's passion for healthy and vegetarian food.  Photo by www.MarlotAnna.com. 

Peter Cruiming