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From $90 - Spanish Isles & Transatlantic Miles Cruise!

5/25/2025

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Deals:

Sail on Virgin Voyage's Scarlet Lady for 14 nights across the Atlantic with stops in Morocco, Grand Canaria and Tenerife, Spain from just $90 per person per night!

Follow: @virgincruisedeals

Spanish Isles & Transatlantic Miles Itinerary:

October 2026
14 night transatlantic cruise on Scarlet Lady
Ports: Barcelona • Casablanca • Grand Canary • Tenerife • Miami

Check Current Deal For This Itinerary

See Also: Virgin Voyages Drink Package - All Your Questions Answered!

Tap to learn more about this exciting itinerary!

Pricing:

Inside from 2494
Oceanview from 2774
Balcony from 3054
Rockstar Suite from 11,172
(Current Rates at time of publishing, pricing is dynamic. Click here for the most up-to-date offers)

Book This Voyage!

Questions?

Restaurante Recanto do Ze | Portuguese Restaurant Review Armacao de Pera

5/25/2025

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When you're ready to give traditional Portuguese cuisine a try, consider Recanto do Ze when in Armacao de Pera, Algarve, Portugal.

Recanto do Zé - Portuguese Restaurant in Armação de Pera

Recanto do Ze has some great lunch specials "prato do dia" during the weekdays, but don't be afraid to stop in at dinner time for kind staff and delicious Portuguese food.

Prato do Dia

A typical prato do dia at Recanto do Zé includes a meat or fish main, a drink (including wine or beer), couvert (typically bread, olives etc), dessert, and a coffee for around 15 euro - clearly representing a great value for a quality meal!

Location:

Recanto do Zé Restaurant Address: Rua Dom Joao II lote 7, Armacao de Pera 8365-130 Portugal

Iberian Pork Secretos

I was floored when my plate came. The helping of pork was generous, well seasoned, and as tender as you'd expect a well-rendered fatty cut of pork to be.

In the word's of Levi "That's tenda!"

Iberian Black Pork | Algarve Food Blog

What are pork secretos? What cut is it?

Pork secretos are like a "secret" because they are a hidden boneless cut from behind the shoulder.

This cut of is exclusive to Iberico pigs and it has incredible flavor because of the deep marbling combined with the lifestyle of the pigs - roaming around free range and filling up on tasty acorns.

Ahh.. now that's the life!

Porco Preto | Armacao de Pera Restaurant Guide

Along side the pork were the expected portuguese accompaniments - a simple salad with lettuce, onion, and tomatoes and a pile of french fries. :)

Francesinha

The Francesinha sandwich originated in Porto and it is a serious undertaking, as you can surely tell.

Francesinha | Recanto do Ze Pics

What is in a Francesinha?
Between layers of bread you will find almost every rich meat you can think of on a francesinha - ham, steak, sausage.

The Portuguese sandwich with every meat, topped with melted cheese, egg, and sauce - Francesinha

What is on top of a Francesinha?
Plenty of melted cheese and a fried egg adorn this sandwich, as well as a healthy ladle of piping hot beer-tomato sauce to keep everything sloppy enough to require silverware.

Batatas Fritas, aka French Fries | Portugal Food Blog

As if the hearty sandwich isn't enough, a side of fries is ready for you to mop up any leftover sauce - the Portuguese version of Italy's "fare la scarpetta" :)

Recanto do Zé Review

I really enjoyed my meal (that delicious black pork - porco preto) at Recanto do Ze. I hope to return for a prato do dia with friends some time.

The only bummer was that they did not accept credit cards despite their google listing indicating that they accepted them at the time we visited.

As a result, we had to do the awkward scramble to scrape together enough cash. So our pro tip would be to make sure you have cash on you ;)

Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Pub Fish and Chips Review - Armacao De Pera Restaurants

5/21/2025

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Looking for a British Pub in Armacao de Pera? Fish and chips await you at The Waterdog Pub!

The Waterdog Pub - British Pub in Armacao de Pera

Located on Avenida Beira Mar at the western end of Armacao de Pera lies The Waterdog, a British pub serving up all your favorites from Fish and Chips to Sunday Roast to a Full English Breakfast.

Location:

The Waterdog Bar Address: Av. Beira Mar 1, 8365-101 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

--> Later in this Post: The Waterdog Pub Menu <--

Friday Fish and Chips

On Fridays at The Water Dog, a classic Fish and Chips meal is available - Friday's only guys, plan accordingly!

Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas | Waterdog Pub Review Pics

The fish is fresh and delicate, the batter crispy, and the peas mushy.. just how you like them...

Unless you don't, in which case non mushy, sweet peas could be an option, as shown below. :)

Sweet Peas, Fried Fish, French Fries | British Pub Food in Armacao de Pera

Wash it down with a refreshing Magner's Irish Cider, a Guiness, or a local Portuguese beer if you'd like!

Magners Irish Cider at The Waterdog | Algarve Portugal Food Blog

The Waterdog Review

The Waterdog is an institution in Armacao de Pera which is always busy and beloved by tourists and residents alike.

Enjoy the sunshine, saltwater air, and sip a cold one with friends as you take advantage of ample outdoor seating.

Or perhaps you prefer sitting at the back of the pub, on the cushioned bench, enjoying the buzzing atmosphere and live music.

The point is, you really can't go wrong here!

The Waterdog Menu with Prices

We've been to The Waterdog Pub twice, both times equally enjoying Friday's Fish and Chips special, but we'll have to make our way back to try Sunday Roast, Chilli con Carne, and a Steak Guiness pie.

Classic homemade English food in Portugal's sunny Algarve!

The Waterdog Menu | Armacao de Pera, Portugal

And maybe we oughta try the Bailey's Cheesecake for good measure ;)

The Water Dog Pub Menu | Armação de Pêra Portugal

Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

N'ice Cream Review - Armacao de Pera Algarve

5/19/2025

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Is anything sweeter than an ice cream cone after a day at the beach in Portugal?

Ice Cream With a View | Armacao de Pera Food Blog

After a leisurely stroll through Armacao de Pera with our parents, an ice cream cone seemed the perfect choice to end the outing on a sweet note.

We stopped in at N'ice Cream in Armacao de Pera. N'ice cream has several locations across central algarve including Albufeira, Portimao, and Armacao de Pera .

N'ice Cream Flavors

Wondering what ice cream flavors are popular in Portugal?

You'll find a combination of classic standbys like Chocolate, Coffee Ice Cream, and even Oreo Ice Cream.

Ice Cream Flavors at Armacao De Pera Beach

N'ice cream has a lot of candy bar flavored ice creams too like Bounty, Snickers, After Eight and M&Ms.

Gelados Saborosos Praia de Armacao de Pera

In Portugal, you will almost always find Nutella flavored treats as well.

Uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream Flavors

One fun thing about N'ice Cream in Algarve is they tend to have some uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream flavors.

Figo c/ Amêndoa Gelado (Fig and Almond)

For example, the Algarve is an agricultural region known for delicious juicy figs and bountiful crops of almonds. So a fig and almond ice cream is spot on!

Gelado com sabor Figo com amêndoa

Dom Rodrigo Ice Cream (Egg Yarn and Almond)

Dom Rodrigo is a traditional dessert from the Algarvian town of Lagos. It's made with "egg yarn"which sounds so weird, but it's egg yolks and sugar so think sweet and rich with the texture of thin coconut shreds.

Gelado com sabor Dom Rodrigo

In addition to these ice cream flavors you can find Pastel de Nata (famous custard tart of Portugal), and Perna de Pau. (Meaning wooden leg in Portuguese).

Perna de Pau is an ice cream on a stick you can buy in grocery stores across Portugal featuring a pirate on the package with, you guessed it, a wooden leg. It's vanilla ice cream with stripes of strawberry 'jelly' and the outside is dipped in chocolate.

--> Recommended: Tap here To Make Pastel de Nata at Home! <--

N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera

Where We Went:
N'Ice Cream in Armação de Pêra is located at R. Sra. dos Navegantes 13, 8365-184 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

There is an outdoor counter to walk up to and order your ice cream. Around the side there is outdoor seating. There is also a spacious indoor seating area. Bathrooms are available, but located down a number of stairs.

Armacao de Pera Beach Ice Cream

It really is hard to beat ice cream with this view, isn't it?

N'ice Cream Cone | Gelado com visto lindo | Praia de Armação de Pêra

We opted for the very Portuguese (and very sweet!) Dom Rodrigo and Fig & Almond flavors in a waffle cone.

Which flavors will you try?

Explore: The Best Ice Cream Flavors Delivered To Your Door

Best Restaurants and cafes in Armacao de Pera:

Algarve Restaurant Reviews:

The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos
N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera Ice Cream Review with Photos - You are here!
Recanto do Zé Portuguese Restaurant Review with Photos
Sam's Bar + Kitchen Beachfront Restaurant Review with Photos
Sapori da Giovanni Pizza Review with Photos
Restaurante da Pino Pizza Review with Photos
Alma Lusa Brunch in Armacao de Pera Review with Photos
Restaurante Chines Long Xing Chinese Food in Armacao Review with Photos
Shahi Darbar Indian Cruisine Armacao Indian Restaurant Review with Photos
Algarve Happy Hour

Do You Make Delicious Food? ❤︎ Want to collaborate?

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Sam's Bar & Kitchen Armacao de Pera Restaurant Review

5/18/2025

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Sams Bar & Kitchen Review - ArmaÇÃo de PÊra Restaurants

If you find yourself in Armacao de Pera and with an appetite, consider stopping in to Sam's Bar & Kitchen.

I know, I know, any restaurant right on the boardwalk with ocean views is likely to be more about location than food right?

That's what I thought too, but tell me what you think after you see the pictures ;)

Later in this post: Sam's Bar + Kitchen Menus with prices in English and Portuguese! :)

Apple Walnut Salad w/ Balsamic - €9.90

A perfect blend of sweet and savory with fresh apple slices, crunchy walnuts, crumbled feta, and mixed greens all drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette.

Apple Pecan Feta Salad | Food & Travel Blog

If you're super observant you may notice that there were pecans instead of walnuts. But honestly, that was a score in my book!

Apple Feta Salad | Portugal Food Blog

This apple pecan salad with feta was fresh and delicious and I swear there was an intriguing touch of cumin!

When you want a light lunch or snack with a view of the beach in Armação de Pêra, this salad may be for you.

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables and Tofu - €10.90

A delightful blend of fresh vegetables, tender tofu, and rich coconut milk all brought together with a fragrant Thai red curry paste.

Thai Red Curry with Tofu | Sams Bar and Kitchen Armacao de Pera

I have to admit, I was really impressed with this Thai red curry. The flavors really packed a punch and I enjoyed it far more than I expected!

Side Salad + Thai Red Curry and Rice at Sam's Bar and Kitchen Armação

To my delight, the Tofu Thai Red Curry came with white rice and a fresh salad on the side!

Mango Passonfruit Milkshake

The mango passionfruit milkshake was adorned with a pirouline/pirouette cookie (you know those little wafer cookies that look like tubes) and an environmentally friendly paper straw.

Mango Passionfruit Milkshake | Algarve Food Blog

Sam's Bar and Kitchen Review

Sam's Bar and Kitchen has more to offer than a great view of the beach at Armacao de Pera in the Algarve. The food we had was actually really tasty - very flavorful, very fresh, and felt health-conscious yet fun!

As you can see, they pride themselves on presentation and nothing is better than eating something delicious that also looks like a work of art!

Sam's Bar and Kitchen also offers happy hour cocktail specials and live music at times.

By the way, if you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in the Algarve, Sam's Bar and Kitchen is a restaurant in Armação de Pêra which will suit your preferences!

Location

Av. Beira Mar 14, 8365-101 Armação de Pêra, Portugal

Where to eat in ArmaÇÃo de PÊra

More Armacao de Pera restaurants - reviews with photos!

The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos
N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera Ice Cream Review with Photos
Recanto do Zé Portuguese Restaurant Review with Photos
Sam's Bar + Kitchen Beachfront Restaurant Review with Photos - You are here!
Sapori da Giovanni Pizza Review with Photos
Restaurante da Pino Pizza Review with Photos
Alma Lusa Brunch in Armacao de Pera Review with Photos
Restaurante Chines Long Xing Chinese Food in Armacao Review with Photos
Shahi Darbar Indian Cruisine Armacao Indian Restaurant Review with Photos
Algarve Happy Hour

Sams Bar and Kitchen Menu

Wanna get a glimpse of the menu over at Sam's Bar and Kitchen to plan your visit?

Here is the menu for Sam's Bar and Kitchen in English and Portuguese:

Breakfast Menu

Snacks and Starters Menu

Salad Menu

Main Course Menu

Dessert Menu

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Celebrity Cruise Deals

5/12/2025

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Celebrity Cruises exciting deals of the week: May 13 - 19, 2025
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Celebrity Cruise Reviews:

ABOUT CELEBRITY DREAM MAKERS:

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Traveling through food

From $90 - Spanish Isles & Transatlantic Miles Cruise!

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Deals:

Spanish Isles & Transatlantic Miles Itinerary:

Pricing:

More from the virgin voyages blog:

Restaurante Recanto do Ze | Portuguese Restaurant Review Armacao de Pera

Recanto do Zé - Portuguese Restaurant in Armação de Pera

Prato do Dia

Location:

See Also: Best Algarve Tours and Excursions

Iberian Pork Secretos

Francesinha

Recanto do Zé Review

See Also: Top Things To Do In Algarve

​​Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Pub Fish and Chips Review - Armacao De Pera Restaurants

The Waterdog Pub - British Pub in Armacao de Pera

Location:

--> Later in this Post: The Waterdog Pub Menu <--

Friday Fish and Chips

​The Waterdog Review

The Waterdog Menu with Prices

​Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

N'ice Cream Review - Armacao de Pera Algarve

N'ice Cream Flavors

Uniquely Portuguese Ice Cream Flavors

Figo c/ Amêndoa Gelado (Fig and Almond)

Dom Rodrigo Ice Cream (Egg Yarn and Almond)

--> Recommended: Tap here To Make Pastel de Nata at Home! <--

N'ice Cream Armacao de Pera

Armacao de Pera Beach Ice Cream

Explore: The Best Ice Cream Flavors Delivered To Your Door

Best Restaurants and cafes in Armacao de Pera:

Sam's Bar & Kitchen Armacao de Pera Restaurant Review

Sams Bar & Kitchen Review - ArmaÇÃo de PÊra Restaurants

Later in this post: Sam's Bar + Kitchen Menus with prices in English and Portuguese! :)

Apple Walnut Salad w/ Balsamic - €9.90

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables and Tofu - €10.90

Mango Passonfruit Milkshake

Sam's Bar and Kitchen Review

Location

Where to eat in ArmaÇÃo de PÊra

Sams Bar and Kitchen Menu

Breakfast Menu

Snacks and Starters Menu

Salad Menu

Main Course Menu

Dessert Menu

Celebrity Cruise Deals

Celebrity Cruises exciting deals of the week: May 13 - 19, 2025Discounts on Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Asia Sailings

Why Book Now?

Top Cruise Deals You Don’t Want to Miss

Caribbean Cruises from Fort Lauderdale

Asia Cruises: Explore Japan & South Korea

European Getaways: Mediterranean & Fjords

Alaska Adventures

What’s Included in the “All Included” Rate?

How to Book These Celebrity Cruise Deals

Celebrity Cruise Reviews:

ABOUT CELEBRITY DREAM MAKERS:

Oh, Hey!

​Check out this recent cruise post:

​Check out this recent Restaurant Review:

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Best Restaurants in Algarve (armacao de pera):

The Waterdog Review

Where to eat in Algarve (armacao de pera):

Celebrity Cruises exciting deals of the week: May 13 - 19, 2025
Discounts on Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Asia Sailings

Check out this recent cruise post:

Check out this recent Restaurant Review:

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