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Food & Travel Blog

Shifu Ramen Expo Review: Good Ramen or Just a Fun Manga Spot?

1/15/2026

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Shifu ramen Expo Review


Shifu Ramen is a ramen restaurant with a handful of locations primarily in Portugal and Spain. It's known for its manga (Japanese comic book) style decor. 
​
Also on this trip: Eurostars Universal Lisboa Hotel Review
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Shifu Ramen Expo Interior Neon Signs
The google ratings were good, but we had to honestly wonder:

​Is this actually a good ramen spot or just a fun novelty place to visit?
​

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Inside Shifu Ramen Expo - Step Into Tokyo Japan

If you've been to Japan, this spot will temporarily cure your saudades. The overall vibe will transport you back to Tokyo to relive your travel memories.

​But how is the food? What is on offer here?

Japanese Beer


We tried Super Dry Asahi and Kirin Ichiban beers at Shifu Ramen Expo. 
​
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Asahi + Kirin Ichiban Japanese Beers at Shifu Ramen Expo Lisbon
Try Zero Alcohol Asahi


Fried ​Gyoza Appetizer


Over here we love a dumpling from any nation and it's now become part of our staple order to try the Gyozas. when we are at a new restaurant! 
​
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Fried Gyoza Top View Shifu Ramen Expo

Really enjoyed the Gyoza at Shifu Ramen. The texture of the outside was so good, fried enough to get crispy, but n​ot so fried that you lose all the chew. 
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Just look at the texture of these Gyoza!

The Japanese dumplings were pork filled and seemed to be drizzled with a sweet chili sauce. 
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Fried Gyoza Cross Section at Shifu Ramen Expo Lisbon
Order Gyoza: Amazon

Read: How would you rate this 5 star hotel we stayed at in lisbon?



Infierno Spicy Ramen 

The infierno (inferno) spicy ramen was a classic tonkotsu pork broth with all the fixings, including some of the most tender chasu pork (braised pork belly) I've had in a ramen for a while.

​It was so easy to break apart with your chop sticks!
​ 
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Infierno Spicy Chasu Tonkotsu Ramen Pic | Shifu Expo


​Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen


The spicy fried chicken ramen was something different for us to try. I thought the coating on the chicken was great and was hugely impressed with how good it tasted even by the bottom of the bowl, when the chicken had been swimming in broth for the duration of the meal!

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Spicy Fried Chicken Ramen Pic | Shifu Expo


​A note on spicy levels at shifu ramen

Spice levels at restaurants are notoriously tricky to navigate on your first visit. Every restaurant's spice scale is different and the way they make a dish spicy varies. Some just add extra scoops of straight up chili flakes at the end while others weave spicy levels into the actual cooking of the dish. 

We like spicy, but I had read that they take spice seriously here, so on a scale of 1-5 I opted for level 3. The waitress really tried to talk me down from that to a 1, I mean she nearly begged me, no exaggeration.

She said she would bring more spice if needed. I asked about a level 2? In the end I am not sure if I got 1 or 2 but honestly she knew what she was talking about. It was a perfect amount of spice to let you appreciate the flavors of the ramen while enjoying some heat. 

I probably would not have enjoyed it as much at a level 3. 

Mango Mochi Dessert

Stuffed full of liquids (Ramen and Japanese Beer), plus the gyoza, I didn't think I had any space left for dessert, but we did decide to split a single Mochi ice cream... for you, the esteemed reader. 

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Mango Mochi at Shifu Ramen Expo
Mochi always seem to be around 5 or 6 euros at a restaurant, for a single mochi, which always feels like a lot, but they are good. ;) 

We opted for the mango mochi. They are bigger than the mochi we picked up from aldi recently, and it was really just the right size. The ice cream was a nice way to cool off after a hot ramen (temp and spicy), and the chew of the rice dough surrounding the ice cream is just.. such a pleasant experience. :)
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Mango Mochi Cross Section | Shifu Ramen Lisbon Portugal

​Fully amused by the addition of the spray can whipped cream and wafer garnish. Random, but I'm not mad. Makes the plate feel less sparse than just a single mochi alone sliding around. :) 
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Try Mochi Ice Cream At Home!


​Overall Thoughts on Shifu Ramen


If I am honest, I walked in with low-ish expectations. I mean, I thought this would be more of a gimmicky spot than a decent ramen. A place that's fun to visit once and take pictures with your friends or whatever.  But I walked out thinking "Wow, that was respectable!" 

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Shifu Ramen Expo Location in Winter Time
It was a solid ramen experience on a damp, cold day in Lisbon. The staff were kind and helpful. It's a fun, unique environment to dine in and I'd say it's more than just a novelty spot!

They have great reviews on google, and I do believe they lightly incentivize leaving a google review, but this is a trend I see a lot in Portugal. There are many opinions about this practice, but at the end of the day these restaurants are out here trying to survive in a sea of competitors so I get it. 

If you get a ramen at Shifu Expo, I'd love to hear how you enjoyed the experience. 

Pin for Later

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Pin to your Lisbon Travel + Restaurants Pinterest Board!

We hope you enjoyed this honest review of Shifu Ramen in Expo, Lisbon, Portugal. 
​

You'll Also Like.... 

More Ramen Reviews!

More Lisbon Restaurant Reviews!

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Eurostars Universal Lisboa Review: Is This 5-Star Lisbon Hotel Worth the Price?

1/15/2026

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Eurostars Universal Lisboa Review

It's not every day that the likes of us walk into a 5 star hotel, but we recently had just such an opportunity when booking a Eurostars hotel in Lisbon. 

Also on this trip: Shifu Ramen Expo Review
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Eurostars Universal Lisboa Hotel Review

King Bedroom with sitting area


​Eurostars Universal Lisboa has rooms through the 15th floor, with the 16th floor giving access to a small infinity style pool. 
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Our King Bedroom at Eurostars Universal Hotel in Lisbon

We received a room on a high floor. While the elevator ride was a bit long, you can definitely have some nice views from your room!

Complimentary welcome water


A nice touch was the glass bottle of "água de boas vindas" aka welcome water.
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Healsi Portuguese Artesian Water - Available on Amazon!

Water in Lisbon is generally fine to drink from the tap, but who wouldn't rather pour from a fancy glass bottle that probably came from that same tap?  Just kidding! 

Healsi is actually a premium Portuguese artesian water that is naturally pH balanced and particularly high in silica. It was really nice and you can check it out on Amazon here. 

Shop Healsy on Amazon


Azulejos Headboard


Woven throughout the hotel's design were so many nods to Portuguese craftsmanship and culture, including the headboard featuring a design of the famous Portuguese painted tiles, azulejos. 

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Portuguese touches - azulejos headboard | Eurostars Universal
Shop Portuguese Azulejos inspired tile wallpaper and interior decor - designed by me! 


Bedside Toilet Paper Roll Lamps


​Beside the bed on either side were beautiful lamps that I soon realized reminded me of rolls of toilet paper and once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. :p 

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My favorite toilet paper roll bed-side light!

They actually were quite elegant and I really liked them. I liked them even more for the extra chuckle they gave me. How about you? Can you see it too? hehe

In Room Coffee Maker


A welcome sight was an in-room coffee maker, operating on pods.

Not everyone is prepared to see other humans or be seen by other humans before a solid cup of coffee in the morning.

​And sorry, instant coffee does NOT count. 

Therefore, I find a coffee machine to be an essential in a hotel room. Period. 

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In-room coffee amenities at Eurostars Universal Lisboa

Bearing that in mind, it was great to see Candelas coffee capsules from Spain, as well as some tea bags and instant coffee (blech). 
​
There is a note indicating that additional capsules are available for 3 euros a piece at reception. I think this is sort of standard, especially for hotels positioned as 5 stars. But man.. 3 euros for a pod. That seems steep.
​
Further, our room was only equipped with 1 regular and 1 decaf pod. I think it would be appropriate and reasonable to have 1 regular and 1 decaf per occupant, per night included. Do you agree?

Mini Fridge at Eurostars Universal

The mini fridge was stocked with lots of classics:
  • sprite
  • fanta
  • coca-cola
  • chilled pringles
  • kit-kats
  • compal juice
  • superbock
  • pedras
  • Mateus rose
  • beer
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Eurostars Universal Mini Fridge Offerings


Bathroom | Eurostars Lisboa


​The bathroom was spacious with a large walk-in shower, frosted glass into the bedroom area, a rainfall shower head with great water pressure and luxuriously hot water, plenty of room at the sink top and amenities like a dental kit and comb.
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Handicap Accessible Bathroom at Eurostars Universal

Designers brought more Portuguese culture into the bathroom with a scene of calçadas, which you see on the sidewalks all around Lisbon and Portugal in general, making a unique backdrop for the toilet. 
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More Portuguese touches - Calçada toilet back splash - hopefully no splashes...
The only thing missing is the toilet paper roll lamp. ;) 
​

Robes and SLippers!

Look, we love a good robe and slippers with an inspirational message embroidered on them.. 
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Relax with fuzzy robes and fresh slippers at Eurostars Universal
Eurostars did not disappoint in this area! These come in especially handy as Eurostars Universal Lisboa has a Sauna on the 15th floor which is free for all guests to use! 

That's right folks. FREE SAUNA! 

Lisbon Views

The weather was overall not spectacular during our visit, but you can absolutely enjoy some great views of Lisbon from Eurostars Universal, particularly the upper floors. 

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View from an upper floor of Eurostars Universal Hotel in Lisbon
When you make your booking, feel free to request if you prefer an upper floor or lower floor. They will do their best to accommodate if it is possible

Breakfast Buffet at Eurostars Universal Lisboa


The breakfast buffet at Eurostars Universal Lisboa is beautifully arranged. A bounty of fresh cut fruit including strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, kiwi, and oranges were available, Followed by yogurt, seeds and nuts, cereals, and a range of pastries. 
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Paid breakfast buffet at Eurostars Universal Lisboa
Along the far side was an impressive display of meats and cheeses, fresh salad and toppings, an entire honeycomb, some hot foods like quiche, croquetas, and breakfast buffet classics like fried and scrambled eggs, and a breakfast meat. 
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Breakfast Plate 1 of __ ?


​Coffee Service at breakfast

There is also a dedicated made-to-order coffee/beverage station at the breakfast buffet where you can order a drink of your preference and they happily will bring your espresso, latte, etc over to your table. 

​You may also get a cup to go! 

This was a great and quality service that I loved to see!

Breakfast to Go Option

If you have paid for breakfast but have an early flight or conference and need to leave before you can enjoy the offerings, just visit reception. They can prepare a to-go box for you. 
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Eurostars Lisbon breakfast to-go box offering
Our boxes contained a juice, water, 2 bananas, a white bread sandwich with cheese and ham, and a box of 3 mini pastries. 
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We did not make any special requests, so we were curious to see what they would include in the box. It's not exactly what I would have selected myself, but it was very convenient to pick up as we headed out for the day!
​

Review of Eurostars Universal Lisbon

We enjoyed our stay at Eurostars Universal. I loved the hotel decor, I could have shown much more here, and the way it embraced elements of Portuguese culture. I found the service to be warm and welcoming and not pretentious. 

To go into a "5 star hotel" seems intimidating to me. What makes a hotel a 5-star hotel, I genuinely don't know, but regardless, this hotel felt very approachable. 

They are prepared to cater to English speaking guests, so you will have no trouble if you are on holiday and do not speak Portuguese. 

We did have an issue that required us to change rooms. The staff was prompt and helpful, offered a bottle of wine and additional resolution took place upon follow up after check out. 

Eurostars operates 24 hotels across Portugal, including 9 in Lisbon.
​I'd love to explore each of them and find a favorite! 

​

Pin for later:

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Eurostars Universal 5 Star Lisbon Hotel Review

More Lisbon Hotel Reviews

See Also: International Hotel Reviews
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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


See Also:  Best Algarve Tours and Excursions


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!"  

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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! 
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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. 

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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. 
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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.

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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 ;) 

See Also: Top Things To Do In Algarve



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

More From This Algarve Food Blog: 

  • 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 You are here!
  • 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 

    See All Armacao de Pera restaurant reviews
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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! 
​
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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!
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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. :) 

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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!
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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!
​
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The Waterdog Menu | Armacao de Pera, Portugal

And maybe we oughta try the Bailey's Cheesecake for good measure ;) 
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The Water Dog Pub Menu | Armação de Pêra Portugal


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

More From This Algarve Food Blog: 

  • The Waterdog Bar Review with Photos - You are here!
  • 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 
  • 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 

    See All Armacao de Pera restaurant reviews
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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? 

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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. 
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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. 

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Gelados Saborosos Praia de Armacao de Pera
In Portugal, you will almost always find Nutella flavored treats as well. 
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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. 
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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! 

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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. 
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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? 
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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. 
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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!
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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. 
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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! 
​
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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. 

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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 

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Snacks and Starters Menu

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Salad Menu

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Main Course Menu

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Dessert Menu 

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Bitoque - A very typical portuguese dish at Cantinho da villa

10/7/2024

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Cantinho da Villa is a very local Portuguese restaurant in Texugueiras - inland from Albufeira, between Ferreiras and Paderne. 

These local spots are just the best because they have classic Portuguese dishes, a lively buzz since everyone in the neighborhood stops by regularly, and you just feel part of the community when you're here. 
​

Portuguese Dish - Bitoque

This plate is a perfect rendition of a classic Portuguese dish - bitoque. You can have beef bitoque or pork bitoque and either way you're getting thin cuts of meat. When prepared properly they are very tender and flavorful. 
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Comida Portuguesa - A Bitoque Dish Classically Presented

​As you can see the dish also comes with rice and French fries.
Why do Portuguese people eat rice and French fries in the same dish? you may ask. Isn't that double carbs? you add.

​Well, yes it is. But why do they do it? I suppose because it's delicious! :) 

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Sweet roasted garlic and a perfectly fried egg top thin slices of tender meat - Bitoque at Cantinho da Villa

The addition of a small, simple salad is common here - green lettuce, sliced onion and tomato, and sometimes cucumbers. Oil (Portuguese olive oil, of course) and vinegar are on the table if you need a dressing. 

Please note the lovely pan sauce on this bitoque including whole roasted garlic cloves. This is the mark of a meal made with love. 
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French Fries, Rice, and a Salad are classic sides in Portuguese Home Cooking

And one of the most beautiful details of this dish is that perfectly fried egg (ovo estrelado) . It takes real skill to get the edges crispy and brown while maintaining a perfectly dippy yolk as shown here. That runny yolk will combine with the pan sauce and add richness to the plain rice. It's so good you'll use your french fries to mop up the leftovers. :) 
​

Where to eat in Algarve:

  • A Bifana at Boema da Villa
  • Sushi & Pizza at Maloca Tuttapanna
  • Sorbetto Gelateria Review Portimao

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Boemia da Vila - Ferreiras

10/7/2024

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Boema da Vila is located in the main roundabout of Ferreiras and is known for their hamburgers. But sometimes you just want a bifana, you know?

While the night-time lighting makes for a truly sub-par glow, we figured we would still share the two bifanas. ​
Remember, bifanas are sandwiches made of thinly sliced, marinated pork. We got one plain bifana (pork slices on a nice roll) and one with cheese and a side of batatas fritas (French fries). 

Very often in Portugal when you order French fries they will come with a side of garlicky mayonnaise (aioli) for you to dip the fries in. 
​

Where to eat in Algarve:

  • Gusto'zza Pizzeria Quarteira
  • 20age Ferreiras
  • Snack Bar Petunia Vilamoura

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Maloca da Tuttapanna

10/7/2024

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Maloca da Tuttapanna is located in Quarteira, specifically the prestigious Vilamoura area, and describes their cuisine as Amazonian, Sushi Fusion, and European. 
​
Filed Under: Pizza in Portugal • Algarve Foodies 

​The restaurant has a nice aesthetic (I mean what's not to love about this golden monkey?!) so one day after a late shift at os carrinhos (the carts/trolleys) we decided to snag an outside table and try their pizza and sushi.

Random combo, I know. 
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Marguerita pizza - €11.50

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil 


​Sushi Jó (3 pieces) - €5

Salmon, Rice, Sesame Seeds, Curry - despite looking so random, this sushi was delicious!
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Sushi Jó at Maloca da Tuttapanna | Vilamoura Restaurant Photo Review

More Algarve Restaurant Photo Reviews:

Photos from regular people so you can see what the food is actually like ;) 
  • An Anniversary Pizza Date at Gusto'zza Pizzeria in Quarteira
  • Bifanas and Bitoques at 20age in Ferreiras
  • Pão and pão cafe near Vilamoura Marina

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An Anniversary Pizza Date at Gusto'zza pizzeria - Quarteira

10/7/2024

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Gusto'zza Pizzeria is located right on the main beachfront of Quarteira in Portugal. It's a lovely stroll from Vilamoura and made for a special anniversary treat compliments of my abuelita. :) 
​
Filed Under: Pizza in Portugal • Algarve Foodies 


​Sangria Tinta (red wine sangria) - €8

Few things say summer celebration like a nice sangria - look at all that fresh fruit! 


​Margarita Pizza - €8.90

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Classic Margarita (spelled per menu) Pizza at Gusto'zza Pizzeria in Quarteira


​Prosciutto Pizza - €9.50

our search for the best pizza in portugal:

  • Eating at an internationally recognized, yet unpretentious pizzeria in Lisbon
  • A lovely Neapolitan style pizza steps from the beach​
  • Sweet and Savory Fig Pizza - What to eat after your Benagil Cave Tour


​​Gusto'zza Pizzeria Quarteira - Menu Photos

Go ahead and tap a photo to enlarge the menu. 

os melhores restaurantes em quarteira:

  • Revisão - O Piri Piri Vilamoura
  • Revisão - Rei do Churrasco Quarteira
  • Revisão - Comida Indiana em Vilamoura 

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