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.
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! :) 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. 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:
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The results are in.. 50 Top Pizza has released their list of best pizzas in the world and guess which pizzeria is representing Portugal on the list again?
who owns forno d'oro?Forno d'oro is owned by Tanka Sapkota, who was born in Nepal and brought his passion for Neapolitan pizza to Lisbon. He trained under the Gombero Rosso Master Course and his wood-fired pizzas have ranked him in the top pizzas in the world list multiple times. Above you can see just a few of the many prestigious awards Forno d'Oro (Golden Oven) has received for their delicious pizzas. They are receiving Fiori di Latte cheese fresh from Italy multiple times per week! Where did forno d'oro rank in the 2024 top pizza in the world list?
Forno d Oro is the ONLY pizzeria in Portugal to rank on the top pizza in the world list, so it's quite an accomplishment! For 2024 they ranked 73rd in the world and the 12th best pizzeria in Europe.
Parabéns! (congratulations in Portuguese) What we ordered.
Are you hungry yet? Let's try a few of the best pizzas in Lisbon together!
Diavola - €13.25Where to stay in Lisbon:4 Formaggi - €13.95
San Marzano tomatoes DOP, fior di latte, Gorgonzola, smoked Provola cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 24 mesi.
We were with some dear friends who were moving away and we all decided that in order to mark the occasion properly there was another pizza we just had to try and we could only do it if we worked together as a team lol.
Burrata, prosciutto e Rucola - €15.50
This pizza was so unbelievably delicious and a perfect example of how it takes just a few high quality ingredients to make a dish really shine!
Light and fresh yet highly engaging - we were surprised that this was our favorite pizza of the night! Good thing we ordered it at the last second, right?! ;)
It may even top the fig, prosciutto, and gorgonzola pizza. We'll probably have to visit another time to know for sure, though. ;) Gordon FInest Scotch Ale, Scotland - €8.95
And what's a visit to one of the top pizzerias in the world without trying a new brew?
Gordon Finest Scotch Ale Review Gordon Finest Scotch Ale - Strong and smooth dark beer flavored with malt whiskey. 8,0% - 33cl
"Born in Scotland, Crafted in Belgium"
For those interested in the ingredients and bottling details of Gordon Scotch Ale, see the photos below! Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco - €4.95
At the end of your meal at Forno d'Oro you always have the opportunity to enjoy the parting hospitality of limoncello or grappa. If you've never tried grappa (it's potent), maybe you should give it a try. After that you'll almost certainly always pick limoncello! haha :)
English Menu - forno d' oro pizzeria
Curious what the prices are like at a top pizza place in Lisbon? Here is a recent menu. You can find English descriptions beneath each menu item.
Couvert/Antipasti (appetizers) and Pizze (Pizza) MenuPizze (Pizza) MenuSeasonal Pizza MenuPasta & Dessert (Dolci) MenuSouthern Caribbean Cruise
Wine MenuCraft Beer MenuGin MenuForno d'Oro Review
We love Forno d'Oro! When you have such a great experience at a restaurant the first time that you want to bring your friends who are also pizza lovers you know it's the real deal.
Still, there is a smidge of apprehension that a second visit to a place won't be as good as the first, you know what I mean? As you can tell from our photo review, forno d'oro is living up to our expectations and we won't hesitate to come back and bring more friends the next time we are in Lisbon! Highly recommend you stop in for some amazing Neapolitan pizza in Lisbon! Best Places To eat in Lisbon:
Late breakfast in the main dining roomLike sleeping in? No problem! On a sea day you can enjoy a leisurely late breakfast in the main dining room if you'd like. Rather than the busy buffet, you can order off a menu and have the full traditional dining experience in main dining room. Fresh fruit.You can pretty much always order a fresh fruit plate at any meal, even if you don't see it on the menu. ;) The fruit varieties will vary based on what is available, but we started off colorfully here with a lovely mix of pineapple, cantaloupe, red grapes, strawberries and kiwi! Cinnamon Swirl Danish.Much like the bread basket served at dinner in the main dining room, at breakfast time there are offerings of a variety of danishes and breakfast pastries. Our personal favorite was this cinnamon swirl danish. It's almost a puff pastry cinnamon roll. Ask for it specifically if you don't see it! ;) Portugal Travel tip: There is a similar pastry in Portugal that we sometimes see in the bakery section of the grocery store called Continente. If you see it, give it a try! Symphony of the Seas ReviewS:
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At the Dog House you can order things like:
You can add toppings like sautéed mixed peppers, sautéed onions, and sauerkraut along with classic condiments - ketchup, mustard, and relish. Consider adding a side of Potato Salad or Cole slaw to round it out. Which ships have Dog House?
Find Dog House on the following ships:
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Arcade & Sugar beach sweet shop
As you stroll down the Boardwalk on deck 6 of Symphony, you'll find arcade games and Sugar Beach.
What is Sugar Beach?
Boardwalk Carousel
On the other hand, the carousel (aka merry-go-round) on Symphony of the Seas is totally free and fun for all ages! It's pretty cool there is a merry-go-round on a cruise ship. The horses are hand carved and as you enter the Boardwalk Neighborhood you will see a series of carousel horses in varying stages of completion leading up to the merry-go-round. Love seeing a bit of the creative process behind this classic amusement park ride. |
what is a boardwalk balcony?
The balconies you see in the picture above are the boardwalk balconies. A Boardwalk Balcony Stateroom Cabin Review is on the horizon, so stay tuned. ;)
Can you see the ocean from a boardwalk balcony?
Some Boardwalk Balcony rooms do have a view of the ocean from their balcony. Real Pictures of the views from cabins 10272 and 12329 are coming soon to help you pick the best boardwalk balcony room for your cruise!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Blogs:
Aqua Theater on symphony
The aqua theater is found at the aft of the ship (back) and is a unique feature of Royal Caribbean's Entertainment. Shows in the aqua theater are full of impressive feats including high dives and acrobatics.
Symphony of the Seas Tip: If you sit in the front rows of the aqua theater, beware as you will likely get splashed. :)
If you have stacks of cash, consider booking an AquaTheater Suite. In your spacious suite with wrap around balcony, you can enjoy rear ocean views and never fight for a seat at the aqua shows!
In this panoramic picture you can see the rear ocean views, the Aqua Theater & Suites, the large screens (which, by the way, sometimes play sporting events) as well as the two rock climbing walls and the Ultimate Abyss Slide.
The Ultimate AByss
The Ultimate Abyss is a giant dry slide (as in a normal slide, not a water slide) which drops 10 stories! It's faster than the elevators ;)
You get in a special mat to go down the slide which helps ensure a smooth sliding experience. It's really fun and I recommend doing it at least once for street-cred, if you know what I mean. :p
The Ultimate Abyss slide is free. The rock climbing walls are also a free activity on Symphony of the Seas!
Packing Tip: Pack lace up tennis shoes/trainers if you want to participate in the rock wall or zip line. Shoes must have laces in order to participate. If you have slide on sneakers you won't be permitted. It's for the safety of those below - no one wants to get hit by your shoe if it somehow slipped off.
secret loungers on symphony
If you climb the stairs near the rock climbing walls in the Boardwalk Neighborhood, you have a chance of finding a secluded little area with just a few chairs to relax in and watch the clouds roll by.
All this exploring of the Boardwalk on deck 6 worked up an appetite and we hadn't yet visited the pizzeria onboard so we popped down to deck 5 to remedy that!
Sorrento's Pizzeria
You will not need a dining package to eat at Sorrento's as it is not a specialty dining restaurant. Sorrento's Pizzeria is a free restaurant on Symphony of the Seas!
Sorrento's Pizzeria is casual, free cruise ship pizza. Is it the best pizza at sea? We can't say because we haven't tried them all.. yet ;) But is it a solid pizza? For sure. When you want a quick slice, Sorrento's is the spot. They are also the free food venue that is pretty much always open, so if you wake up at 2am and somehow you are hungry, you can count on Sorrento's.
Once the buffet (The Wind Jammer) is closed, Sorrento's is a reliable place to hydrate as they have a water station set up. Of course you can also ask for water at any bar as well.
Sorrento's pizza royal caribbean photo review
Sorrento's pizza offers a solid, thin crust pizza on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. The menu for Sorrento's changes daily but you can pretty much always get a classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, as well as a vegetarian option and gluten free pizzas on request!
If you so desire you can add a sprinkle of oregano and red pepper. You can dine in at Sorrento's and be part of the Royal Promenade atmosphere, or take your slices somewhere with a view, like we did. :)
Free zipline on symphony of the seas
Can you see yourself in this picture? On the right side, just about to land after finishing this zipline on a cruise ship!? You can do it and it's totally free! Just remember to pack your lace-up shoes.
I love this vantage point from the pool deck (deck 15) looking toward the back of the ship and down on part of the Boardwalk Neighborhood.
The Ultimate Abyss' purple slides end on the Boardwalk (deck 6) and right at the Johnny Rockets restaurant in case you want a milkshake. :)
Mini Golf on Symphony of the seas
Flow Rider & Ultimate Abyss
Would you climb in the mouth of this giant angler fish and slide down 10 stories?!
FlowRider Instructions and Warnings
The flow rider is a surf simulator that you can enjoy for free on Symphony of the Seas. Unlike some other Royal Caribbeans which have just one flowrider, Symphony actually has two. This is great because those who are ready to truly surf can enjoy dedicated time while others who are new or just want to bodyboard can have a blast on the other.
In addition to these boards, you do have to do a short training and sign a waiver to use the flow rider. You will be given a wristband which indicates you have completed these steps and if you are qualified for bodyboarding only or for flow-boarding (stand up like surfing)
Dinner in the main dining room
Crispy Buttermilk Calamari.
Also shown is another shot of the cheesy dinner roll, but mainly because this Echte Boter (butter) was so delicious! Since cruise ships are sailing all over the world and sourcing food in each port, you do get to try some unique varieties of ordinary things - butter included!
Seafood Linguine.
Roasted Beef Tenderloin.
Creme Brulee.
Capuccino Chocolate Cake.
Individual Mini Salad Cups
This brings us to the end of our Sea Day on Symphony. We actually have another sea day ahead before stopping in beautiful Aruba.
If you love a hoagie, give Laspada's Original Hoagies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida a try!
Located just a half mile (aka a pleasant 10-15 minute stroll) from our cruise port hotel, Laspada's made up for the disappointing pizza we had the night before. Their first hoagie shop opened in 1972 and has expanded to 5 locations in Southern Florida, Laspada's is worth your visit as far as we are concerned! |
Laspadas - A local hoagie shop in south florida
Loved by travelers and locals alike, this is a classic hoagie shop where you are welcome to dine in or take out. Located at 1495-D SE 17th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33431.
Laspada's Menu with prices
What's on an original hoagie at Laspadas? Tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, sweet peppers, hot peppers, oil and vinegar and seasonings on Italian or wheat bread, and provolone cheese. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?
Laspada's also sells a variety of chips which are an ideal crunchy, salty companion to your delicious hoagie!
what we ordered.
For the two of us, we ordered one large hoagie, a can of pop (soda), and a bag of kettle chips.
Total with tax: $17.50
Dr Brown's Natural Flavor Black Cherry Soda - $1.75
Dr Browns Black Cherry Soda With "Other Natural Flavors" Ingredients: Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, cherry and other natural flavors, citric acid, caramel color, sodium benzoate, and red 40. Gah. not red 40...
Dirty Potato Chips Deli Style Salt and Vinegar Kettle style - $1.70
If you want to see the ingredients on these Salt and Vinegar Kettle Chips from Dirty you can see the photo below!
LArge 12" Italian Hoagie - $12.90
Now on to the star of the show! We ordered a Large 12" Italian Special Hoagie - Ham, Genoa, Salami, & Cappicola.
This hoagie was loaded! The cross section is a thing of beauty - carefully constructed, strategically placed layers of freshly sliced Italian meats and toppings.
Laspada's Hoagies Review
A hoagie may seem like a simple thing. Some bread, "lunch meat" and cheese, maybe a bit of iceberg and a tomato? Forget that nonsense. A real hoagie establishment takes pride in every element from the texture at the bottom of the roll to the pillowy bread to the sliced-to-order Italian meats and fresh toppings - Laspada's knocks it out of the park.
I mean just look at the care going into dressing and seasoning this hoagie...
It's been months since I ate this hoagie, but I still think about it from time to time. Laspada's is the kind of place I would actually make a point to return to next time I am in Fort Lauderdale for a cruise. ;)
Fort Lauderdale Blog.
Let's visit Natraj Indian Tandoori Restaurant in Vilamoura.
What we ordered.
Papadam + Chutneys
Samosas
Chicken tikka masala
An Indian flat bread like this garlic and herbed naan is also a must for scooping up tender chicken chunks and mopping up the sauce!
Desserts
More vilamoura REstaurant reviews.
What we ordered.
Margherita 10.5€
Manzo Balls 14.5€
Fratelli Pizza Populare Review
Fratelli's is a great pizza place right by the beach in Ohlos d'Agua. In fact if you sit outside you can enjoy your pizza with a sea view! Their prices are reasonable and the quality of their pizzas is very high.
At Fratellis, they are passionate about serving authentic Neapolitan style pizzas - 24 hour fermentation, 30cm diameter, in the oven for 90 seconds.
Fratelli's serves edible works of art - go check them out!
Pizza in Italy.
One day after driving all around Algarve we ended at Auto D. Henrique in Portimao. We were starving and it was around 7pm yet we managed to buy a few things from the kind lady at Pão d'avó Maria across the way.
PÃO D'AVÓ MARIA PORTIMÃO
What we ordered.
We ordered two slices of homemade quiche, two coffees (espresso), and a little filled pastry.
PÃO D'AVÓ MARIA Review
Pao d'avo Maria is a small local cafe and bakery in Portimao. The name means literally Grandma Maria's Bread and you have to love the feeling that brings. Our visit was quick and tasty and the service simpatico despite it being the end of day. :)
Let's try McDonalds in Portugal!
What we ordered.
It had been years since I had a Big Mac so we ordered a Big Mac, fries, and drink.
McDonalds in Portugal carries some unique items not available in the US including douradinhos (fish sticks) and Caldo Verde soup. Can you imagine getting a kids meal and having soup?
Another surprising discovery is in the beverages available at Mcdonalds. Yes, you're seeing that correctly. In addition to a fruit juice box to go with the happy meal, that is a can of Sagres. You can order a beer at McDonald's! Such a novel concept for us.
Portugal Mcdonalds Review.
My general experience with McDonald's in the US is that it seems like a good idea at the time, it's convenient, and sometimes it even tastes really good, but not long after you are questioning your life decisions.
We were surprised this was not the case in Portugal. Somehow you don't feel gross after eating the Big Mac and fries! We're not sure what the ingredient difference is or why it is the case, but we think McDonald's is better in Portugal!
What we ordered.
Pancakes 8€
Eggs Benedict 9€
The eggs Benedict came with a small side salad and was finished with paprika and chopped chives.
Noa Cafe Bistro Review
Noa Cafe Bistro is totally an instagramable foodie spot in Vilamoura. The food is really nicely plated and looks beautiful. They have indoor and outdoor seating and it's very chic inside. It's been a while since our visit. What we ordered was good, but nothing I dream about having again, if you know what I mean?
When we stayed in Vilamoura a few times we stopped and looked at the menu again, but always opted to go down to Mourapao instead. Mourapão is not as 'gram worthy in a way, it's more down to earth and has a great variety with better prices than its posh relative Noa at the other end of the block, imo.
I would like to give Noa a try again if I'm ever around Vilamoura to see if our visit was an outlier or if anything has changed.
Algarve Foodie Blogs:
Well, technically piri-piri (or peri-peri) is a type of spicy pepper that is said to have made its way to Portugal from Africa.
Colloquially, however, piri-piri refers to traditional portuguese grilled chicken and you can order it spicy (with piri-piri pepper oil) or not spicy. For our first frango piri piri (chicken piri-piri) in Portugal we visited O Piri Piri in Vilamoura. |
What we ordered.
Piri Piri Chicken.
Pork Ribs
Again, I have to laugh, because as an American you will probably be thinking.. this must have been the skinniest pig in all the land - there is no meat on those bones!
It's true, these ribs don't have a bounty of meat, but what they do have is a bounty of flavor. I'm not sure what they are marinating these in or if it's just the grilling technique, but on our visit the pork was muito saboroso.
Algarvian Carrots.
On an absolute whim we ordered the Algarvian carrots and boy were they intriguing! This carrot dish is cold. But the carrots seemed soft, as if they were first boiled. They are marinated in what I assume is a combination of olive oil, a touch of vinegar, rough chopped garlic, and cilantro.
o piri piri review
O Piri Piri is a churrasqueira in the heart of Vilamoura, an area of the algarve known for prosperity. The prices reflect the location. The food quality was high. To date their piri piri chicken is one of my favorites that I've had in Portugal (it's all in the spicy oil guysss) and the same is true with the cenouras algarvias (algarvian carrots). We've had them other places and they just weren't nearly as flavorful as at O Piri Piri.
The algarvian carrot saladinha (little salad) is so unique that it's something I would like to learn to make well and feature in Cooking Inspired by Travel. I am thankful that the first place I tried it was O Piri Piri, so that I knew how absolutely delightful this seemingly simple dish could be!
Oh, Hey!
We're Justin and Marissa
We love to travel and eat!
Traveling Through Food is a place to share some of our adventures in travel and food so you can find inspiration for your next big trip whether it's around the world or down the freezer aisle at the grocery store. :p
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