Marguerita pizza - €11.50
Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil
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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!
Let's visit pão & pão boutique for fika.
There is a lot of outdoor seating at this cafe in Vilamoura and we decided to sit outside for our treats,
What we ordered.
We ordered two portuguese pastries and 2 cafes. Remember, when you order a "cafe" in Portugal, you are always ordering an espresso. That is the default here.
In certain regions, like Lisbon, you may hear people order a "bica" and this also refers to an espresso in Portuguese.
While we're at it, you can order a "cafezinho" (pronounced cafe-zeen-yo) which is another way of ordering espresso.
Tarte de Maçã
Maçã is the Portuguese word for apple. A tarte de maçã, or apple tarts, is often available in Portuguese bakeries and cafes.
It's no substitute for a classic American apple pie, but it's still an enjoyable apple pastry with warm cinnamon spice and I'm always a fan of the tarte crust in Portugal.
Bolo de Arroz
Bolo de arroz is another Portuguese pastry which literally translates to "cake of rice".
I loveee bolo de arroz. They are like a very tall muffin and they remind me of a mix between a muffin and cornbread. Bolo de arroz is lightly sweet and it has a dusting of crunchy sugar on top which adds a nice texture!
In addition to historical castles, charming villages, and spectacular cliff beaches, eating out in Portugal is going to be a highlight of your trip to Portugal, for sure.
If it's your first time visiting Portugal, you may be wondering things:
I'm going to help you navigate your first restaurant experience with a few insights that should prove helpful! |
In this post:
Looking for something specific? Jump ahead:
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1. The bread is not free.
When you go to a restaurant, if there is bread and butter on the table it is complimentary. In fact, you can often get free refills on the free bread and butter at a restaurant.
If that is your background and you arrive at a restaurant in Portugal to see a lovely display of bread, butter, olives, and the like at your table, you will naturally assume it is complimentary.
It isn't.
This is called the Couvert and it may be on your table when you arrive or presented to you shortly after seating. The idea is to provide you with some little bites right away while you peruse the menu and then wait for your food.
The price for each item will be shown in the menu and you may be surprised at how it is itemized. Literally each pad of butter has a set price. To an American this can be a bit jarring the first time, but it really does promote a more intentional way of eating and less waste.
What if i don't want the Couvert?
If you've already taken some bites, I'm sorry to tell you that you will be charged for the entirety even if you thought it was free. Tourist Tax. :)
The good news is it's usually only a few dollars and in a region known for bread and olives you're more than likely going to love it! Some areas will also include things like sardine pate or algarvian cenouras (carrots).
If you want the olives but not the sardine paste, just let them know and they will remove it and charge you just for the items you want.
2. How to get a glass of water at a restaurant in portugal
This practice is not common in Portugal. In some cases you may be able to request and receive "Tap water"[in Portuguese: "Um copo de água da torneira, por favor" meaning "a cup of water from the faucet, please".
However, generally speaking water is served here in bottles. You can order a large bottle for sharing or smaller bottles and you will always be asked "com gás?" In Portugal, sparkling mineral water is very Popular so if you want one you ask for "agua com gás" and if you want regular still water you say "agua sem gás"
Portuguese Lesson :
Agua means "water"
Com means "with"
Sem means "without"
3. How to order a beer in portugal?
There are a few ways to order beer in Portugal.
You can simply ask for a "Sagres" or a "Super Bock". Think of it like asking for "Coke" or "Pepsi". You may have a personal preference for Coca-cola, but some establishments only carry Pepsi. If you order a Sagres and the restaurant doesn't carry it they may just reply "Super Bock?" and you can say "Sim" for "yes" or nod and say, "Está bom", as if to say "it's good!"
Beer Sizes in Portugal
If you're ordering a draft you can get a Caneca (mug) or my favorite, an imperial, which is a 20 cl beer. For me it's the perfect size to cool down and you can drink it before it gets warm in one of the 300+ days of sun in Portugal. Apparently in Porto this is also known as fino.
How much is a small beer in portugal?
Needless to say if you are at a fancy restaurant or you're at a cafe on the beach prices will be higher, but still feel like a great value for most Americans.
4. How to avoid blood in Portuguese food
- Portuguese Feijoada is a pork and bean stew that sometimes includes blood sausage
- Morcela is Portuguese Blood Sausage
- Cabidela or arroz de cabidela is typical of Minho in the north of Portugal and is a rice dish made with blood.
If you are unsure, it's a good idea to ask if a dish has blood in it before ordering. The Portuguese word for blood is "sangue".
You could ask something like "isso tem sangue?" meaning "does this have blood?"
You can clarify your concern by adding "I do not eat blood" - "eu não como sangue"
Of course in the end you can say thank you with the word "Obrigado" for guys and "Obrigada" for girls.
Side note: We have noticed some other food products containing blood in the grocery. So do take a moment to scan the ingredients of any sausage or chouriço whether whole or sliced and especially if the color is dark, as well as pasta sauce! Yes you read that correctly. We have actually seen sangue, blood, as an ingredient in pre-made tomato sauce. It's not common, but it happens. So if it's important to you, just keep your eyes peeled. =)
PSA: watch for bones!
5. Prato do dia Lunch deals in portugal
Typically these set menus are offered on week days during lunch so the Portuguese can have an economical, well rounded, and "efficient" meal during their work day.
What is included in prato do dia?
Again it varies a lot. You may find a place offering all of this for under 10 euros in a smaller town or you may find Prato do dia under 10 euros that is more simple like one main dish, one drink, and a coffee a the end, but no matter how you slice it these are almost always an excellent value and way to try Portuguese fare along side locals for an authentic experience.
6. you don't have to rush in portugal
This is soooo different in Portugal. The pace of life in many ways is a lot slower than the US and dining out is included. Aside from a few popular restaurants that imply (but idk if they truly enforce) a table limit like this great pizza place in Lisbon, you are welcome to take your time at a restaurant.
This is time to relax and enjoy both the food and the company who you have chosen to be around the table with. In many cases you will need to ask for the bill to signal you are ready to leave.
Relevant side note: Do keep in mind that many restaurants in Portugal will close at 3 and re-open for dinner anytime between 5 and 7 pm. So be sure to get in to a restaurant before 3 or you will have to wait a few hours and hangry scaries can set in fast...
7. How to ask for the bill in portuguese
There are many ways to ask for the bill after eating a meal at a restaurant in Portugal. One common expression is "A conta, por favor" or "The bill, please".
You can also say "Queria pagar" for "I would like to pay"
To sound even more Portuguese, and informal, you can simply say "a continha" (con-teen-yah).
If the restaurant is loud and busy you can also gesture in the air as if you're writing with a pen and they will know you want the check.
On some occasions a bill will be left on your table sooner, but you do not need to take it as a hint to leave. It's more for convenience and you can then take it to the till to pay when you're ready.
8. Tipping culture in Portugal
In some cases it could be offensive, I'm told. In most cases a small rounding up to the nearest bill would be welcomed and appreciated. Overall, however, tipping at a restaurant is not expected. If you have the means and someone did something great, go for it! But at the same time, not leaving a tip in Portugal is not seen as rude, cheap, unappreciative, or ripping off the staff. I know it's hard to wrap your head around, but remember this is a different culture.
9. Can you use credit cards in portugal?
One final and important tip about eating out in Portugal. You may be wondering if you can use your credit card in Portugal.
It depends.
Portugal overall is a cash culture. but if you are spending time in touristy areas like Lisbon, Porto, or Algarve, for example, it is most likely that many places will accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express.
You'll want to look at the door of the restaurant. If it says "Multibanco" with an X through it, that means they do not accept card. If they accept cards you will usually see on the door which cards they accept (Visa, etc) See the photo above for an example. The arrow points to the "Visa" logo on the door of Pastelaria Versailles in Lisbon. (PS they have one of the best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, and all of Portugal in our opinion so far!)
How to ask if you can pay with a credit card in portuguese
Usually they will bring the card reader right to your seat and you can use tap to pay in Portugal right from your phone.
Be sure to use a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
When the machine asks you if you want the bill to be charged in USD or Euro, always pick Euro!! When you choose Euro (the local currency) your credit card company will do the conversion at a better rate. When you choose USD then the establishment can mark up the conversion and your end bill can be more than expected. This applies in any country, by the way.
-> Our recommended travel cards <-
Enjoy your meal!
Book a cruise to portugal!
Are you ready to come to Portugal and eat all the delicious foods?! Did you know you can stop in Lisbon, Porto, or Algarve on a cruise? Tap below and ask for Portugal Cruise Deals! |
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eating out in portugal
Portugal restaurant etiquette Portugal restaurant tipping Portugal restaurant menu Portugal restaurant reservations how to order food in portuguese how to order a beer in portuguese |
After those hectic final weeks waiting for the visa to arrive, selling belongings, hoping nothing important was forgotten, visiting with family, traveling and moving internationally for the first time (& during a pandemic!), handling canceled flights etc.... to finally arrive in Vilamoura was surreal. Nothing felt more simultaneously comforting and rewarding than the prospect of a pizza and a pastel de nata at the same time.
Enter Mourapão.
With indoor and outdoor seating available as well as an extensive menu, mourapão can cater to just about any guest.
Bonus, it's open until at least 10pm!
Here's what we have tried:
Tigelada
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is easily the most popular pastry you must try in Portugal with its flakey crust, pudding like custard filling and optional cinnamon topping. Remember when we made Pasteis de nata at home?
Margherita Pizza
(Although you can get take out or pizza delivery in Vilamoura through apps like Glovo fyi) Take a look at that pizza slice - the cheese pull, the browning, the sheen... If this pizza is for you, you will know it. ;)
Discover more Pizza in Portugal here
Pizza in Portugal.
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Best Places To Stay in Vilamoura, Algarve Portugal
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Algarve Restaurant Reviews
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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