Figueiral Restaurant – The Must-visit, Family-owned Gastronomic Destination Near Quinta Do Lago, Portugal

Immerse yourself in an authentic Portuguese dining experience, at Figueiral Restaurant Almancil, close to the exclusive leisure and sporting destination of Quinta do Lago. Dona Cláudia Sousa and her late husband created this heartwarming dining destination some 37 years ago. Now their son, Ivan Gomes is at the helm, with his mother a regular presence both in the kitchen and the restaurant.

Figueiral Restaurant is one of those places that makes your heart sing. As soon as you arrive you feel embraced by a warm family welcome.

Sip a cocktail or a glass of fabulous Portuguese wine, poured by bartender and hospitality expert Nuno, before taking your seat in the restaurant for a night of sophisticated dining, with international favourites by Head Chef José Botequilha. Enjoy fine dining including Sea Bass flambeéd in Ricard and mustard sauce, the restaurant’s renowned Tornedos in red port sauce, or an incredible Chateaubriand – even available for one, and you can have the dish to your exacting standards, prepared on a hot stone left on the table.

Or opt for the show-stopping Brazilian-style Picanha, where chefs will come to your table with perfectly prepared sword skewer steaks, and will carve what you want, when you want.

There are two dining rooms and an outdoor terrace, as well as the bar & lounge. Tables are set with timeless elegance, the service is polished, yet natural and friendly too – the team is like a family, and it shows with the service.

Wines are a treat, and even if you order a half bottle, expect the same level of attentive expert service, so you enjoy your meal to the maximum.

I was so taken by this restaurant. I have become accustomed to global ‘experience’ brands, so when you get to enjoy a meal in an authentic family-owned restaurant you realise just how special it really is – each moment is so meaningful, not contrived or created to a formula.

Thank you, Figueiral Restaurant, for the most memorable meal during our recent Portuguese escapade.