I hail from the United States.  I grew up in the Midwest; Illinois and Indiana.  I love meat and potatoes.  I spent 14 years in the foodservice industry, selling food products to restaurants. That said, I am not even close to being a food critic.  To this day, I pat myself on the back for having the talent to boil rice and make a pretty good hamburger.  I will say however, that I enjoy my food and in my later years have ventured into dishes like sushi and other seafood.  Albufeira is a tourist destination, food is vital.  
 

The cuisine offered, spans many cultures. Your palate won`t be disappointed.  Highlights will be `Gelato`, seafood, beef and your offerings in Italian, Thai and Indian.  Since this is a destination dominated by the Brits, an `English` breakfast is a staple like hotdogs on Coney Island.  The three items that come to mind for me when in Albufeira are:  sardines, gelato and Sangria.  Crazy I know, but it`s because of what follows. Recalling a story taken place in October of 2021 when I first visited the town;  I took a boat excursion to the nearby city of Portimão.  The trip included a BBQ on the beach in the town`s harbor.  Buffet style, one of the main dishes was BBQ`d sardines that could be washed down with Sangria.  My first introduction.  I´ll share this, on the return trip on rather choppy waters, I happily returned my intake of sardines back to the sea wetted with the fruity and delicious Sangria.

 

Gelato is a treat I can enjoy every day of the week and twice on Sunday.  In Albufeira, you cannot hide from Gelato, it will follow you home! When choosing Gelato, flavors to pick from are across the board.  I can`t even begin to name them all.  Single scoop in a sugar cone or a full dump in a waffle trough is offered.  Prices are consistent throughout town but you`ll want to visit the stands that are generous in their scoops, some get a bit skimpy. When you bore of Gelato, but still crave ice cream, then grab a chocolate-almond covered ice cream bar or one of its cousins.  2.5 € will satisfy your desire.

 

Sabores Do Churrasco is my favorite restaurant. It`s located in the old city center just minutes from the beach.  It is a Brazilian carvery.  Beef, chicken, pork, sausage and cheese bread is brought to the table and hand carved off a long stainless-steel skewer.  You`re given tongs.  As the server slices, you grasp the item with your tongs and place it on your plate.  Take as much as you want.  Side dishes of rice, potatoes and sauces are placed tableside to create a full gastronomical experience.  After you`ve been stuffed, an assortment of deserts are available.  Favorites would include ice cream with chocolate sauce, warmed cinnamon coated pineapple and an assortment of cheesecakes with fresh berries.  Coffees, after dinner drinks etc. are available as well.  Service is polite and genuine.  I would rate it 4+ stars.

 

English breakfast and pizza.  I mention these two as it seems every restaurant offers them.  The English breakfast is an offering of sausage, bacon, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms and fried tomatoes.  Personally, I find the sausage having a bite and flavor of an overripe eggplant and I`ve never been a fan of mushrooms (shame on me).  The English breakfast is the most highly advertised dish in town.  Just a short note on Pizza.  This isn`t Italy or Chicago. 

 

However, a little whole-in-the-wall place called Ténis Pizza`s, will give your best known pizza joint a run for its money.  It sits about 8 steps down from the sidewalk it faces.  Hard to miss as the pizza maestro is seen tossing dough and creating little slices of heaven as seen through the window when walking by.  Dinner salads and pastas are offered but it`s the pizza you come here for.  Homemade dough, tossed, stretched and tossed again provides a delectable crust, slightly soft and chewy, allowing your slice to just dangle in front of you as adjustments are made with your head on how you might attack it.  Pick your toppings or just stay with a local favorite, tomato sauce and garlic.  Sizes offered are small, medium and large and price points are very fair, ranging from 5€ to 20€.  A short walk from Old Town and the beach: Rua Dr. Diogo Leote is the destination for a very satisfied tummy.

 

A word on drinks and drinking:  Don`t. Ha!  I don`t mean to be a snob and certainly have no issues with those who wish to imbibe.  I`m just not a drinker.  Beer is plentiful; lagers, ales and scotches.  Hard liquor flows just as well with all your favorite house and premium brands available. Cocktails are full of umbrellas and other cute items.  Vegas baby.  Cheers!