The Algarve continues to lead the nation as the region with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. The tally is ten stars in eight restaurants, listed in the gourmand’s bible.
The most impressive feat is maintaining two, two-star restaurants, categorised as, "an exceptional cuisine, worth a detour."
The Ocean restaurant at Vila Vita Parc in Lagoa, (pictured), under chef Hans Neuner and the restaurant at Vila Joya in Galé, Albufeira, under chef Dieter Koschina who has been in the Michelin Guide for 26 consecutive years, a record in Portugal.
There are also six, one Michelin-star restaurants: Bon Bon in Carvoeiro, Willie's in Vilamoura, Vista in Portimão and Henrique Leis, São Gabriel and Gusto – all in Almancil.
"The gastronomy of the Algarve is a heritage of excellence, with high quality products for the world's greatest chefs, who use them with all the mastery to achieve international recognition, such as the Michelin Guide. I congratulate all those who have gained a distinction and praise our gastronomy," says the new president of the Algarve tourism board, João Fernandes, for whom Michelin stars, "arouse the curiosity of visitors and create a strong attraction for tourists to the region."
The Gastronomy & Wine sector is important to the tourist board as one of the things that attracts people to the region.
The regional tourism board has been developing several ways of promoting gastronomy in the region, such as the "Algarve Cooking Vacations" project that wants to create culinary and wine holidays to entice the one million people plus, who travel to the region with good food and wine high on their ‘to do’ list.
