Aurora by Vitor Veloso, Casual Fine Dining in Loulé

Always a forward-looking city, Loulé has been turning up the sophistication factor with the openings of art galleries, design studios and innovative dining options. A recent addition to the city’s culinary offering is drawing foodies from the “Golden Triangle” and across the Algarve. It’s Aurora by Vitor Veloso.

The terrace seating facing Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia, just steps off the main street, is a welcoming site. Inside, the intimate space is both contemporary, with polished cement floors and mid-century modern seats, and nostalgic with a weathered wood feature wall resembling a turn-of-the- (20^th)century general store. Overall, it’s a comfortable environment to enjoy the creative cuisine.

Opening his own restaurant, serving signature dishes, has always been a dream of Veloso. Afterall, he has spent the last couple of decades honing his skills in some highly-admired kitchens, such as the Ritz London hotel (with Chef John Williams) and Viajante restaurant (with Chef Nuno Mendes). He was also chef at the Portuguese embassy in London. In Portugal, Veloso gained more gastronomic experience at Fortaleza do Guincho, Hotel Cascais Miragem and Terra Nostra in the Azores.

At Aurora, Veloso serves up his modern take on Algarve cuisine, using high-quality fresh products from the Monchique mountains to the southern coast. On a recent visit, some starters on the menu that caught our eye (and tasted delicious) were: Roast carrot, fermented cauliflower, cured egg yolk and “São Jorge“ cheese; Octopus, sweet potato, red peppers vinaigrette, pineapple salad, octopus roe; and Quail, broad beans, carrot puree and pickled beets.

Some standout mains include: Tuna with barley and “conquilhas” risotto; Sirloin, black garlic, rosti potatoes, shallot and roasted vegetables; and Half-cured duck, turnips, pickled beet, kale and roast duck sauce. Velos also prepares a (regional specialty) Cataplana daily.

Don’t forget dessert. Our favorites were the Orange roll, black olive caramel, Algarvian almond crumble, with coconut and lime ice cream, and Chocolate brownie, with stout beer mousse and confit pear.

For a special evening, with the focused attention of Veloso, book the Chef’s Table. This table for no more than eight, sits apart from the main dining room and has a full view of the kitchen. Veloso prepares a seven-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairing.