Editors note: OK, OK, we know that LPA is in Ayamonte, Spain, and not Portugal. Still, the creative cuisine, just across the river from Vila Real Santo Antonio in the Algarve, deserves our appreciation. It’s worth the drive, if you’re spending time in the region.
You could be forgiven for thinking that LPA – The Culinary Bar in Ayamonte is “just another tapas joint”. However, once you enter the front door, you’ll start to understand that you’re in a rather unique place. Owned and run by Italian husband and Irish wife team Fabio and Cliodhna, this stylish eatery is rammed with Instagram worthy design touches.
The menu has an eclectic mix of fabulous choices, such as one of my favourites, the foie gras Ice-cream, which acts as a palate cleanser from the outside world. Spanning the globe with baby ceviche, plankton pesto, tandoori sea bream, Iberian black pork and of course, a selection of risottos and pasta too.
Gin and tonics are served at the table, Spanish style, and the wine list offers a considered selection of wines from all over Spain.
Anyone who has eaten here might be surprised to learn that Chef Fabio Zerbo is self-taught, with a great base from his Nonna in Piemonte; he designs each dish himself.
The current venue is the second location in Ayamonte as they outgrew their first, having spent 8 years there, moving to this larger restaurant in 2019. (LPA meaning La Puerta Alta, which is a change from the original location La Puerta Ancha.)
For reservations, visit the LPA – The Culinary Bar website.
LPA – The Culinary Bar
Plaza la Lota, 10
Ayamonte
Spain
Phone: +34 633 66 76 03
Email: theculinarybar@gmail.com
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 13.30 to 15.30 and 19.30 to 23.00
