Ria Restaurant - Fresh Seafood by the Pool at Anantara Vilamoura

Ria Restaurant at the Anantara Viamoura Algarve Resort is a refined take on typical marisqueiras (seafood bistros). This poolside dining spot celebrates the fresh product of the nearby Ria Formosa coastal nature reserve, with straight-ahead traditional cooking, enhanced with a sophisticated touch of Chef Bruno Viegas.

Or better yet, the friendly servers will deliver your lunch straight to your poolside table or lounger.

They circulate with wicker baskets to display the fresh catch of the day, so guests can chose their own fish.

There is also heavenly, simply prepared Algarvian seafood, including massive Ria Formosa oysters, goose barnacles, and of course red carabinero prawns, and a variety of seafood rice dishes, plus ceviches and carpaccios. All of it is paired with crisp white and rosé wines and refreshing cocktails meant to complement the seafood flavors.

(at top) Ria Ceviche, (above) Octopus Salad

While dining on that poolside lounger is tempting, as is sitting on the sunny terrace, the indoor dining room is also quite lovely. It has a tasteful nautical decor and an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs at work.