Chef Louis Anjos made a name for himself at some of the Algarve’s most prestigious fine-dining kitchens, including Vila Vita Parc, Bon Bon, and Al Sud, where he earned a Michelin star. But his latest act, Salicórnia, is something altogether different.
He’s traded the western Algarve for the far eastern reaches, where he’s joined forces with Verdelago, an ambitious resort and residential development between Altura and Praia Verde. And he’s kept the skilled technique and passion for fresh local products but ditched the tasting menu for a slightly refined take on Portuguese comfort food.
The name salicórnia is the Portuguese word for “samphire,” a type of sea vegetable that’s abundant in the waters of the Ria Formosa in front of the hotel. That’s the first clue that the products of the eastern Algarve, especially fish and seafood such as Santa Luzia octopus and giant, meaty Ria Formosa oysters, are going to take center stage. Anjos follows a hyperlocal philosophy, and everything comes from within a 50-kilometer radius.
He interprets traditional recipes with precision and a softness that’s not found in traditional taverns. The garlic and coriander in the Bulhão Pato clams are finely minced, and whole grilled fish are deboned tableside so that guests needn’t bother themselves with the dissection.
Simple, charcoal-grilled fish is a good idea here, but other good options include the Algarve’s famous copper-steamed cataplana seafood stew and Malandrinho rice with wild prawns and the namesake samphire. The fish averse can opt for piri piri chicken, a Tomahawk cut of Iberian pork, or a 30-day aged Portuguese prime rib. Desserts also skew local, emphasizing carob, almonds, and citrus.
A few vegetarian plates, wood-fired pizzas, and a thoughtful kids menu round out the offerings. None of it is complicated, and it’s all easy to enjoy in the bright, airy dining room, or on the breezy terrace outside. In summer, Anjos also oversees the Verdelago Beach Club restaurant, which takes a similar approach to high-quality gastronomy without any fuss.
For more information, visit the Verdelago website.
Salicórnia
Verdelago
Castro Marim
Altura
Algarve
Phone: +351 281 101 600
Email: info@verdelago.com
Hours: Daily – 19:00 to 22:30