While the Algarve coast is famed for its sun-kissed beach shacks grilling the catch of the day, and opulent fine dining establishments with white linen formality, there exists a different kind of culinary escape—just a short drive inland. At Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, perched amidst rolling hills and inspired by the rustic charm of a traditional Portuguese village, Solalua offers a refined yet refreshingly unstuffy take on modern Algarvian cuisine.
Named for the rhythm of the day—from sol (sun) to lua (moon)—Solalua is both a sensory journey and a statement of style. This is where golden hour aperitifs turn into late-night revelry, where the traditions of the region are reimagined through the lens of contemporary culinary artistry.
Helmed by acclaimed Chef Pedro Pinto, whose pedigree includes the legendary AbAC in Barcelona, as well as Vila Joya and Vila Vita Parc, Solalua is an intimate, 25-seat restaurant where every dish is a love letter to the land and sea of southern Portugal. Pinto’s signature is clear: elegant technique meets bold local flavors, and every plate tells a story.
The a la carte menu at Solalua is a celebration of the Algarve’s finest ingredients, sourced at their seasonal peak and prepared with precision and creativity. Octopus from Santa Luzia, shrimp from Quarteira, oysters from Moinho dos Ilhéus, and Monchique chorizo all make their appearances in compositions that are as visually captivating as they are flavorful. One standout is the Hand-Catch Cuttlefish “Tagliatelle,” where silky ribbons of cuttlefish are dressed in lemongrass, black garlic, and fizzy herbs—a dish that’s as playful as it is profound. The Atlantic Tartelette, featuring bluefin tuna, pickled cucumber, and kumquat, offers a vibrant, citrusy punch, while the Red Prawn, cured with citrus salt and finished with almond sauce, lime caviar, and fresh herbs, is a bright and elegant homage to the nearby coast.
Can’t decide? Then, it’s probably best to choose the tasting menu, a carefully-choreographed series of six “moments,” each highlighting the finest regional ingredients.
The restaurant’s design is equally captivating. Elements of marble and wood, wrought iron seating, and a woven reed ceiling reflect traditional Portuguese country homes, while the sleek bar and tall bistro tables add an urban, cosmopolitan energy. It’s fine dining with a gastropub heartbeat—intimate, vibrant, and delightfully unpretentious.
Behind the bar, head bartender João Felicidade brings the concept of Solalua to life in liquid form. His cocktail creations draw on ingredients that mirror the Algarve’s dual identity—from the coastal Ria Formosa to the rural Barrocal hills. The “Pearfect Star” channels the bright salinity of the sea with vodka, pear, and salicornia, while the fig-and-whisky-based “To Figs You” nods to the rustic richness of the inland harvest. Playful and inventive, each cocktail echoes the sun-to-moon theme in both flavor and presentation—perfect for a pre-dinner toast or a post-meal indulgence.
Whether you arrive for a golden hour port-tonic or stay for espresso martinis by moonlight, the energy here is infectious—helped along by an eclectic soundtrack and a bar that hums late into the night.
Adding further luster to its offerings, Solalua also programs exclusive Eclipse Four-Hands dinners, pairing Chef Pinto with some of Portugal’s most exciting culinary talent. These one-off evenings are immersive showcases of creativity and collaboration—an unforgettable highlight for any gastronome.
For more information, visit the Solalua webpage.
Solalua
At Viceroy Ombria Algarve
Rua da Ombria, nº 9,
Ombria
Tôr
Algarve
Phone: +351 289 078 243
Email: voa.reservations@viceroy.com
Hours:
Drinks Only – Tuesday and Wednesday – 19:00 to 01:00
Dinner & Drinks – Thursday to Saturday – 19:00 to 01:00