If you think Portuguese food is only about codfish, chicken peri-peri and custard tarts, then you are in for a delicious surprise. True Portuguese cuisine is quite varied, reflecting the unique traditions of the people, products and culture of each geographic region from north to south. Tinto restaurant, in Vale do Lobo in the central Algarve, celebrates the flavorful richness and diversity of Portugal, serving 40 favorite dishes representing all parts of the country. Dining at Tinto is a culinary journey into the “best of” Portuguese cuisine.
A vast display of Portuguese wines greets guest as they enter Tinto. This “wall of wines” is a starting point for the meal as everyone is welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, a gesture embodying the hospitality and warmth of Portuguese culture.
Inside, design elements of brick and wood, with tiled floors, wooden tabletops and metal water cups evoke the sense of traditional Portuguese taverns. Floor to ceiling glass windows at the rear add a flair of modernity to the ambiance, as well as delightful views to the sea beyond.
The menu features 40 “petiscos” (small dishes akin to tapas), that are mainstays in regional taverns across the country, from Minho in the north to the Algarve in the south, and even across to Madeira. These are then subdivided into four intriguing categories. Some highlights worthy of mentioning (noting their region)…
- Artisanal Snacks: Suckling Pig Rissole with orange mayonnaise (Beira Litoral); and Fried Corn Sticks with olives and smoked paprika (Maderia).
- Canned Delicacies: Sardine with roasted green pepper, garlic and vinegar (Douro Litoral); Tuna Muxama, fresh tuna cured in salt and spices (Algarve)
- Explore the Flavors of Portugal: Pork “Rojês,” pork sirloin cut in pieces and fried until golden (Douro Litoral); Fresh Peas with chorizo and poached egg (Estremadura).
- From the Sea to the Mountains: Lamb “Chanfana,” tender pieces of lamb cooked in red wine, garlic, onion and herbs (Beira Litoral); and Monkfish Rice, rice cooked in seafood broth with chunks of monkfish, mussels, peppers and coriander (Alentejo).
A special touch at Tinto…when the servers bring the food to the table, they share the regional origins and stories behind each dish. It is yet another small but enjoyable gesture adding to the appreciation of the meal.
Additionally, the majority of impressive wines are available by the glass, allowing for the opportunity to explore perfect pairings with the petiscos.
Tinto is on the Vale do Lobo Praça, the luxury resort’s entertainment center overlooking the ocean. Learn more at the Tinto web page.
Tinto
On the Praça
Vale do Lobo
Almancil
Central Algarve
Phone: +351 289 353 441
Email: tinto@vdl.pt
Hours: 12:00 to 23:00
