Tribulum continues to define relaxed sophistication in the central Algarve dining scene. In the heart of Almancil, it’s a place where great food, good value, and genuine warmth come together effortlessly. The bright and airy restaurant, with views stretching across the hills, exudes easy charm—anchored by the personality of Irish chef Jonnie Pratt, whose creativity and conviviality shape every experience.
Whether it’s a cappuccino and pastry in the morning, a leisurely lunch on the terrace, or dinner with friends under the stars, Tribulum feels right at any time of day.
A Chef’s Journey
Chef Jonnie’s story is well known among Algarve food lovers. His first local success, Bistro des Z’Artes in Almancil (2008–2010), introduced diners to his inventive take on comfort cuisine. After honing his craft in the culinary capitals of New York, Dublin, and Switzerland, he returned to Portugal in 2017 as Executive Chef of the Parrilla Group. But it wasn’t long before the urge to create his own space—one rooted in sustainability, flavor, and fun—led to Tribulum.
Rooted in Nature
The restaurant’s name, Tribulum, refers to an ancient wheat-threshing tool—a symbol of Jonnie’s farm-to-table ethos. Local sourcing, seasonality, and sustainability aren’t buzzwords here; they’re daily practice. Much of the produce comes from the restaurant’s own garden.
Even the bread speaks to this philosophy: loaves of sourdough and Alentejo white are made with a carefully nurtured massa mãe (mother yeast), accompanied by house-made spreads of pumpkin pesto, Algarvian carrot, and beetroot butter.
Elevated Yet Unpretentious
Tribulum was conceived as a high-quality gathering place for the Golden Triangle’s social circle—without the fuss or formality. Wide wooden tables, fine linen napkins, and plenty of natural light set the stage for meals that feel special yet relaxed.
Lunch at Tribulum (€18.50 per person)
The lunch menu offers two courses of fresh, seasonal comfort food for €18.50 per person. Starters might include a beetroot salad with goat cheese and orange, tomato and mozzarella salad with balsamic, or duck breast salad with caramelized apple.
Main courses highlight variety and value—think crispy pork belly with mash and green beans, prawn tagliatelle in creamy bisque, grilled beef burger on a homemade bun, or homemade spaghetti with mushrooms and spinach. Lighter options include Caesar salad with grilled chicken and pumpkin seeds and a daily risotto special.
End your meal with a slice of carrot cake with lemon cream cheese frosting, a NY-style cheesecake (try the passionfruit or salted caramel), or a homemade cookie and coffee.
Dinner: Creative, Comforting, and Seasonal
Evenings at Tribulum are where Jonnie’s playful creativity shines. The à la carte dinner menu features starters such as oxtail ravioli with gremolata, mushroom cappuccino scented with truffle, seared scallops with curry oil, or the signature chicken lollipops in sweet chili sauce.
For mains, diners can choose from pan-fried duck breast with minted spinach and plum jus, monkfish fillet with prawn bisque, braised pig cheeks with chestnuts and acorn purée, or roast lamb loin with glazed carrots and sweet potato. Vegetarian options are thoughtful and flavorful, like the pea and herb risotto or roast mushroom and leek lasagne.
Sunday Roast (€37.50 for 3 courses)
A local favorite, Sunday Roast at Tribulum runs from 12:30 to 17:00 and celebrates the best of comfort dining. For €37.50, guests enjoy three courses that blend British tradition with Portuguese flair.
Start with classics like a Scotch egg with chutney, caldo verde with chouriço oil, or beef carpaccio with smoked chimichurri. Main dishes include roast rib eye of beef with Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast pork belly with apple sauce, roast chicken with sage and onion stuffing, or salmon Kiev in filo pastry. Vegetarians can opt for roast garlic and courgette risotto.
Desserts round things off beautifully—apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, carrot cake with lemon frosting, or a peach tarte Tatin with brandy butter ice cream.
The Green Zebra Bar & Lounge
Tribulum’s Green Zebra Bar is a relaxed outdoor spot for cocktails, wine, and conversation throughout the day. Inside, the Tribulum Lounge opens at 10:00 a.m. for coffee, tea, and pastries—an ideal hangout for digital nomads or morning meetups, complete with free Wi-Fi.
Tribulum remains one of the Algarve’s most consistent dining experiences—polished yet personal, local yet international, sophisticated yet full of heart. Whether it’s Sunday lunch with family, dinner with friends, or a midweek bite, Jonnie Pratt and his team make every visit feel like coming home.
For more information, visit the Tribulum website.
Tribulum
Rua Cristóvão Pires Norte
(on the middle road from Almancil to Vale do Lobo)
Almancil
Phone: +351 289 397 784
Email: info@tribulumalgarve.com
Lounge & Bar Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 to late
Sunday – 13:00 to 20:00
Restaurant Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 22:30
Sunday – 12:30 to 17:00
