March 21, 2018

Arrifana

Location: Arrifana

Anything for The Best Razor Clam Rice in Portugal

I didn’t know where we were going but I know where we were and I am not one to ask too many questions (unless I am only with É, he might tell you otherwise).

From Algarve, we drove for an hour along Vicentine coast and finally stopped by a rocky height. There was no shade in sight. What are we doing here? “We are going to have lunch, honey”, he said matter-of-factly.

Oh.

There’s a lone restaurant perched on a cliff. While on foot, I wondered how its business survives all the way up there. The weather situation was as sunny as it was windy, both madly. You might not believe me now, but bring along a scarf if you want to enjoy a long, lazy lunch cooked using the treasures of the sea you’d overlook while dining.

It is absolutely necessary to include this part in your travel itinerary. 

Upon entering the restaurant, aquariums of shell creatures and peculiar fishes welcomed us cluelessly. Happy children greeted them in return by peeping closer and leaving tiny innocent fingerprints on their glass houses.

I was wrong about their business prediction. It was a full house!

{just look at the holy golden broth!}

Food presentation here is simple but sophisticated. Paolo Silva, the founder of this restaurant is a well-travelled man who has a few restaurants under his belt and a great deal of experience when it comes to food catering.

What to order:
Arroz de Lingueirão (Razor Clam Rice) and Monk Fish Rice. Each pot can serve up to 4 pax.

After overindulging, take a short walk to Arrifana Fortress, situated conveniently right next to the restaurant. Don’t miss looking out for the iconic Pedra da Agulha (Needle Stone) further south in the middle of the sea!

Restaurante O Paulo

Address: Rua Serpa Pinto 32, 8670-156 Aljezur, Portugal

Phone: +351 934 975 251 (call to reserve)

Hours: 12.30 p.m. – 12 a.m. everyday

Also read: foreword, Lisbon, Sintra, Algarve