Arte Náutica Beach Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc
- Written by Paul Rees
The Vila Vita website describes its Restaurant on the beach at Armaçao de Pera thus: "Arte Náutica offers a variety of freshly prepared meat and fish from the grill, as well as typical Portuguese seafood dishes, salads, sandwiches and snacks" - well, it's a bit more than that, I can assure you.
In a selfless search for the best beach restaurant in central Algarve I drove to Fisherman's Beach at the eastern end of Armaçao and parked just past the football ground, walking to the last restaurant fifty or so meters along a boardwalk.
Here, at the western edge of the bird sanctuary of Salgados, stands surely the most romantic beach restaurant, Arte Náutuica. It's not the cheapest by any means, as it is part of the mighty Vila Vita operation whereby guests at the hotel on the other side of town can opt to be shuttled down to slum it in the metropolis for an evening. However it is the best on many levels.
Location, location, location. Restaurant, beach, sea, in that order, just perfect for an after dinner stroll and a lie down to watch the stars as the waves sigh along the vast stretch of beach. The décor is smart and divided into two parts, the open area veranda to eat al fresco with a gentle breeze, and the inner dining area, smart beach chic with blue striped bench seats, linen table cloths and sparkling glassware.
The service level is high, Vila Vita trained staff with a relaxed beach attitude, friendly, fun and efficient.
The food is well above the beach bar norm, as is the price but sections of the menu are still good value. I recommend filling up on the couverts, olives and fresh breads including carob bread, and skip the starter unless you feel like the rich fish soup. Then go for meat if you are hungry, or if the fish of the day is not one that you lust after. The lamb and the beef come from Herdade dos Grous near Beja, another part of the Vila Vita culinary empire. The lamb stew for two is the best value for money. The fish is landed and the fish market is only 200 meters away, so is of course as fresh as you can get, grilled and served simply - just perfect.
Armaçao has many restaurants but none have the mix of a classy backdrop and "at ease" service.
In the evening this is a restaurant for lovers and very best friends, good food, starry nights a walk along the boardwalk to the beach. At lunchtime families eat at Arte Náutica, there is a good childrens' menu, alongside leisurely tourists and well-healed residents.
Once enticed, you will want to stay until late as the setting is mesmeric, the chatter ebbs and flows along with the wine and the sound of the waves.
Opening hours: Open from 10 am for Lunch and Dinner
Dress code: Resort Chic Beachwear during the day, smart casual eveningwear
Contact:
Telephone: + 351 282 31 48 75
Website: http://www.vilavitaparc.com/rw_vv/main.asp?WebID=vv_parc3c_e&PageID=171
