Sansibar Restaurant – Carvoeiro, Portugal

The best seafood in the Algarve can be found at Sansibar Tapas Bar in Carvoeiro.  Not so sure? Let me expand on why this is.

The food is extremely fresh.  I was surprised some of my choices didn’t jump off the plate and bite me themselves.  This is not to  suggest that the dishes are raw.  Far from it.  In fact, the food is so particularly flavorful, I almost began crying it was so pleasurable to the senses.  The mussels in the tomato-garlic sauce was out of this world spectacular. And lest I forget the best part of my entire meal, which were the king prawns. Never before nor since have I had anything quite that delicious when it comes to crustaceans. It was juicy, large of course, and perfectly executed with the ingredients.  This was above all else my favorite thing here, and would go back to the restaurant just based on this one tapas item alone.

But of course, no one should leave the restaurant without trying an entree.  And while there  are plenty to choose from, including pasta dishes, you might want to consider a healthier choice which is what I did. And I certainly didn’t regret it.  Fresh, and grilled to perfection was my salmon with potatoes and grilled vegetables.   Still not convinced? Take a look at this video I made for you.

But the real show stopper at Sansibar isn’t the food, though you might think it is.  Instead, it’s the unbeatable view from their rooftop terrace.  With plenty of seating and a sight to die for, this could be what those high prices are on the menu for.  Though the food is outrageously good, and definitely worth the cost, it’s that ocean view that racks up your bill. No question.

Who’s complaining though? When on vacation – splurge! With wine and drinks ready to be poured, the view and food are waiting for you.  And so is the very attentive and kind staff, who will make you feel right at home.

And if it’s elegant but casual vibes you dig, then you’ll certainly enjoy the decor.  With celebrity shots framed and hung on all the walls (every square inch of them), you’ll mostly see the faces of old Hollywood starlets on the first and second floor of the restaurant.

They also offer an open-air kitchen, allowing their guests to watch the chef and his cooks at work.  Kind of fun to see your lunch or dinner being sprung from case to grill, then onto your plate.

Best of all though is the restaurant’s location.  Not only is it just a few meters from the beach,  but it’s also right smack-dab next door to the best hotel in town.  Hotel Cavoeiro Plaza is roughly five feet from the Sansibar, which makes life really easy if you’re staying at the hotel and want some place delicious to eat, but don’t want to walk too far.

So what are you waiting for? Sansibar has all the elements that you’re looking for.  Ocean view, high-quality food, and ideal location. Make sure to head into Sansibar Tapas Bar & Restaurant today, and when you do, make sure to let them know Lisa sent you!