Vilamoura's national cuisine is centered around the preparation of delectable dishes crafted from freshly caught fish and seafood, sourced by local fishermen. Cafes and restaurants in Vilamoura feature a menu that includes a variety of seafood, such as shrimp (camarão), clams of various shapes and sizes (lingueirão, ameijoa, conquilha), lobster (lagosta), octopus (polvo), cuttlefish (choco), squid (lula), bream (dourada), sea bass (robalo), and tuna (atum). Traditional recipes like rice dishes - cataplanas - and fish stews - caldeirada - are also highly popular.
Desserts hold a special place in Vilamoura, as Portugal is known for its sweet treats, making it a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Portuguese pastries and sweets are celebrated, with popular choices in Vilamoura's cafes including sweet rice pudding, marzipans (bolinhos de massa de amêndoa), assorted fruit presentations, almond pudding (rudim de amêndoa), honey cake, and figs stuffed with chocolate.
In addition to traditional cuisine, Vilamoura offers a wide array of restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and English cuisine.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, prices in Vilamoura are moderate and even more affordable compared to many European countries. Portugal is renowned for its ruby, yellow, or white port wines. Vilamoura also produces its own local and potent alcoholic beverages, including aguardente, a robust Portuguese brandy with a strong flavor profile. Another potent option is medronho, often referred to as "water of fire," made from strawberries and known to elicit strong reactions from tourists. Vilamoura also offers fresh orange juice sourced from local orchards, with a glass of freshly squeezed juice typically priced at around 3 EUR.
On the traditional Portuguese menu, vegetarians in Vilamoura can opt for vegetable soups, stews, omelettes, and salads.
If you're a vegetarian visiting a café in Vilamoura, it's advisable to inquire with the waitstaff about vegetarian options. Keep in mind that the local population's lifestyle and culinary preferences predominantly lean towards meat dishes, and vegetarians are relatively rare among the Portuguese.
Vilamoura's pubs, cafes, restaurants, and a selection of nightclubs provide a diverse array of alcoholic beverages, setting the stage for tourists to enjoy the fantastic nightlife in the resort.
