CAL ARRIFANA — Restaurant in Aljezur

NOT VEGAN FRIENDLY!!

I was really disappointed with my experience here. I ordered an açaí bowl and double-checked with the waitress to make sure it was vegan (I am not only vegan but also extremely lactose intolerant). She thought about it and said yes, so I went ahead. My friends received their meals quickly and were almost finished by the time my açaí bowl finally arrived.

To my surprise, there was milk powder on top. When I asked the waitress about it, her response was, "Yeah, it’s gluten-free," which had nothing to do with my question. I assumed it was a simple misunderstanding. They took the bowl back, and the waiter who seemed to be in charge told me it would be a long wait to remake it since the kitchen was busy. He asked if I wanted to cancel, which I did to avoid more delays and additional mix-ups.

About 10 minutes later, a different waiter brought me another açaí bowl, even though I had already canceled the order. I was confused but decided to accept it since the new waiter didn’t seem to know I’d canceled. The waiter in charge then told me they managed to make it faster than expected, which is why he brought it, even though I had already canceled. When I started eating, I quickly realized they had put honey in it—making it not vegan again. Not wanting to seem complicated, I continued eating, only to discover a hidden pocket of milk powder halfway through the bowl. It appeared they had tried to stir it in and cover it with peanut butter (of which there was a lot more in the second bowl).

This lack of respect was really disappointing and shocking, especially from a hip restaurant in a popular area like Arrifana. They ignored my request to cancel the order, didn’t listen when I asked about the ingredients, and ultimately served me something I couldn’t eat. I’d expect better professionalism, respect for dietary needs, and basic attention to detail from a place like this. While being vegan is often seen as a trend nowadays, there are many valid reasons why someone might choose this lifestyle, including food intolerances, dietary concerns, and allergies. It's important to recognize that for most, veganism is not just a passing fad but a necessary approach to managing their health and well-being. And even if that is not the case, anyone should be treated...

I have to say: The dishes here are honest and down-to-earth – with delicate, thoughtful touches that show true craftsWOmanship in the kitchen. No unnecessary gimmicks, no “fancy food” – just real, authentic flavors, the kind you’d expect from a cooked meal, but not always get this satisfactory feeling. Grounded, yet sprinkled with a touch of culinary magic reminiscent of a grandmother’s cooking.

A special shout-out to the chefs, who grilled our octopus not just once, but twice to absolute perfection – tender, juicy, and with just the right char. Clean and great food – prepared with love.

The presentation is natural, appetizing, and full of care. One small personal wish: I would have preferred the Pastel de Nata pure and unadorned – without powdered sugar and cinnamon – perhaps with an extra shaker for those who like it.

All drinks were equally excellent, and the service was consistently attentive, warm, and almost like being among friends.

Yesterday, we enjoyed once again the creamy rice with seafood and grilled octopus with purple sweet potatoes. With every bite of one dish, we were convinced it was the best thing we had ever tasted – until we took a bite of the other and changed our minds again. This back-and-forth between two masterpieces was pure pleasure.

We also tried the toast with Bacalhau, the toast with sardines, and the crème brûlée made with the region’s famous purple sweet potatoes. Everything was perfectly seasoned and felt like a warm embrace on a plate.

We came here every day of our stay.

A huge thank you to the chefs –...

We just had an awesome dinner at CAL restaurant in Arrifana and I gotta say, it was amazing. The food was so fresh and organic, and the flavors were awesome. We had the steak and the octopus, and both were cooked to perfection and so tasty. The chefs really know what they're doing!

Our server Juju was the bomb. She greeted us with a smile and gave us some great recommendations from the cocktail menu to go with our food. She was super friendly and made us feel right at home. She really knew her stuff when it came to the menu and drinks, and she went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time.

The restaurant itself is really cool, with a modern and stylish decor that perfectly complements the amazing views of the beach and surrounding scenery. It's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

Overall, I would definitely recommend CAL restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience in Arrifana. The food is top-notch, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the location is unbeatable. And a big shoutout to Juju - you're awesome and you...