Rolha Wine Bar — Restaurant in Lagoa

What a hidden gem! Young Antonio really has created an amazing spot to showcase a great Portuguese wines at reasonable prices. We like our wine but we really had little appreciation how much of the ‘good stuff’ Portugal doesn’t export. Espumante for sparkling wine lovers, biodynamic reds, dashing whites from across the Portguese wine regions like Alentejo/Tejo/Dao – places as Brits you would probably have flown over to get to the Algarve (not just Duoro here no no!).

Couple that with the fact it’s a small, local owned and run place that is like having your own personal wine tasting – could you ask for more?

Well, let’s say that you did need more to make it worth the trip….how about some fantastic tapas items whipped up by Antonio and his family?

Scrambled eggs with diced Portuguese sausage on bread amazing…..the Pica Pau (pork slivers), prawns in piri piri oil, everything on the menu just super but perhaps the King/Queen of the list is Antonio’s mother’s salt cod fritters (pasteis de Bacalhau) enhanced by his brother’s homemade sweet chilli jam – honestly best I’ve tasted. If you’re a big group (or just want 20+) just drop him an email to give the headsup and avoid disappointment as they’re homemade - then they’ll be ready to be freshly fried to crispy perfection for you to enjoy!

So if you’re staying in the area get yourself there early for a pre-dinner drink and snack (restaurants there O Leao de Porches and Porches Velho you cannot go wrong with either I promise) or a post dinner digestif with cheese - and if you’re not staying in the area is it worth the drive? 100%...

We happened to come across this wine bar on our way back to Albufeira and we decided to stop by based on the great reviews and pictures it had. It was definitely a smart choice.

We got to eat the most mouthwatering and crunchiest pastéis de bacalhau ever, served with an enticing slightly spicy sweet and sour sauce, alongside a dish of fresh tomatoes with oregano as a side.

The owner, a young affable wine connoisseur, made us taste very interesting Portuguese wines to pair with our food and gave us a rich overview of the wines at hand, including the origin and characteristics.

He explained that the wines they offer are all nationally made and come from all the corners (and islands!) of the country. What's more, they are all from small and carefully selected wine makers. This means you get to taste wines you cannot find in mainstream supermarkets, so the tasting experience feels even more authentic.

Definitely recommended if you're looking for a cozy place off the...

This place is truly a hidden gem at the Algarve. It combines the charm of authentic, traditional cuisine with a warm and personal atmosphere. The history behind the wine bar gives it a unique character, and the owner makes you feel more like a welcomed guest than just a customer.

The food is exceptional. I have never tasted Iberian black pork grilled over charcoal this perfectly before. Every bite was full of flavor, tender, and unforgettable. The kitchen clearly puts great care and passion into every dish.

On top of that, the wine selection is outstanding. Carefully curated, diverse, and perfectly matched to the dishes, it turns the whole experience into something truly special.

Without a doubt one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the Algarve. Authentic, historic, and absolutely delicious, highly...