Essência Bakery — Restaurant in Loulé

WOW! This guy is the real deal. Super friendly and welcoming when you enter his cozy shop. But the aroma of fresh baked bread still in the air was enough to convince me. We got brioche buns, classic loaf bread, a big chunk of focaccia and a couple of his amazing Pain au Chocolat (maybe the best I've had, and I've been to France a couple times!) The focaccia is also delicious. The bread and buns are for dinner tonight, so I can only report on what we devoured as soon as we got home...lol. In short: very good knowledge of his craft, and the passion to execute beautifully. Thanks, Jose... we'll be back...

Authentic sourdough bread and truly passionate and friendly staff. I went there by recommendation and it surpassed all expectations. I can vouch for the pain au chocolate, which was delicious and reminded me of France, and their classic bread, not dense but rich, which is hard to find in the Algarve. A hidden gem in the Algarve and a bakery to visit...

This baker is the real deal! Sourdough breads/rolls/brioche made freshly by him every day right there in his bakery. His pastries are insanely good too. You’re best to order in advance for larger orders. He’s a great communicator so all made easy. Only thing is that I never make it back home with the full order - get extra for the...