Restaurant Review: Giardino

Transport yourself to the allure of the Italian Dolce Vita as you step into Giardino, a culinary haven nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Vila Vita Parc. With its stunning ocean vistas and timeless charm, Giardino offers an authentic Italian gastronomic experience that will whisk you away to a bygone era.

Situated within the renowned Vila Vita Parc estate, frequented by the likes of Anastacia, Fay Ripley, Luís Figo, Sérgio Ramos, and Max Verstappen, this 5-star hotel stands as one of the Algave's finest. As part of the esteemed Leading Hotels Of The World group, Vila Vita Parc boasts an exceptional reputation for luxury and refinement.

Among Vila Vita Parc's 12 distinguished restaurants, Giardino shines as a hidden gem.

Welcoming both hotel guests and visitors from afar, this culinary gem resides next to The Whale and beneath Atlântico, the exceptional culinary venture led by the esteemed chef João Viegas, ranked third in the Algarve.

Begin your Giardino experience with a leisurely drink on the terrace of the elegant main building. Unwind in the intimate bar and lounge, where a picturesque view of the meticulously landscaped 54-hectare tropical garden awaits, overlooking the azure horizon.

Continue your journey to the second building nestled at the rear of the garden, where panoramic ocean views embrace you. Step inside Giardino's cozy interior, yet it is the stunning outdoor terrace that truly captivates. Adorned with tasteful decorations and offering direct vistas of the ocean and pool area, it creates an enchanting ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.

Indulge in a delectable array of Italian dishes carefully crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Giardino's menu showcases an enticing selection, ranging from antipasti like the exquisite parmigiana (€15) to traditional pizzas featuring regular or vegan cheese of your choice (starting from €17). Delight in a variety of pasta (from €17) and risottos (from €16), with vegetarian and vegan options available, including desserts.

As you savor the delightful white wine, accompanied by the inviting melodies of Italian music, an authentic Italian couvert is presented. Expect freshly baked focaccia bread, drizzled with fragrant Italian olive oil, accompanied by tantalizing breadsticks, pesto, and succulent tomatoes.

It's a delightful prelude to a memorable evening.

For starters, I highly recommend the vegetarian parmigiana, a true masterpiece of flavors. However, should you prefer a lighter option, the bean salad may not be as exciting, as Elyas discovered.

Indulge in the gluten-free pasta with a rich tomato sauce, a true delight that Elyas couldn't resist. The sauce boasts a robust and satisfying flavor that will surely please your palate.

Now, let me entice you with the exquisite pizzas at Giardino. Whether you opt for traditional cheese or the vegan alternative, you're in for a treat that will transport you to the heart of Italy.

On this special evening, Giardino's management will personally ensure that everything runs seamlessly, and the satisfaction of their guests remains paramount.

General Manager Kurt Michael Gillig shares the hotel's resounding success, revealing that next week, for the first time in their history, they will employ over 1,000 dedicated staff members. As of now, they are hiring an additional 50 employees each week to accommodate their growth.

To conclude your gastronomic journey, indulge in the delectable desserts. Savor the velvety Panna cotta and the refreshing strawberry sorbet, accompanied by a delicate rice crumble.

Both vegan and gluten-free, they offer a fittingly delicious finale to your Italian-inspired evening.

At Giardino, immerse yourself in the essence of Italy, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated to transport you to a world of culinary excellence.

This hidden gem comes highly recommended, providing an enchanting escape that will leave a lasting impression on your senses.

Reservations:

+351 282 310 100

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Sunday: 18:00 – 21:30

Rating: Food 8.8 Service 8.7 Price/Quality 8.5 Atmosphere 9.2 TTL rating 8.8

Vegan friendly: 3/5

https://www.hotspotsalgarve.com/restaurants/giardino-italian-restaurant/

Meet Peter Cruiming, an Algarve-based food blogger. Residing in Almancil with wife Marlot Anna, a professional photographer, and their 7-year-old son, Elyas. Explore daily Algarve dining stories at www.HotspotsAlgarve.com, focused on Peter's passion for healthy and vegetarian food.  Photo by www.MarlotAnna.com. 

Peter Cruiming