A Culinary Legacy: Vintage Restaurant in Almancil

The restaurant opened in 2022 with Cristina and her eldest son Antonio, who won a Da Vinci scholarship that took him to train in Cork, Ireland, when he was just 17. Cristina started cooking at nine years old, so it would be safe to say that this family of foodies has deep-seated roots in Portuguese cuisine. Now, at the kitchen's helm is Cristina's remarkably talented 18-year-old head chef and young daughter, Sofia, whose passion and creativity infuse each dish with a distinctive flair.

From the moment you step through the doors of Vintage, you are enveloped in an ambience that exudes warmth and familial charm. The rustic décor, adorned with vintage accents and cosy seating, transports you to a bygone era where hospitality reigns supreme. Every aspect of the restaurant has been carefully curated to create an atmosphere that feels incredibly comfortable.

We were greeted with a warm welcome and taken to our linen-draped table, set with golden chargers and tastefully decorated.

Our hostess and owner, Cristina, presented the menus and made a sound wine recommendation for us to enjoy with our meal.

Local ingredients

The menu is well-diversified and manageable, with a sensible number of choices, enabling the ladies to keep their carefully selected locally produced ingredients fresh.

The couvert consists of a selection of artisan bread, a variety of butter, black olive tapenade and the super tasty Moura carrots (Moura carrots are an old Alentejo style recipe using cumin).

One word of advice is to take it easy on the couvert, as the portions are generous and the dishes rich. We worked this out a little later. It's hard to do when things are so tasty, I know, but you've been warned.

The starters offer various Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes. We opted for the scallops with a gorgeous, creamy shallot puree and crispy parma ham and the pork tenderloin with orange and honey mustard. The scallops were sumptuous and easily withheld the other flavours. The pork was fresh, succulent, and balanced with sweet Algarve orange and tangy mustard.

From succulent seafood delicacies to mouthwatering meat dishes, every bite is a revelation.

Matilde told us that the filo with goat's cheese is one of their best sellers; I'll be sure to try that next time.

With some time between the starters and main courses, we sat back and appreciated the music, a classic vintage soundtrack that perfectly fitted the restaurant.

For our main courses, we chose the garlic octopus with sweet Alentejo potato & pumpkin puree with bimi, all perfectly cooked.

The duck magret with a subtle orange and red wine sauce, potato gratin, and lovely crisp long-stem bimi was also delicious.

Feeling fully satisfied and wondering if we could "find some space", we were presented with the dessert list. Oh, dear, where to begin creme brûlée, fig and medronho pudding, profiteroles... the list goes on. Needless to say, we found space; it would have been hard to resist, and we were glad that we didn't.

Sofia makes everything herself and told us that she loves baking, and it is indeed evident; that the proof is in the pudding! The Date Delight with Toffee was absolutely delicious, and the Drunken Pear hit all the right notes.

Passion

With generous portions and rich Portuguese ingredients, there's little chance of leaving Vintage hungry; Cristina and her young daughters will ensure that you have an excellent experience and leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Their passion for their craft extends beyond the kitchen, making a dining experience at Vintage exceptional.

But Vintage's heart and soul lie in its kitchen, where young prodigy Sofia orchestrates a symphony of flavours with finesse and creativity. Despite her tender age, Sofia's culinary prowess is evident. Under the guidance of her mother and grandmother from a young age, she has honed her skills to perfection, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delectable.

The menu at Vintage celebrates traditional Portuguese cuisine infused with contemporary twists, showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients. Each dish is a testament to Sofia's artistry, with flavours that are bold yet harmonious. I was really impressed by her confidence with seasoning, something that many chefs are wary of. Every dish was cooked and seasoned to perfection.

With its warm hospitality, inventive cuisine, and commitment to excellence, it's no wonder that Vintage has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, a visit to Vintage will surely leave you craving more.

Restaurante Vintage

Open for Lunch 12-15.00 Monday to Saturday, Dinner 19.00-22.30

Tel: (+351) 926 548 837

Av. 5 de Outubro 229, 8135-101 Almancil

Lunch menu €15 for Couvert, Main Course & Drink

Dinner Starters €12-€18, Mains €22-€28, Desserts €3-€9