Date nights are a rarity for my husband and I, so when we do indulge, it’s essential to make it memorable. Al Sud was the perfect choice, transforming an ordinary evening into an extraordinary experience.
Twenty years ago, our date nights revolved around Dom Sebastiao for grilled fish. The thought of a Michelin-star restaurant in Lagos seemed fanciful. Our posh outings also comprised club sandwiches at the old Palmares clubhouse, now replaced by a contemporary Michelin-star restaurant that channels Al-Andalus architecture and offers a warm atmosphere.
We arrived with scepticism, questioning ‘what could be so special?’ But as the charming maître d’ guided us to the terrace for champagne and an amuse-bouche, we were sold! The view over Lagos Bay and the Atlantic made even the most sceptical diner swoon.
Al Sud’s establishment is a testament to the rise of Portuguese cuisine. Until recently, Portugal shared the Michelin Guide with Spain, but February 2024 ushered in a new culinary era with the first Michelin Guide Gala held in the Algarve.
Since opening in 2021 and winning a Michelin star in 2022, chef Louis Anjos and his team have created a tasting menu brimming with Algarve-inspired seafood. “With a location like ours, focusing on seafood made perfect sense,” Chef Anjos explained, pointing out the nearby oyster farms visible from the restaurant. He hosted the Michelin inspectors at Al Sud in 2024, solidifying its reputation.
Our tasting menu took us on a delightful journey of maritime flavours, intertwining familiar Portuguese tastes. One amuse-bouche was a twist on marinated carrots, while another featured a deconstructed bacalao à brás. We relished slices of sourdough – a staple in any Algarve restaurant – while the attentive servers described each dish overflowing with local ingredients, from oysters to turbot with bivalves and bulhão pato. The addition of saffron, cumin, and coriander elevated the dining experience, showcasing the culinary history of Al Sud.
Our sommelier regaled us with stories behind each wine pairing, enhancing our joy with every bite.
Such a culinary experience doesn’t come cheap. But with just eight tables, Al Sud offers a uniquely personal experience, and its consistently full bookings attest to the demand for high-end dining in the Algarve.
Whether it’s a date night or a special occasion, embark on a culinary adventure at Al Sud this summer and savour the luxurious flavours of Portuguese Michelin-star cuisine.
Booking: +351 926 292 617
