A Ver Tavira
Tavira, Portugal
â1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Located close to Taviraâs old Moorish castle, this restaurant was created out of a heartfelt homage to the history of this town with its 37 churches. Over the years, however, it has also proved that the cuisine, ingredients and flavours on offer here are just as important as its history.The attentive married couple in charge, ClĂĄudia Abrantes (sommelier and front-of-house) and her chef-husband LuĂs Brito, at the helm in the kitchen, are extremely committed to creating the perfect experience. The constant aim of the cuisine is to find a balance between vegetables and fish and seafood, presented on four enticing tasting menus: an âexecutiveâ menu only available at lunchtime, plus three others (Between Moments, The Journey of Flavour, and The Whole Trip) that include blue lobster, beef from the TrĂĄs-os Montes region etc. The restaurant also boasts two attractive terrace-esplanades overlooking the town â one on the same floor for menu-based dining, the other, upstairs, for appetisers.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects about the Michelin star restaurant A Ver Tavira in Tavira:
1. Improbable Combinations Inspired by Regional Flavours
Chef LuĂs Brito creatively interprets international dishes with regional Algarve flavours, producing improbable combinations that appeal to the senses and offer a unique dining experience. This blend of local roots with global influences is central to the restaurant's concept.
2. Location and Ambiance with a View
The restaurant is uniquely situated on a hill leading up to the Moorish castle, featuring an attractive terrace-balcony that offers stunning views of Tavira and the GilĂŁo river. The name itself, A Ver Tavira ("to see Tavira"), highlights this distinctive feature, making the visual experience part of the dining.
3. Extensive Wine Cellar and Attention to Detail
A Ver Tavira boasts a wine cellar with over 400 references, emphasizing high-quality products and meticulous attention to detail. The chef prioritizes creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere with refined service, aiming to shift dining paradigms rather than just mentalities.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant A Ver Tavira in Tavira are:
Sea bass: Featured in a signature dish served with rice in a sautéed fish sauce reminiscent of arroz de marisco, highlighting the moist texture and crispy skin of the fish, reflecting the restaurant's focus on regional seafood.
Tuna: Served rare and paired with pork, smoked octopus eggs, and ginger, showcasing a creative combination that balances local flavors with unexpected elements.
Squid: Used in a puree accompanying oysters, noted for its tenderness and delicate flavor, emphasizing the freshness of Algarve's seafood.
Local wines: While not an ingredient in dishes, the restaurant pairs its courses with carefully selected Portuguese wines such as Alvarinho, Rosé from Douro, and blends from the Algarve, enhancing the dining experience through regional terroir.
Black Angus, celery, and chanterelles: Representing the chef's incorporation of high-quality ingredients with contemporary techniques and international influences, reflecting the chefâs personality and the regionâs produce.
These ingredients are significant as they embody the restaurantâs philosophy of combining local Algarve produce with modern culinary techniques and international influences to create authentic yet innovative dishes that celebrate the regionâs flavors.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Tasting Menu: 8 Courses: âŹ250 (âŹ180 with wine pairing)
- Vegetarian Tasting Menu: 7 Courses: âŹ220 (âŹ160 with wine pairing)
Signature Dishes
- Blue Lobster: âŹ95
- Croque-Monsieur: âŹ25