Vila Joya Restaurant in the Algarve: Portugal’s #1 Gourmet Destination

The Restaurant at Vila Joya: The Algarve's Culinary Jewel

Portugal's sunny southern coastal region, the Algarve, is Western Europe's great-value destination. Vila Joya, a world-renowned restaurant, is here. Plus, the Algarve delivers:

• Golden-sand pristine beaches

• Delightful hotels, many set in vintage mansions

• Championship oceanfront golf courses

• And ocean-fresh dining, including…

One of the Algarve's Most Upscale Names: Vila Joya

In the Algarve's historic town of Albufeira, 40 minutes from Faro airport, is the deluxe, 28-suite Vila Joya inn and restaurant.

• Vila Joya has been owned by Dr. Klaus Jung since 1978 (and named for his daughter Joy)

• It has an independent boutique hotel spirit, and is decidedly un-corporate

• See Luxury Travel's story about the Vila Joya hotel

Elite Gourmet Dining at Vila Joya

Vila Joya's restaurant is famous amongst European foodies.

• Why? It's one of three restaurants in Portugal only with two Michelin stars

• Here, you will experience culinary arts of the highest order, at a high-end price

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served

• Getaway deals include Vila Joya's Dream & Dine: three hotel nights, a lunch, two dinners

The Elegant Look and Feel of Vila Joya Restaurant

Vila Joya Restaurant exudes style and refinement.

• Its mesmerizing view: the Atlantic Ocean

• Its décor: subdued and evocative, with subtle swirls and arches that recall the Algarve's long-gone era of Moorish rule

• The two indoor dining rooms feature antique tijoleira terra cotta floors, vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace, and a massive marble table laden with buffet choices at breakfast

• In season, meals are served on the umbrella-dotted ocean terrace 

Culinary Kudos for Vila Joya

Chef Dieter Koschina, a native of Vienna, has led Vila Joya's kitchen since 1991.

• Vila Joya was awarded its first Michelin star in 1995 and its second (still in effect) in 1999

• The restaurant is honored by many other awards, such as inclusion in the influential San Pellegrino Top 100 Restaurants in the World

Chef Koschina's Style

The Austrian chef's assured approach: he applies classic European cooking techniques to Algarvian and Portuguese ingredients, putting a creative spin on every recipe

• You may think you've eaten a dish before, but it will taste exciting and new

Chef Koschina's Menu at Vila Joya 

Vila Joya's menu includes both prix fixe and a la carte choices.

• Diners can order the six-course chef’s dégustation (tasting) menu at lunch and dinner

• Thinking of a weekend reservation? The extravagant, eight-course, prix fixe “Gala Menu” dinner is served on Thursdays only

Some Sample Tastes at Vila Joya Restaurant

At my dinner, the excitement kicked off immediately. Luscious amuses-bouches included:

• Smoked Norwegian salmon on a potato waffle with Iranian caviar (a perfect bite)

• Duck liver mousse with passion fruit, sandwiched between two crunchy macarons

• Beef tartare in a crispy pastry shell

Some amazing appetizers I tasted:

• Hamachi sparked with bergamot citrus oil and wasabi, caressed by cauliflower purée

• John Dory fish in a pumpkin-seed crust, pooled in a cilantro-orange infusion

• Potato gnocchi in intense tomato broth, with octopus and broccolini

These entrées were standouts:

• Turbot with wild morels and naturally sweet green peas

• Duck ravioli with braised endive and a touch of raspberries

• Port wine-sauced pigeon (squab) from the Miéral poultry farm in the French Alps

Vila Joya diners look forward to dessert, like:

• Mango, coconut, and tapioca: Thailand on a plate

• Mascarpone cream with pear and cardamom-coffee ice cream

Exceptional Service at Vila Joya

Service at Vila Joya was engaged yet discreet: true luxury hospitality service.

• I could tell that Paulo Luz, the tuxedoed maître d’hôtel, is a leader, so often absent in restaurant dining rooms

• Servers, clad in black-sashed Moorish trousers, speak English and are extremely knowledgeable about the menu

• Dishes arrive at the exact right moment, synchronized with balletic flair

An Oenophile’s Dream Wine Cellar

Vila Joya’s cutting-edge, water-cooled wine cellar is a wonder.

• The 12,000-bottle collection is Portuguese-centric, with some international labels

• All of Portugal’s major wine regions are featured: Douro, Alentejo, Dão, the Algarve

• Vila Joya's Arnauld Vallet was named 2012 Sommelier of the Year by Portugal's Wine Magazine

• You can request a tour or arrange a private, candlelit dinner in Vila Joya’s wine cellar

Wines to Consider at Vila Joya

• Quinta do Crasto Reserve, a 2006 red blend from the Douro, subtle and multi-layered

• Colinas sparkling white wine, made from Portugal’s Baga grape, equaled a fine Champagne

Find Out More

• Vila Joya Restaurant website

• Vila Joya reservations (essential)

• On Facebook

• On Twitter

• Luxury Travel's quick guide to the Algarve

• Visit Portugal's Algarve info

As is common in the travel industry, the Guest Author was provided with a complimentary dinner in order to describe it. For details, see our site's Ethics Policy.