Messines

SÃO BARTOLOME U DE MESSINES IN THE ALGARVE COUNTRYSIDE MAY NOT BOAST FANCY RESTAURANTS OR WIDESPREAD TOURIST FAME LIKE ITS NEIGHBOURS, BUT IT HOLDS ITS OWN CHARM AND ATTRACTIONS. THE EMPHASIS HERE IS ON HOME-COOKED FOOD – FROM AUTHENTIC ALGARVIAN EXPERIENCES TO TYPICAL BRITISH FARE.

WHATEVER THE STYLE, IT ’ S ALL DELICIOUS

Words: CHERYL SMITH

MIDST picturesque countryside, this village beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its hills, vineyards, and orange groves through scenic hikes, cycling or on horseback. When visiting local restaurants, expect to find the day’s offerings artfully displayed on blackboards, and as dishes run out, they’re promptly crossed out. To savour your favourite flavours, arrive early and avoid any disappointment. Plate of the Day options vary from €7 to €16.

Bar, Café, Seafood

In the heart of the Messines village, Café Académico boasts not one, but three charming eating areas. The wooden outdoor terrace at the front exudes a relaxed and informal atmosphere, while the middle indoor area is perfect if you want to catch up on the daily news whilst eating. For those seeking a more formal setting, the rear indoor area caters to evening dinners, but fear not – the excellent menu remains consistent across all the restaurant areas.

My visits to Café Académico have been a gastronomic journey, from savouring light and delightful luncheon meals chosen from their ever-changing blackboard, to indulging in exquisite seafood dishes showcased during the annual Messines Gastronomic Week.

The plate of the day dishes, priced at just €7, offer an array of delectable choices such as succulent roast chicken, tender calamari, flavourful sardines. And there’s a comforting chicken soup for a mere €1.50.

However, if you’re in for a shared culinary experience with a loved one or a dear friend, the options do not disappoint. Delight in the heart-warming taste of two typical Algarvian dishes – the seafood rice at €40 or the cataplana at €45.

Come late spring and summer, Café Académico adds another charm to its repertoire – serving caracóis (snails), a cherished culinary tradition in the Algarve countryside and across Portugal. Prepared with a flavourful broth enriched with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices, the snails are tenderly boiled or stewed to perfection. Served hot with fresh bread, these delightful morsels invite you to soak up every drop of their scrumptious sauce, while a glass of wine or a cold beer elevates the experience to new heights.

As with any countryside spot, parking can be a slight challenge in front of the restaurant. However, a mere couple of minutes’ walk from the village parking lot will lead you to this culinary haven, a place where flavours and warm ambiance intertwine, offering an unforgettable dining experience.

Café Académico

R. Cândido dos Reis 40, 8375-105 São Bartolomeu de Messines

T: 282 339 253

E: cafeacademicomessines@gmail.com

Bar, Pub, British

At Roosters, the heart of British culinary culture comes alive with their delightful offerings of fish and chips with mushy peas and the classic English breakfast. A true taste of tradition awaits as you indulge in their full fry-up, €6, complete with eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes, toast, and a steaming hot drink of your choice. For those with a hearty appetite, the Extra-Large breakfast, €8, beckons with double portions to satisfy every craving. Vegetarians need not miss out, as Roosters swaps sausages for a meat-free alternative.

The fish and chips, €10.50, left me thoroughly satisfied – the fish coated in a light, crispy batter, offering a perfect blend of flavours and textures. But the delights don’t end there; the menu boasts a selection of other tempting meals, from comforting cottage pie to tasty lasagne, and a range of fish and meat dishes to cater to every palate.

Beyond the great cuisine, Roosters is a place with a heart for the community. A unique touch awaits on the premises – a charity shop that plays a meaningful role in supporting the needy. Funds raised from the charity shop and quiz nights contribute to making a difference in the lives of others, adding to the warmth of the dining experience.

After savouring a leisurely meal at Roosters, I couldn’t resist perusing the wide selection of English reading books. The establishment truly offers more than just a good dining experience; it’s a place to connect with the essence of British culture and embrace a sense of community.

Roosters

N270, São Bartolomeu de Messines

T: 910 489 837

All time favourite

Our family’s summer vacations were never complete without a cherished meal at Casa da Vinha, and now that the Algarve is our chosen home, we still find ourselves drawn to its familiar charm. Conveniently located along one of the many scenic hiking routes, it serves as the perfect lunch stop after a long country walk.

Their grilled fish dishes hold a special place in my heart – the simplicity of tenderly grilled fish, accompanied by perfectly crispy fries and a refreshing salad of tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, sprinkled with dried oregano is perfect.

Embodying the essence of a true countryside restaurant, Casa da Vinha follows a beloved formula shared by other rural eateries, offering an array of mouthwatering main dishes at similar prices. Yet, each restaurant has its own specialty, and here at Casa da Vinha, the star of the show is undoubtedly the pork cheeks. These culinary treasures boast a richness and flavour like no other, thanks to the beautiful marbling of fat and connective tissue within the meat. Slow-cooked to perfection on low heat, the tough fibres are transformed into a melt-inyour-mouth tenderness that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Casa da Vinha

Vale Fuzeiros, São Bartolomeu de Messines

T: 282 330 263

F: cafe-restaurante-casa-da-vinha.blogspot.com

Countrywide treats

A charming rural restaurant, O Caixeiro is a true gem, so popular that reservations are a must. Our long-standing taxi driver, a trusted connoisseur, recommended this place, and for good reason – it’s a much-loved favourite of his family. They even embark on trips from Albufeira just to indulge in the culinary delights it offers.

While the menu caters to various tastes, it’s worth checking if you have specific dietary requirements, as meat options far outweigh the fish selection. However, for those craving traditional Portuguese flavours, you’re in for a treat! The menu boasts popular dishes like javali (wild boar) a wonderful option to tantalize your taste buds.

On my visit, I had the pleasure of savouring Bacalhau com Nata, a celebration of cod, baked with a medley of onions, garlic, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Among the many Portuguese ways to cook cod, this preparation stood out as my favourite.

O Caixeiro

R. de Fonte João Luís 204L, São Bartolomeu de Messines

T: 282 339 440

E: restaurantecaixeiro@sapo.pt

Typical Portuguese

Nestled on the outskirts of S.B. Messines, Tasca da Zabel is a true rural Algarve restaurant. From the moment I stepped in, friendly English-speaking Portuguese waiters made me feel right at home. The unassuming exterior belies the grandeur within – passing through a couple of doors, the restaurant opens into a spacious room with picturesque views of the hills through magnificent large windows. The stunning surroundings add a touch of tranquillity and truly feels like an escape from the everyday hustle.

Although the tuna steak was already crossed off the blackboard, the grilled Dourada I chose turned out to be a delightful surprise. Tender, perfectly grilled, and bursting with flavour, it was complemented by crispy fries and a refreshing salad, creating a delightful symphony that left my taste buds dancing with joy.

What sets Tasca da Zabel apart is their outdoor double grill, where skilled chefs work their magic on fish and meat dishes. The sight is a feast for the eyes, adding to the overall dining experience.

The menu offers an array of mouthwatering choices, from salmon to mackerel and sea bass for fish lovers, to grilled chops, turkey stew with beans and kale, and roast chicken for meat enthusiasts. The main dishes are priced between €10 and €16, offering excellent value.

Tasca da Zabel

Sítio do Cano, 8375-022 São Bartolomeu de Messines

T: 962 377 824

F: facebook.com/p/Tasca-daZabel-100063494655073

Left: Hearty meals with all the extras – crunchy salads with wild herbs, toasted dipping bread and handcut chips are found in every restaurant that specialises in local dishes. Below: O Caixeiro offers a feast of flavours – javali (wild boar) is a real favourite

Gastronomic Week

São Bartolomeu de Messines with oodles of ideas

Over the past 15 years, the annual Gastronomic Week in November has truly become a delightful spectacle, drawing in food lovers from all around to revel in the village’s culinary treats.

For an entire week, this event weaves together several local restaurants, each crafting a unique dining experience that takes you on a journey through the full spectrum of flavours – embracing both timehonoured Algarvian classics and innovative culinary creations.

In the past, the event buzzed with excitement, featuring thrilling show cooking and culinary decoration demonstrations at the vibrant Messines market. Meanwhile, Casa do Povo played host to a tantalizing wine tasting course, inviting participants to savour the finest vintages of the region. With the old Messines market undergoing renovations, we’re eagerly hoping they’ll be completed in time to accommodate this year’s engaging festivities.

You will find that menu offerings can lean toward meat options, reflecting the inland farming location of this charming village. From succulent roasted meats to hearty stews, the flavours pay homage to the local agricultural heritage. But fear not, for fish specialities are also present at some participating restaurants for the seafood enthusiast to savour.

High quality pre-loved and upcycled furniture and much more