Portimão, a city in the Algarve, is famous for the quality of its sardines. Our favorite place to enjoy the silver of the sea is Taberna da Maré (tavern of the tides), which opened in 1946. The current owner, Zeca Pinhota, restored the restaurant with great sensitivity and care, using the original floor mosaic, vintage furniture, and photos by Julio Bernardo, a photographer born a century ago in nearby Ferragudo.
The food is wonderful. When they are in season, between June and September, the sardines are the main event. But there are many other delicacies. We had a feast composed of razor-clam rice, fried fish with “açorda,” clams Bulhão Pato, and grilled fish eggs.
We told Zeca that his clams are amazing. “That’s because they come from the sea to the restaurant. They do not spend time in tanks, shedding weight and flavor.” Zeca explained. “I call the local fisherman first thing in the morning to ask about the catch of the day. I want to cook the best of what the tide brings.” And that is indeed what you get at the tavern of the tides.
Taberna da Maré is located at Travessa da Barca 9, Portimão, tel. 282 414 614.
Salt of Portugal 
Sardines are marvelous, especially in Portimao, the sardine capital of the world.
Precisely our kind of restaurant. On the list. Thank you 🙂
Reblogged this on The Portugal Years and commented:
The best sardines you can imagine when you eat them in Portugal.
Loved the grilled sardines we had in Nazare and Mastosinhos. But all of the fresh seafood we had throughout Portugal was awesome. This place looks so quaint and lovely.
It is a really nice restaurant with great food and ambiance.
Now I really must go east when we return this winter, great post, fabulous restaurant review
It is a great place!