Recently we had the pleasure of once again dining at Amara Restaurant, located within the exquisite Four Seasons resort in Quinta do Lago, and I must say it truly is a credit to a restaurant when the food, service, and setting are consistently utterly superb and make for an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a serene ambience that always sets the tone for a memorable evening.
The decor is elegant and exudes sophistication and luxury, with tasteful furnishings, soft lighting, and panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. The attention to detail in creating a refined and intimate dining atmosphere is on point. The new addition of the terrace now provides an even better dining experience, for those who wish to dine al-fresco with views over the golf course and the Loule hills in the distance. The terrace has also worked its magic on the dining experience within the restaurant too, as it has just opened up a previously fairly narrow dining area and has added an amazing light throughout.
Moving on to the culinary experience, we had a variety of dishes to gain the full dining experience to suit all palettes. I think it’s fair to say that Amara is within the top 5 restaurants in the Algarve, it’s exceptional and from a price-point, based on the setting, service and exquisite food is inexpensive. It’s Michelin-level dining at a fraction of the price and with no compromises whatsoever. The intimacy of the restaurant adds to its charm.
The menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, each crafted with precision and showcasing the finest ingredients. From the very first bite to the last, every dish is a culinary masterpiece. The flavours were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was nothing short of artistry. Whether you are a seafood lover, a fan of grilled meats, or seeking vegetarian options, Amara offers something to tantalise every palate. The service at Amara is equally impeccable. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. They went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our dining experience was flawless. From making thoughtful recommendations to providing personalised service, the team at Amara truly understands the importance of creating a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. One standout feature of Amara is its extensive wine list. Amara is a culinary gem that exceeds all expectations. With its refined ambience, exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and impressive wine selection, it is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Amara is the perfect choice whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply looking to indulge in an extraordinary dining experience.
Meals chosen:
Soda Bread and lemon bread (made daily)
Foie Gras Ganache with Beetroot Textures served with Toasted Brioche
Fillet of Stuffed Sole with Shrimp, Carrot Purée, Grilled Courgette and Coconut and Carrot Sauce
Hamachi fish mosaic with tomato tartar
Roasted Duck Breast with Butternut Pumpkin Puree, White Asparagus, Crispy Egg Yolk and Duck Sauce with Kombu and Shitake
Grilled Steak with Salsify, Shallot Puree, Shitake, Padron Peppers and Chimichurri Sauce
Seared lamb loin with beets, red cabbage and a lamb jus
Creamy Mango coconut and passion fruit sorbet
Salted Caramel Tart coffee crumble and ice cream
Snickers chocolate and peanut mousse, crispy peanuts, caramel and vanilla ice cream
3 Course Menu
2 dishes + dessert €45
Optional wine pairing €26
4 Course Menu
3 dishes + dessert €55
Optional wine pairing €31
Describing an exceptional dining experience, two standout dishes stole the spotlight. The seared lamb loin, exquisitely cooked to perfection, boasted a delightful medley of earthy notes from beets and red cabbage. All this was elegantly cradled in succulent lamb jus, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavours
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The other real showstopper was the Snickers dessert, a masterpiece of culinary craftsmanship. Ingeniously capturing all the familiar flavours of the classic Snickers bar, this dessert transcended expectations with its fine dining twist. An indulgence not meant for sharing, it left us in awe, a testament to its sheer brilliance.
Choosing these two extraordinary dishes from a standout menu was undoubtedly a challenge, as both exemplified the artistry and expertise of the culinary team. In a world of gastronomic delights, these exceptional creations stood tall, leaving us with an unforgettable dining experience.
