Estaminé

Estaminé is a restaurant on Ilha Deserta, also known as Ilha da Barreta, a barrier island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park off Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The island has no road access, and the restaurant can be reached only by boat from Faro, a trip of about 45 minutes. It was rebuilt after a fire. The cuisine is fresh fish and shellfish, and the appeal is eating the day's catch in a protected lagoon setting among dunes and sandbars, far from the town. Fresh fish and shellfish are the signature, with the selection depending on what is landed. Specific dishes are not documented here, so visitors should ask about the catch on arrival. The atmosphere is relaxed and rustic, in keeping with a remote beach destination, where casual clothes and sandals are normal. Noise is low outside busy summer lunchtimes. Because the restaurant is reachable only by boat, most visitors combine the meal with a beach stop or a walk on the island. Drinks typically include Portuguese wines, beer and soft drinks, though the list should be confirmed on site. The restaurant is in the $$$ price range, and boat fare from Faro costs about €10 (roughly $11.50) return, which should be added to the cost of the meal. Hours are listed as daily from 10:30 to 18:00 by Time Out, while Visit Portugal gives 10:30 to 19:00, so the restaurant operates as a daytime venue. Visitors should phone +351 917 811 856 before travelling, as a lifecooler entry notes group-only dinners, and an island trip depends on boat timetables and weather. Booking ahead is advisable in summer. Return boat times should be checked before sitting down to a long lunch, as the last departure limits the day.