Praia Dourada – From lunch to summer vibes by the sea

And that’s exactly what happened to us! Located directly on the beach, it combines a restaurant, beach bar, loungers and sunbeds, so you can have lunch overlooking the sea, move to the sand for a drink while listening to the DJ and then spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of their beach beds.

And these are not just traditional sunbeds. They are large, comfortable double beds with a stylish net providing shade, which makes it very tempting to stay much longer than originally planned.

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We have visited Praia Dourada several times before, but until now we had always just stopped for a drink after a walk along the beach. I could always tell that the place had a very relaxed, “weekend-y” atmosphere. Sitting there overlooking the beach just feels good, so this time we decided to properly try the restaurant as well.

We visited for Friday lunch, and my first impression was that the restaurant is completely my style. It is right on the beach, with large windows offering beautiful sea views, maritime-inspired décor and plenty of rattan details hanging from the ceiling. Together with the friendly welcome from the staff, it was a great start.

Then I opened the menu, saw they had sushi, and honestly didn't need to look much further.

Our waiter told us they also had fresh fish as the recommendation of the day, but I couldn't resist trying the sushi in such a beautiful setting. We were given two menus: the regular menu and the Crudos Hawaiian menu, which includes sushi, poke bowls, beach snacks and signature dishes such as white fish with smoked salmon pearls and salmon ceviche with sweet potato fries.

My partner went for another recommendation from the staff and apparently one of the restaurant's most popular dishes – Korean BBQ glazed ribs with fragrant rice, sesame and chives.

There is actually quite a lot to choose from if sushi isn't your thing. The regular menu includes comfort bowls such as beef red Thai curry with jasmine rice and monkfish with coconut rice. Among the Josper grill mains are soba noodles served with a choice of chicken, giant prawns or tofu with sweet chilli sauce. And there are plenty of lighter options too, including a quinoa Buddha bowl and fresh tuna salad.

Before the mains, we ordered sautéed prawns with garlic and cherry tomatoes to share, served with toasted bread.

We were also told that their passion fruit sangria was worth trying, so we had to give it a go. I don't normally drink alcohol, but I occasionally enjoy a glass of sangria during the summer, especially when it comes with plenty of fruit. And this one certainly did. The jug arrived packed with apples, oranges, lemons, strawberries and passion fruit. It was the exact drink you want with lunch by the beach.

The cocktail menu is also tempting, with options including Spicy Pineapple, Watermelon Fizz and Caribbean Spritz. For something fresher on a hot summer day, there is also a selection of pressed juices, including the Guilty, made with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and fresh coconut water.

Our seafood starter was delicious, and then the mains arrived. I chose salmon maki and salmon sashimi, and before even tasting them, I loved the presentation - with caviar on top and soy sauce served in a little pipette.

And thankfully it wasn't only about presentation. It was genuinely some of the best sushi I have had.

Then came time for a dessert.

At another table, we had noticed people drinking coconut water straight from fresh coconuts, so we told our waiter we would love to try one. He suggested pairing it with the mango pavlova with chocolate ice cream, and it turned out to be a great recommendation. The flavours worked surprisingly well together.

Even the coconut arrived with its own little presentation, served on a plate surrounded by crushed ice and small pieces of fruit, with a straw inside.

After such a great meal, we thought our visit was pretty much over. In reality, it was only the beginning of our afternoon.

We moved from the restaurant to the loungers on the sand for a coffee and, eventually, decided we weren't ready to leave at all. Luckily, one of the beach beds was still available, so we took it and stayed.

The atmosphere outside was completely different from a traditional beach concession. A DJ was playing, people were enjoying cocktails, and some even started dancing. At the same time, it still felt relaxed enough to lie down, look at the sea and just enjoy the afternoon.

The staff even offered to open our coconut after we had finished the water so we could eat the inside. Another small touch, but one we appreciated.

What started as Friday lunch turned into several hours by the beach and probably one of the best starts to a weekend we have had so far this summer.

Praia Dourada also regularly hosts larger events with DJs and live singers, particularly during the summer months. It is part of the VILA VITA Parc collection, and the level of service definitely reflects that connection, while the atmosphere remains casual and easy-going.

The dress code is casual, and children of all ages are welcome, making it a place that works just as well for families during the day as it does for those looking for drinks, music and a livelier beach atmosphere later on.

Address: Rua da Praia, 8365-114 Armação de Pêra

Reservations: +351 282 310 230