Vibes: minimalistic, luxurious; bring a a special friend or two to enjoy this 14-course dinner before a floor-to-ceiling glass window vista into the ocean Tasting notes: - Tafelspitz: depth of broth flavor was unparalleled; tartlet was crispy with vegetable spheres - Barnacle: served on a surfboard, seaweed-forward - Blue belly shrimp: a savory macaron - O-toro: beautifully marbled tuna atop a crispy puff filled with a savory liquor - Bread service: the most beautifully presented butter I have ever seen on an ornate tile - Lesser slipper lobster: very savory pudding with slices of sweet meat - Teardrop peas: almost felt like eating caviar; sole was perfectly cooked - Sea bass: very crispy skin; finished tableside with drops of pistachio - Moray Eel: crispy, foamy, savory, creamy, this dish had it all -Francesinha: a very fancy "croque madame"; surprisingly hard to cut with a knife - Quail Piri Piri: extremely tender meat; 3 drops was just enough spice for me - Al Capone's favorite: a slightly salty sweet transition into dessert - Geisha Coffee: fragrant from passionfruit and coffee, snappy and creamy -Petit Fours: bonbon jewels to finish Other thoughts: - Beautifully crafted cards provided gastronomic facts for each dish - Dishes and silverware were intentionally set down - Service was friendly and attentive - Above meal was very filling - Love that a vegetarian menu is an option Impression: a once-in-the-lifetime experience with textures and flavors and a stunning view you won't have anywhere else! read more

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Creative masterpiece! Love the thoughtful journey the chef brings us upon so dinner isn't just delicious food that tickles our taste buds but it also creates a sparkle in our eyes as we are presented incredible aesthetic dishes in a beautiful setting. Ocean is part of the Villa Vita Park resort - and holds incredible ocean views. The service is top notch and really polished (from the presentation, plating, demeanor and engagement). The menu changes annually - in 2022, it was influenced by the chef's trip to Mozambique and reflected the journey around Africa. You're presented a scroll that tells the journey and the staff explain how each course is tied into that journey. For 2023, we were told it may Brazilian influenced. It is a fixed menu so no decisions needed. Expect many small courses that delight the senses. Our favorite dish was the oyster with fresh shaved ice (performed table side!) along with the bread/butter (presented in a tackle box with layered flavors in a fish shape). Every course had a story such as the chocolate ice cream celebrating African women - presented as part of the head. Overall, a fun experience and good value (especially compared to same Michelin experience in California or New York) Note/Tip: it's not listed on their website but corkage is 45 euros if you're bringing in your bottle which felt a bit excessive but their wine/drink options were quite expensive so it's a decent option if you'd rather BYO. read more

Restaurante Ocean - Full courses - Nov 2022 - Signature Cuisine Near Me - Lagoa, 08

I often tell people that in order to truly appreciate an ultra high end restaurant, you need to be there for more than the food. You have to understand the elements of history that go into the dish, appreciate presentation, unique ingredients, flavor combinations, etc. In essence, most of these Michelin star restaurants are trying to stimulate all five senses instead of just one (taste) and because they can do that every single time, this is why they are considered among the best restaurants in the world. I still believe that, but if Restaurante Ocean was judged purely on taste, it would be the best place I have ever eaten (for context, I've eaten at a number of restaurants ranked in the World's Top 50 and quite a few Michelin starred restaurants). Adding in the fact that they also amazed on every level of service, atmosphere, and presentation, I'm stunned this is not considered at least a top 5 dining destination in Europe. I thought Belcanto was also a 5 star experience, but truly, Ocean was on another level. Since every tasting menu is different, let me just say overall that the concept of Ocean's "Voyage to India" was perfectly executed. Moving the flavors from different regions of the world parallel to the Portuguese travel to India was a remarkable idea. It also allowed for a wide assortment of flavors featuring inspiration from across the globe including Antarctica, Mozambique, India and of course Portugal. Aside from the pure artistry from each dish, the flavor combinations never failed. Each bite was perfectly designed with multiple dishes being among the best I have eaten at any restaurant across the globe. The dining room itself is absolutely magnificent with some tables even having a gorgeous view of the ocean at night. Service was perfection with each dish being described in English, cocktails being modified to my liking, and keen observation of every individual guests' needs. I have included a few photos with some descriptions so that you can get a sampling of what Ocean does. Keep in mind that the menu may change by the time you book this experience. But I would also suggest that you just book the restaurant and prepare to be dazzled beyond your wildest imagination. In my mind, Ocean is easily better than Quintonil which was recently ranked #9 in the entire world. If that doesn't give you an idea of what I think of this experience, I don't know what to tell you. read more

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I've eaten all over the world (including what has been recently ranked as the #1 restaurant in the world), and this place equals them all. I'm not sure why it hasn't earned its 3rd star. It deserves it. The menu was inspired by the Portuguese traveler, Vasco da Gama, on his way to India in search of a sea route to the East. What a fantastic way to showcase the length, breadth and depth of food possibilities. I won't detail each course, of which there were approximately 14, but I will say that each course was impeccably created and served. Service and food was what one would expect at a three star Michelin restaurant. read more

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Two star Michelin Hans Neuner pulls off one of the most beautiful and artful masterpieces of fine cuisine I've ever had. With incredible views of the... Ocean. Staff that is friendly, professional and spot on with their service (ie, got up to use their restroom and 1. The hostess walked me all the way back to my seat to tuck me in and 2. They didn't fold my used napkin, they gave me a brand new one) Each dish is beautiful, incredibly creative and wonderfully executed. There was nothing I didn't like. Most Michelin restaurants these days (especially in NY) hits you with truffle, uni, or foie gras to win you over since they are the popular ingredients. Chef Neuner does none of that. Instead, he puts together fresh ingredients and artfully masters the look and flavor for you with his innovative techniques to the likes I never seen. Eleven Madison, Per Se, Chef table, or Le Bernadin pales in comparison to what Ocean brings to the culinary table. This restaurant would easily be a 3 star and actually should be. Hands down - best dining experience I've ever had. read more

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This is a restaurant my family and I still talk about. The food was absolutely amazing. I can be a picky eater sometimes and wasn't too excited about some of the courses but I ate every single bite. Amazing presentation and stunning flavors. They were even able to keep up with my mock-tail orders (I like to try all that a restaurant has for mock-tails). A nice blend of seafood and meats. The service was also spectacular. They served by eldest women first to youngest man last in a traditional fashion. All the plates came out at once and were served in unison. A waiter would then describe the plates. They even were able to find a waiter who spoke German to come and describe the plates to my grandparents (who they realized only spoke German, when I would attempt to re-describe everything for them). As soon as someone would stand up, a waiter would rush to push in the chair or help them to the restroom. Napkins were then changed and new silverware was set up. The view was also stunning and perfect for an evening dinner. With regards to COVID-19 precautions, they were stellar. We were provided with a mask holder at the beginning of the service to stow our masks and were asked to sanitize our hands prior to entry into the restaurant. Service were wearing masks and gloves for our protection. If anyone left their table without a mask, they would kindly ask them to put one on. read more

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Over the top and unbelievable. Worth every penny. The wait staff was amazing, the setting is incredible and the food was out of this world!! Will add more to this post when I have more time! Call and make your reservation!! I have tons of photos ... I hope I can add them. Be sure to see my menu -- it lists everything that was offered in the six course menu, however they inserted a number of other dishes from the chef as well. read more

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This was an epic meal - every part of it! It's fine dining at its best and not only are they creative, the theme of this whimsical meal was very coherent. It mainly revolves around "the ocean" and boy, was the seafood good. Every bite was a perfectly planned delicious piece of art. The service was perfect and to top it off, the restaurant opens up to a beautiful view of the water as the sun sets. read more

I came here with two friends and thoroughly enjoyed the food and the experience. We made our reservations a few months in advance and had no problem getting the date that we wanted. I used their website to send a message that way. A staff member replied and helped with securing the reservation. This included noting any dietary restrictions. The restaurant is attached to a massive hotel, which has spacious and beautiful grounds. We got there a little early, as we were staying in Lagos and didn't want to be late. We opted to grab a drink at the hotel bar, which also had a lovely outdoor space. Just word to the wise if you get there early.... The decor of the restaurant is somewhat minimalist, but definitely has a maritime feel to it. Tables are spread out, so you almost feel like you have a private dining experience. The staff was exceptionally friendly, proactive, and engaging. They work extremely hard to provide a wonderful experience for diners. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings. Seafood was prominently featured during the evening. Aside from the seafood, there was an interesting twist on chicken piri piri. I go back and forth about adding photos of the food, but I enjoyed being surprised as items came out, so I'm refraining from putting them up here to hopefully give you that same experience. As you end the evening, dessert was excellent (due to the time of year it revolved around berries) and Portuguese sweet wines like port and Madeira were featured. While the experience is a splurge, it's definitely worth it. We also went to Vila Joya and if I had to rank them, personally I'd give Ocean a slight edge. We took Uber from Lagos to get there which was quite easy. The restaurant arranged for a taxi ride back, which is worth noting to them as I suspect several diners are also guests at the hotel. No need to drive there if you don't want to - makes it easier to enjoy the wine with the meal. read more

Two Michelin stars, delightful wine Pairing, intimate venue, very much avant-garde styled cuisine with about 16 courses. Small venue right on the ocean on the Algarve coast if oortugal. read more

Unmatched staff and service. Food was excellent but typical small single bite portions. This is a must go to while in Portugal if you are a foodie read more

Wonderful experience! This is the Algarve's only Michelin 2 star restaurant. The staff and service are impeccable. We had the 6 course option plus premium wine pairing. Every course was an explosion of flavor. Likewise, the wines included in the pairing were exquisite. I high recommend Ocean if you visit the Algarve. read more