Quinta da Amendoeira - The Farmhouse

The meals were a real highlight, easily among the best dining experiences we’ve had. Everything was fresh, refined, and carefully made. Miguel was also kind and attentive from our reservation right through checkout, which made the stay more memorable. The atmosphere and all the little details felt thoughtfully done. We’ll definitely come back.

The food was the best part for us. Breakfast was fresh, with superb homemade croissants and jams, and we loved both dinners. We tried the chef’s tasting menu the first night and ordered from the menu the next. I’ll always remember the crispy river eel, and my girls still talk about the milk and chocolate mousse dessert. We were a family of five and stayed two nights in mid March. The property is beautiful, and the kids loved the playground, wandering around the farm, and saying hello to the sheep. The pool looked lovely, but it was far too chilly for us to swim. Our connecting rooms worked well, and the kids were delighted by the shower skylight. The staff were wonderful and patient, even when we sometimes needed Google Translate because we don’t speak Portuguese. Just down the road there’s a cute little zoo and a cheese factory and store, which the kids enjoyed on our short visit. This was a highlight of our Portugal trip, a calm, peaceful place to enjoy the countryside.

We came in the evening tired and hungry, expecting to eat at the restaurant, which had been highly praised in reviews. Although it was still within opening hours, staff said the whole restaurant was reserved for another group. Nobody had told us beforehand, and they offered no alternative, not even something simple to bring to the room. We ended up ordering McDonald’s, hardly what you expect at a place like this. It felt ridiculous. Breakfast was disappointing too. There were bits of eggshell in the scrambled eggs, and no vegetables available. The apartment itself was tidy and fairly spacious, so generally comfortable, but the bathroom’s heavy glass door didn’t close properly and gave very little privacy. It felt like style had won over practicality.

We really enjoyed the chef experience, and breakfast was delicious each morning. The apartment was lovely, comfortable, and well equipped, with a relaxing pool area and peaceful grounds. We also liked reading about the location’s history. Friendly staff and excellent service made the experience fantastic, from the room and food to the hospitality.