Within the walls of Loulé’s medieval castle, CaféZïque appears in a charming two-storey house overlooking the cobbled streets, with views over the Algarve hills. In a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, the duo Leandro Araújo (chef) and João Valadas (sommelier) offers author-driven cuisine with a Portuguese soul and international influences, based on regional produce and showing a strong bond with the sea. Presented in two tasting menus and à la carte options, the experience begins on the rooftop with a welcome cocktail and continues with dishes such as Choco grelhado (grilled cuttlefish) with coriander and kumquat, Panang de abóbora manteiga (butternut Panang curry) with mustard seeds, or Enxaréu (Algarve-style fish dish) with ajo blanco (chilled almond-and-garlic soup), salted almond and fennel. The dessert of Amêndoa fumada (smoked almond) with fermented caramel and a touch of amarguinha (almond liqueur) reveals a sweet finale with an unmistakable Algarve accent.