Villa Joya – Albufeira, Portugal
Vila Joya – Stunning views
Online Reservations | |
Estrada da Galé, 8200-416 Albufeira, Portugal | |
+351 289 591 795 | |
http://www.vilajoya.com |
Chef: Dieter Koschina & Stefan Langmann
The famous Vila Joya Hotel is located at an exclusive location along the Algarve coast. Offering breathtaking views on the ocean and the hills nearby, Vila Joya offers their guests an unforgettable experience. The boutique hotel was once a private villa, in which the Jung family spent more than 25 years transforming the property into one of the best and most luxurious hotels in Portugal.
Restaurant Vila Joya is the famous gourmet restaurant of the boutique hotel Vila Joya. Both the hotel and the restaurant share the same philosophy: offer their guests a luxurious and intimate experience with only the best that Portugal has to offer.
The restaurant is located in the center of the hotel and from the terrace, diners enjoy marvelous views on the ocean, Galé beach and the beautiful greenery around the area. The interior is classical, mixing luxury and tradition. In summer season, most meals are served on the stylish outside terrace, which is located on the top of a small hill and only a few metres from the ocean. The close proximity of the sea makes that you can hear, smell and feel the ocean during your meal. Indeed, this stunning location makes Vila Joy definitely one of Portugal’s most exclusive dining environments.
Executive Chef Dieter Koschina is in charge of the kitchen of Vila Joya restaurant. The Austrian chef Dieter Koschina has an impressive experience record. He started with a training at some of Northern Europe’s best restaurants where he learnt the art of fine-dining and the focus on details. Today Head Chef Stefan Langmann assists him at Villa Joya. What is absolutely unique about Vila Joya is the fact that the menu changes every day. This way, hotel guests have the possibility to enjoy a totally different 6-course menu each and every single day. During lunch there also is an à la carte menu available, featuring some of the signature dishes of the chefs.
At Vila Joya, Dieter and Stefan combine local products with Northern-European inspired cooking techniques. They start from a classical base and offer pronounced and flavourful dishes to their guests. Top-quality products, lots of seafood, and beautifully prepared sauces are important aspects of his cuisine.
Attention to detail is not only important in the kitchen of Vila Joya: it is an aspect you will also find in the service, which is attentive, professional and discrete. The wines are selected and presented by French sommelier Arnaud Vallet. Guests can choose a bottle from the interesting wine menu, offering many Portuguese wines as well as a selection of international wines, or go for the interesting wine pairing option. For the full Vila Joya experience, try one of the tasting menus together with the wine pairing – you will not be disappointed. A must visit is also the impressive wine cellar!
Enjoying the wonderful view over the ocean we were served a nice line up of appetizers.
Dumpling from beef cheek with celery and coriander
Cornet with salmon tartar, green fish egg caviar
Ceviche with John Dory, avocado, kiwi and sauce of kiwi
Crisp with lobster, mango, tapioca
Toast with veal tartar and Parmesan cheese
Carabinero, jalapeno foam, avocado cream, tomato, flowers and herbs. A signature starter dish is the preparation with the famous Carabinero prawns from Portugal. They are served in a glass, with on the bottom an avocado cream, topped with a brunoise of tomatoes, nice pieces of slightly baked Carabinero prawn, jalapeno foam, and finished with some flowers and herbs. A stunning and delicious starter and one of the highlights of the evening.
Celery ravioli with lobster, cauliflower variations and caviar.
Quail, foie gras, brioche with pata negra
Turnip cabbage soup, tomato, gamba
Red mullet, squid, bell pepper vinaigrette
Lamb saddle, goat’s cheese, black garlic gnocchi
A meal at Villa Joya is an experience you will never forget. You are situated in one of the best settings possible, having a luxurious feast both for your eyes and taste buds. Enjoy!
Be-Gusto
Be-Gusto score: 8,3/10
Be-Gusto value for money: 8,3/10
Vila Joya
Estrada da Galé, 8200-416 Albufeira, Portugal
Phone: +351 289 591 795
Pictures by Belgian Taste Buds
Original review made for wbpstars.com. Discover the ultimate guide for food lovers, travellers and the restaurant business. Discover many thousands of images and hundreds of films of the most amazing culinary wonders in the world. An exclusive documentation of the very best.