O Zuca

Amazing food, definitely worth a visit and would come again! We had the cod fritters and squid for starters, then the seafood rice, seafood cataplana and mixed grill for our mains. So tasty and the seafood dishes could easily serve 3 people each!

Lovely dinner downtown. Friendly staff and superb nosh. Calamari were fresh and delicious. Sardines salad and vegs soup were also great. Diet coke and a beer: 26,50€. Good value for money

We had such a good dinner here. This little restaurant is on the hill down to the old town square, just outside the main touristy area. We had walked past a few times and noted there were more locals here than any other restaurant in the area so we decided to give it a go, and I am so glad we did. The staff were friendly, the service was quick, the prices were low - 33 for chicken piri piri, sea bass, wine, water and dessert. And the food was amazing. The chicken piri piri was the best thing I have eaten in Albufeira so far. It was extremely tasty. The amount of people we saw walk past the restaurant, not paying it any heed, and going onto the main square was insane. I would advise all of them to go here instead, they would almost definitely have a better meal.

Cataplana: EXCELLENT
Bolognese Spaghetti: EXCELLENT
Fish Soup: EXCELLENT

We went to this restaurant for 2 nights in a row because the food was absolutely delicious! It was our first time trying local Cataplana which was extremely fresh and well seasoned. Biggest surprise was the Bolognese and fish soup. The Bolognese definitely has some secret ingredients to its unique taste and the fish soup is the best we have ever tried. The waitresses are nothing but sweet and friendly! We were so happy that we discovered this place! Strongly recommend!

This place is near the mainsquare of Albufeira OldTown. Still a place who serve in the original Portugese way. Locals eat here often wich is a good sign. I love the food very much it makes me feel at home. The prices are very low to my standards. Enjoy.

Just really one corner away from the main plaza of Albufeira you can find this little gem.
It feels like you've travelled from party-town to some old Portuguese Village...it's a different world. In the most positive way.

Tables inside or a good numbers of tables outside, where you should be prepared to wait in high season.
We had our Bulldog with, so we took a seat outside. Service was fantastic, friendly and very helpful with explaining the menu. They got daily specials...some not on the menu. Just ask for it. We knew that they got grilled Squid somedays, so we tried our luck.

On the first night they didn't have any, but expected a fresh load on the next day. So we decided to dine here twice. On the first night we've had fried calamari, rice'n potatoes and shrimp. Salad on the side. All fresh, all good...not these frozen-rubbery calamari kind. Very down-to earth home cooking....meaning this as a compliment. Bottle of white wine with that. Prices are fair and the quality of the food and its ingredients high.

The next night we got the squids we hoped for, really fresh, simply but great prepared. Potatoes on the side as usual and a plate of fresh clams.

It's a brillant restaurant. Dishes seem simple and easy. But mostly these are the ones hard to pull off. And they did a wonderful job here. Authentic portuguese cuisine with a charming setting and a friendly and helpful staff. The Cataplana they served look tasty as well, but we didn't have time for another dinner here, since we had to move on further north.

You need to go here! It’s up a small hill from the main plaza between Vertigo and Sir Harry’s restaurants. This is typical Portuguese food and very affordable. It is delicious we tried to go earlier in the week but by 3 they were sold out so go early for lunch. The service is great and food is abundant and affordable.

Buonissimo cibo. E tipico Portuguese , non è turistico e il servizio fenomenale. Cercatelo, è tra i ristoranti Vertigo e Sir Harry’s.

The cataplana here is amazing. Great restaurant in Albufeira back street, just off the main square. Good value.

We ate there 3 times and tried several traditional dishes, all were excellent. Great food and good prices for being in a high tourist area.

I ordered the Grilled Sea Bass and I will never be the same. Best fish of my life

Every tourist in Albufeira should have lunch or dinner here at least once, this is all great Portuguese food. This place exists for decades and the Portuguese know to find it, it was was recently refurbished and is even nicer than before. It has a menu full of real Portuguese dishes. I had the francesinha and my guests had the octopus and the codfish, every dish was great and accompanied by the true traditional sides. In a town where you get fries with everything except for pizza, it is nice to have a place that knows "batatas a murro". The manager told me the cook is from the north and that explains a lot. Incredible to have a gem like this just 50 steps off the main square.

We have eaten three times in this amazing place. Im my opinion it's the best restaurant in Albufeira, around the corner from the main square but a world away from the touristy madness. The kids loved the huge Hamburgers and spaghetti and the fish dishes and salads were delicious and excellent value. The service was prompt and friendly. We are definitely going back before we leave Portugal.

Always my go to favourite place in many many years going. Very reasonable friendly and above all fantastic food. All the locals eat there - enough said

You feel like a local here. A sanctuary from all the noise in the middle of the city. We were really happy finding this place. Great seafood!

Amazing Amazing Amazing!!! Best restaurant in Portugal we've ever eaten. The fish soup is out of this world. Cataplana is very tasty and cheap compared to the other restaurants in the area. The shrimps are insanely fresh (being peeled for us in advance).

We came here 2 days in a row in the only 2 days we stayed in Albufeira. Even simple dish like the bolognese spaghetti is insanely delicious. The best spaghetti I've ever tried in my life.

The ladies in the restaurant are very friendly and warm-hearted.

Please come here and give this place a try. We were definitely blown away!!!

Great place to eat. Could be more comfortable, but taste is perfect.

Cozy, out of the way restaurant with an amazing cataplana. A great find! Recommended!

Situated in a back alley this place offers authentic Portuguese food. Lots of locals were having food there and I especially loved the fish soup! Great value for money! It does come with a corner shop vibe however.

Followed the backstreet to here on another reviewer recommendation looking for the best cataplana in Albuferia and oh boy was it. Cheaper than any of the locations along the beach or main old town this smaller restaurant is something you should be seeking out if you want good food and a nice atmosphere. The staff were all lovey and the food was simply amazing.

Also get the Sangria, recommend the larger jug for two people. And save your bread for the sauce of the cataplana .

Great authentic food for a super fair price. The service was very nice and friendly, we felt welcome. Great little oasis in a flood of overly touristic restaurants. Try the Cataplana here (for 2 people).