Casa Velha is Quinta do Lago’s oldest restaurant address, just past Roundabout 6 inside the resort. The current kitchen, led by Chef José Botelho, is built around Portuguese petiscos – sharing plates with a contemporary touch – rather than a stiff tasting marathon. Expect local seafood and produce (including herbs and vegetables from Quinta’s own Q Farm), plus house signatures like Tavira oysters, CV codfish, and Casa Velha steak, backed by a sommelier-led wine list.
Open roughly 18:30-23:00 Monday to Saturday (kitchen until 22:00); closed Sunday. The courtyard and terrace matter as much as the plates on a clear evening. Good for Quinta and Almancil stays that want Portuguese sharing without star-rated formality. Skip it if you need Sunday dinner, or you’re after sushi and robata instead – that’s Umami at RESERVA.
Worth it? Yes, for a heritage Quinta table that still feels relaxed rather than ceremonial. Starred alternative: Gusto. Lake-casual afternoon: The Shack.