Cuisine: International | Price: about €70 for 2, tasting menus often available

The marina in Vilamoura is an amazingly beautiful location to spend a sun drenched day or a warm Algarvian night. There are restaurants bars and shops galore. Traditionally, the dining experience has been somewhat lackluster because, hey, after all, visitors are here for the fantastic views of the yachts and the ocean, not fine cuisine.  Thankfully, popular Algarve-based chef Jonnie Pratt has moved in to the marina to change our perception of marina dining.

Jonnie Pratt is an affable Irishman who has trained in fine hotels and restaurants from Dublin to Dubai and Porto to Penina. It is this diversity in experiences that is his inspiration for his innovative international cuisine.

On a recent Sunday, for starters, Jonnie offered octopus carpaccio with tomato mousse, duck liver parfait with red onion chutney, grilled aubergine roulade with a garlic mousse and a Caesar salad. Succulent main courses included roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding & horseradish sauce, roast belly of pork with apple sauce, spinach & ricotta cannelloni, crispy garlic chicken on rosti and fish & seafood pot au feu. Desserts range from lemon almond sorbet and crème caramel to New York baked cheesecake and tiramisu.

The ambiance at Uniko is light, white and airy. Many of the walls are glass so that diners can take advantage of the spectacular views of the marina. An outside terrace in front allows for dining al fresco. Just a few steps further, guests can enjoy the full marina experience sitting over the water on a special deck platform.

Champagne, tapas and sunset, anyone? Stop by Uniko Vilamoura for a unique and memorable Algarvian celebration.

For more information, it’s best to follow Uniko Vilamoura on Facebook. There, Jonnie will keep you updated on new menu items, daily specials and themed events.

Jonnie Pratt’s Uniko Vilamoura | Marina Vilamoura, Loja 21 (Center in the marina promenade, just below the Irish Cabin) | +351 289 302 232 | unikovilamoura@hotmail.com | Open daily – 11:00 to Late