Beachfront Charcoal-Grilled Seafood in Quarteira
Forte Novo is the kind of laid-back restaurant you plan an afternoon around. Tucked just off the sand at R. do Poço Romano C, it’s a favorite for unhurried lunches where the vibe is easy, the tables feel holiday-ready, and the sea air sets the pace. If you’re in Quarteira and want a spot that feels close to the beach without the rush of the main strip, this is a solid pick.
The headline act here is the charcoal-grilled fish. Diners often point to how well the seafood is cooked—simple, smoky, and “cooked to perfection” when it comes off the grill. The standout order is the mixed platters: the mixed fish grill and the popular “Grelhada mista” (available as fish or meat) are routinely described as generous enough to share. It’s the type of platter that lets you sample a range of options from the menu, and it’s ideal for groups who want variety without overthinking the order. If you’re hungry after a beach day, you’ll appreciate the hearty portions and the straightforward, satisfying flavors.
What makes Forte Novo especially convenient for families is how much it caters to a full afternoon out. There’s a kids’ play area, and in the warmer months you’ll also find a pool for children—perfect when the little ones need a break from the sand. Summer brings extra atmosphere too, with live music outside adding a relaxed, holiday feel to dinner. And if the midday sun is intense (or you’re not a fan of outdoor distractions), indoor seating is a comfortable alternative—many visitors suggest it as the best option when it’s hot or when outdoor conditions aren’t ideal.
One thing to know: this is not a place for a rushed meal. Service can be on the slower side, so it’s best approached as a leisurely lunch or an early evening meal where you can settle in, chat, and enjoy the coastal setting. Choose your table based on the day—outdoors for breezy beach vibes, or indoors for a calmer, cooler meal—and you’ll understand why so many people make a point of coming back for those shareable platters and that smoky grill flavor.
Location
Nearby Listings
Add Review
Read More ReviewsAdd Review
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Ma GP
in the last weekWe had a great meal!!!
Helena Grönhagen
in the last weekThe waiter was not very friendly and the menu did not match what it said on the signs. The signs said there was vegan alternatives but the menu didn’t offer any. Not very pleasant atmosphere either.
Vermeulen Denis
a week agoOrla McGrath
a week agoLook, this place is incredibly, authentically Portuguese. I've been there quite alot over the last few weeks and I would defo recommend the place. The pool (which appears quite deep) is only 3 feet deep, this is IDEAL for my young children as they can't swim properly yet. The whole area is enclosed, the kid's can't escape without being noticed. The snack bar is handy and reasonably priced, considering you have access to a pool and a genuine uninterrupted sea view. There is also vegan snacks until 5pm. They now take card. The cocktails are reasonably priced and look amazing. The people that work there are either fluent in English or have enough to get their point across. My daughter locked herself into the toilet and they couldn't have been nicer. And the door was swiftly dismantled to get her out. There's a huge field next to it to park. The downsides? You'll get used to Pedro (or he'll get used to you!) and once he sees you enough you'll get a smile out of him The pool closing times are haphazard but, as I said, that's the Portuguese way 🤣 Next on my list in there is the seafood sharing platter for 4. I've seen the chef, he looks well seasoned, so I'm excited. I also need to try a cocktail. I'll update this once I do. Supporting local is important.
Natalia Pitropov
a week ago