Our beloved Beach Shack

Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia – the beautiful varieties of Pan-Asian cuisine are rare in Portugal. There are only a few tasty restaurants in the largest cities. That’s why the owner of the Vila Joya invited Chef Rafael to create with the team a special Pan-Asian cuisine concept based on this rich treasure trove of ingredients and flavors.

Born and raised in Brazil, but a grandson of Japan, Chef Rafael is a unique amalgamation of cultures and traditions and his cuisine dutifully reflects that fact, providing a unique gastronomic journey. Steeped in Japanese discipline and utilizing the finest fish and seafood from our coast, his cooking prioritizes the elegance of simplicity and celebrates the inherent flavors and textures of every cherished ingredient.

“Vila Joya’s discerning head barman, Nathan Otten, created a selection of signature cocktails to enhance the flavours of every dish. (…) “It’s about the quality of the ingredients, having the absolute best and treating them with respect, making the flavours shine and presenting them beautifully,” he says. (…) Passionate about his trade and possessing an incredible knowledge of every substance’s provenance, Otten makes a point of telling a story with every cocktail.” — Essential Algarve Magazine