The story
At Willie's, Chef Michelin Willie Wurger invites you to experience modern international cuisine driven by mastery and passion. Located in a quiet residential area of Vilamoura, near the Pinhal golf course, this restaurant offers a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere where high standards in both cooking and service are consistently maintained.
Chef Willie Wurger's journey began in Germany, where he grew up in a family that placed great emphasis on food. His early help in the kitchen sparked a deep interest in the culinary arts. After training at the Hotel School in Passau, he worked as a trainee chef in several one and two-star Michelin restaurants across Germany. He was then offered the position of Executive Chef at Relais & Châteaux Hotel La Reserve in the Algarve.
Two years later, he returned to Germany to earn his Master Chef Diploma at the Bavarian Hotel School. During his eight years at La Reserve, he was awarded a Michelin star in 1989—the first Michelin star ever for the Algarve region. He later moved to Restaurant São Gabriel, which quickly became a highly successful establishment, earning another Michelin star just two years later.
After seven years, Willie and his wife Laila opened their own restaurant, Willie's, in Vilamoura. The restaurant held a Michelin star from 2006 to 2019—a source of immense pride as it was his own establishment. The team continues to innovate their gastronomic offer, aiming to recover the star and enhance the guest experience.
The menu at Willie's is a testament to a unique style of modern international cuisine, with a focus on author cooking. Diners can explore a selection of starters, main courses, and desserts, all crafted with the perfectionism and dedication that define Chef Willie's approach. The restaurant is open for dinner from 19:00 to 23:00, closed on Sundays, and offers air conditioning as well as outdoor seating. A carefully curated wine menu complements the dining experience.
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