Understated sophistication, offering a refined setting for gatherings big or small, with international dishes infused with Algarve flavours and a touch of originality
– December 19, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio
In the heart of Portimão, Xarme restaurant offers a sophisticated setting for private gatherings, be it weddings, christenings, or just for a quiet, refined meal.
A family-run business, Xarme is the brainchild of Sofia Iavorschi, along with her mother Elena Efros and her younger sister Ina-Catalina Savciuc, all hailing from Porumbeni, Moldova.
The restaurant, which opened in August 2021, marks a departure from traditional concepts, blending fine dining with meticulous aesthetics.
The family’s journey to Portugal began over two decades ago when Sofia’s father, Mihail Efros, moved to the Algarve, setting the groundwork for their Portuguese culinary venture. In 2015, the family opened Fourchette, a casual eatery in the Aqua shopping centre in Portimão, catering to lovers of Portuguese cuisine. This experience solidified Sofia’s aspiration for a more refined concept, resulting in Xarme – a name inspired by the Portuguese word ‘charme’, meaning ‘charm’, reflecting the restaurant’s emphasis on quality and finesse.
Armed with a degree in Management, which she started at The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) and finished in 2014 at the University of the Algarve’s School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, in Portimão, Sofia decided to fulfil her mother’s dream opening her own business.
Drawn to the location’s size and allure, the family saw immense potential in a site that had been closed for 15 years, meticulously refurbishing it to embody a vision of timeless elegance.
“We opted for simple but distinctive decorations and thought about everything in detail, prioritising what we believe makes all the difference, such as flowers and candles on the tables, light and neutral tones, and comfortable chairs,” said Sofia.
The care in presentation extends to the menu, reflecting the restaurant’s ethos of understated sophistication. From tasty appetisers to desserts, Xarme’s offerings strike a balance between creativity and tradition.
The restaurant’s selection goes beyond the expected, tempting diners with an inventive mix of Portuguese and international flavours.
An assortment of traditional and unique tastes greets you from the outset, with starters that features not just bread and olives, but also Algarve carrots, octopus, and cod salad, alongside surprising additions like beetroot with orange, smoked aubergine, celery with apple, and a house-made jam. These starters are more than just an introduction; they are a promise of the culinary delights to come.
Signature appetisers include sautéed prawns with garlic, olive oil, and chilli, flambéed with brandy and coriander; papaya stuffed with prawns and a traditional cocktail sauce; goat cheese with baked apple on a bed of tomato jam, arugula, and walnuts; and a refreshing salmon tartare with mango and coriander. Each dish, meticulously crafted, is designed to linger in the memory long after the meal ends.
For the main course, Xarme offers a diverse array of fish and meat dishes, each with its own unique twist. Diners seeking something distinct might enjoy the braised sea bass fillet with a pistachio crust, paired with lemon risotto, Sicilian pesto, and asparagus.
For a taste of the Algarve, the roasted octopus tentacles with sweet potatoes, onions, and peppers offer a classic yet elegant option. Meat lovers will find equal delight in the duck magret, served with a mango and orange chutney, or the grilled fillet steak with a choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce.
Dishes designed for sharing include the monkfish and shrimp rice in Mediterranean broth or a generous 950g veal cutlet served with a rich pepper and mushroom sauce. For pasta lovers, the grilled aubergine and courgette “lasagna” with creamy tomato, mushrooms, and coconut milk sauce, as well as the risottos (shrimp and mushroom) are always a hit.
Chef Alexandru Nazare is the creative force behind Xarme’s menu. Originally from Tecuci, Romania, and residing in Portugal for the past 17 years, chef Alexandru is largely self-taught, having honed his skills in well-known Algarve establishments such as Taste, in Carvoeiro, and River View Rooftop, in Silves.
“I like to take risks, experiment, and come up with distinct combinations after a lot of study and various attempts,” he explains.
His dishes fuse international inspiration with local produce, resulting in what he describes as “an international mix in which Algarve flavours stand out with a touch of originality and madness”.
The restaurant’s wine selection, curated by front-of-house manager Luís Coutinho, enhances the dining experience. A native of Portimão with over three decades of hospitality experience, Luís prides himself on a diverse list that prioritises regional labels, with selections from Douro, Dão, Bairrada, and Alentejo.
“We have a great and balanced variety of wines in terms of regions across the country that I explore according to the customer’s taste,” Luís explains, highlighting that around 80% of the wines on their list are not available in supermarkets.
For those in search of something a bit different, Luís recommends the sparkling sangria with red fruits, a refreshing choice for any occasion.
To end on a sweet note, the chef’s specialties include a classic tiramisu served in a glass, as well as a comforting tarte Tatin, paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and toasted almonds.
Whilst Xarme’s current ambience is already plenty inviting and comfortable, there are plans to enhance the outdoor terrace to create a cosy, year-round retreat.
“The idea is to make it even more comfortable for those who come just for a cocktail or aperitif before dinner,” Sofia shares.
The enclosed terrace will ensure guests can enjoy the space even during winter, adding an extra dimension to the restaurant’s appeal.
Whether it’s an intimate meal for two or a larger celebration, Xarme offers a serene and private dining experience, with flexible menus tailored to groups of up to 80 People (reservations required).
The attention to detail and focus on quality, from the décor to the dishes, make Xarme a standout choice in Portimão’s dining scene – an experience where elegance meets innovation.
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