The History of Retiro do Camponês

Teresa and João Mendes

Once upon a time there was a family of farmers in the Algarve from Vale Judeu, who worked the land and grazed animals. João Mendes, the head of the family, was born on this land, in this house. João’s restless, creative spirit meant he always enjoyed exploring the world and working out how things are done. This is what led him to transform his stables into a café. A love of cooking and socialising meant that João and Teresa threw themselves wholeheartedly at their new venture, which quickly became the family business, 21 years ago.

The stables became a restaurant, an extension of the family’s dining room. Breathing the clean air of the country, they wanted to add to the alchemy of the flavours of each dish, whether game, meat or fish. Contributing to the tradition of Portuguese cuisine, they keep it alive and on their table while maintaining the simplicity and refinement of a traditional family. The rustic interior, the decoration and the name came from João Mendes himself, who wanted to keep his roots alive. 

As society becomes more sophisticated, simplicity has become a luxury, and it is this return to what is real and simple that the family at Retiro do Camponês want to provide: a family home to for the extended family - their customers.

João Mendes left a significant legacy: a family of 5 children and a country house that opened its doors to the public, giving them a beautiful spread of real food made with love. Welcoming people in and serving them with modesty and few words, the way he did things, the way he always wanted to give his best and his inventive nature are what revealed his simple, down-to-earth nature.