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[Lamby]

We have just returned home after another visit to our beloved Carvoeiro. After weather warnings prior to our trip due to extreme high temperatures, we were slightly disappointed with the weather during our eleven days in CVO. I expected better in June. We experienced quite a lot of cloud, particularly during the morning. While there, we tried one or two different eateries and one or two of our usual restuarants. We also tried two new venues in Tony's Bar and Terroir Bar.
Firstly one of our regulars: Ma Jas - always excellent. I have said it before, if it is good homely cooking served in a lovely environment with excellent hosts then this is the place for you. Mark takes great pride in his food and Jan is the perfect person for "front of house".
A Gale - once again they never let you down. Excellent meat dishes and very friendly staff.Only complaint is they do cram you in and you can end up sitting in close proximity to total strangers. Best policy is to talk to your neighbour rather than trying to be discreet
A Rede - we do enjoy our visits here. With the nicer weather and tables outside, dining inside was pleasant as there was plenty of space. Try the kebab or any fish dish. I hope owner Carlos gets better soon, he wasn't in when we visited as he has dodgy knees.
Vimar - wow! How disappointing. We have eaten here once before and were kept waiting ages. We thought we would try again, mistake. They were busy and in fairness said there would be a slight delay. 90 minutes after ordering we received our main course. My lamb chops were very nice but Liz's monk fish kebab was under cooked. When we complained the waiter laughed and said chef and been "quick" as they were busy. I also mentioned this when paying the bill and asked if they were prepared to offer a discount, I was told sharply no, "you have eaten everything". I said we did not as the fish was not cooked. After a discussion we left NEVER to return!
O Barco - never eaten here before. I always suspected them of being expensive due to location. Whilst I did pay more here than anywhere else the food was very good. My steak was excellent. Did feel a little rushed as we kept getting glances as they had people waiting for tables. Still, a nice experience.
Rascals - we had lunch here twice and the food was fantastic. The location is good and a light lunch with one drink each was 20 Euros. Very decent and enjoyable.
Tony's Bar - new for 2014. The last bar on the left on the out road next door to Harry's Bar. Fantastic. Clean & modern setting serving restuarant quality food at bar / diner prices. Seriously, visit Tony for breakfast, lunch or early evening meal, you won't be disappointed.
Finally, another new venture Terroir Bar - a sophisticated wine bar offering light meals. A beautiful environment and staff very eager to please. They have an excellent knowledge of all wines served and are happy to let you sample wine. Not cheap, we didn't eat but five glassed of wine were 23 Euros!!
All meals were on average 45 - 55 Euros for two people with drinks. Except O Barco, they were 73 Euros! Location, location, location!!
So, there it is, a brief synopsis of my visit to CVO. Not sure if anyone pays any attention but I enjoy writing it. Here's to the next visit

[joeysoap]

Good review Lamby. We were out in mid june and the weather was great, turning back a little bit on day we left (17th). Pity about Vimar, usually one of the old reliables.

[bruce]

Thanks for the review Lamby, thought it was just us that didn't get good service etc at Vimar!
Shame about the weather though.

[DVBRO]

Oh Lamby, love your reviews, as a tourist. Personally, I think they should be in the Restaurant section, however, as a resident, you mentioned some establishments I would never go to.
As for Vimar, I have to disagree. We often go there for a cheap and cheerful meal. Have never been disappointed with service, food quality price etc. the Boys and owner do a great job and we would recommend it to anyone.
Pity your not mobile as the real great Portuguese Restaurants are North of the 125 road. Frequented by locals and Immigrants like myself. Definitely worth exploring, but don't ask me where!

[cumbria sue]

We too would recomended Vimar ,never had a bad meal or poor service yet you maybe hit a bad night as all the restaurants do once in a while

[pete-flint]

Glad your wife got over the extraction, I'm sure a few port and brandys would have put her right.
The weather was fine until you turned up.
Didn't mean it . . . . Jonah.
A Rede is always good for fish, pity the plates arn't big enough for the portions they serve, they are large.
We went to "The Wolf" (ex Black Stove), had some very nice steaks there, a little pricey when the sides are taken into consideration, service the first visit was fine, but second visit was slow, due to diners on the balcony, inside and on the patio outside, it got a bit chaotic, but they are new and the season is young so they should get their act together soon, or get bad reviews on T.A. and here.

Glad you and your wife enjoyed your visit Lamby, pity we couldn't have had more time.

[snaj1]

Good review Lamby.
Although we will be staying at Monte Santo in a few weeks, we're hiring a car and hope to go to Alvor to try the food there.
We hope for some value for money lunches.
Once again good review

[Aldo]

DVBRO
can you tell me the name of the restaurants on the 'interior' worth a try please
We are due in CVO on Thursday and would like to venture out

[Lamby]

Thanks DVBRO. I do believe me and my wife do a few of the "touristy" restuarants and need to venture more towards Lagoa and Silves. We do always have a car so transport is no excuse. Whilst we have always taken the second driver option Liz had never driven in Portugal until this last visit. She quite enjoyed it and found it easier than she imagined. So, as I like a wine or three with my meal and she doesn't drink we agreed we will be more adventurous when we next visit. I am prepared to accept Vimar was a "one off" and a bad night, but boy was it bad! They were rude as we were leaving so I won't visit again.
It was good to meet you Pete. Next time hopefully we can have a beer and more of a chat. And yes, I am beginning to think it is me. The weather changed for the worse when we arrived in March and then again this June so I promise to post when we are next visiting so fellow members can avoid my dates!!!

[pete-flint]

I promise to post when we are next visiting so fellow members can avoid my dates!!!


Nice one Lamby.

[smudger]

Thanks Lamby for your interesting review of your recent trip.
Can totally agree with all you say about Ma-Ja's; A Gale; Rascal's and Tony's. Not yet managed up to the top of the hill to visit Terroir but hope to when I visit in August. If not then, when back again in September/October.
Can't comment on A Rede (last there several years ago), Vimar and O Barco (haven't eaten in either of them).
August visit is with my 2 sons plus their friends so hope to explore a few new restaurants to review for trip in September with my wife.
Canna wait until August and only 6 weeks away.............

[Wiltsie]

We were out for a long w/e across w/e of 21/22nd.

Ate in Happys twice, Haweli indian and Primavera. All great in their own way.

O Barco one lunchtime. Normally a fav of ours for a few lunchtimes when we're out in Sept, but not great food the other week. Small portion, undercooked fries and now really pricey for what you get. Shame because a fav of ours for some lunchtimes.