Restaurants
Jul 26th 2011, 7:27 am
#511
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
Hi Jon
We are fans of both Pousadas http://www.pousadas.pt/historic-hote...directory.aspx and Paradores http://www.parador.es/en/portal.do
A good site for information is http://www.manorhouses.com/
We used this for our first Pousada booking but now book direct although the prices are generally the same.
The trick is too look for the offers, being old there are plenty of deals if you book out of season, but do check out all the booking options as say going for the Golden days offer can at times be more expensive than other offers.
Also food in these places can be expensive with a limited menu.
I prefer to book places that are in or near towns so one has a choice of eateries.
Ayamonte we walk into town for an evening meal and taxi back, sometimes we go to the La Plaza shopping center for breakfast at a couple of € against the in house price of €16.
Sagres has excellent restaurants within metres of the Pousada
We visited the Pousada at Tavira without staying there but we were not too impressed we like places with balconies and views.
We are fans of both Pousadas http://www.pousadas.pt/historic-hote...directory.aspx and Paradores http://www.parador.es/en/portal.do
A good site for information is http://www.manorhouses.com/
We used this for our first Pousada booking but now book direct although the prices are generally the same.
The trick is too look for the offers, being old there are plenty of deals if you book out of season, but do check out all the booking options as say going for the Golden days offer can at times be more expensive than other offers.
Also food in these places can be expensive with a limited menu.
I prefer to book places that are in or near towns so one has a choice of eateries.
Ayamonte we walk into town for an evening meal and taxi back, sometimes we go to the La Plaza shopping center for breakfast at a couple of € against the in house price of €16.
Sagres has excellent restaurants within metres of the Pousada
We visited the Pousada at Tavira without staying there but we were not too impressed we like places with balconies and views.
Really good information - thanks. Ive put it in my file.
We also walk into Ayamonte from time to time.. (from CE that is) there are a couple of routes, and the 'long route' up by the farmhouse and under the motorway and crossing the industrial estate can be nice. Its also possible to get to Isla Canela/Punta del Moral from here - but we havent done that.
For a cheap meal on Wednesdays the 101 Montatidos at La Plaza used to have a 1 euro special - everything for an euro, you get quite a crowd then so theres a bit of atmosphere, in a sadly quietened upper floor of closed shops. I dont know if they are still doing that though.
Thanks for the info
Jon
Jul 26th 2011, 7:45 am
#512
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Ayamonte
Posts: 1,022
Re: Restaurants
Hi John, we love the Parador in Arcos de la Frontera (just outside of Jerez) it is in the most spectacular position and the food in the restaurant is amazing (although not cheap). All local dishes (e.g. rabbit, oxtail etc) and in my opinion the chef should have a Michelin star. Regards Bryony
Photo of view from Parador.
Photo of view from Parador.
Jul 26th 2011, 4:24 pm
#513
Joined a short while ago
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 75
Re: Restaurants
Spoke with friends of mine who have eaten at Gavins new place 4 times in 3 days. (both tapas and dinner menu) Has anyone else tried the new El Limonero restaurant, in Plaza La Lota, adjoining Bar Lotita?
Jul 26th 2011, 5:21 pm
#514
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: In your nightmares.
Posts: 834
Re: Restaurants
Actually no has mentioned it but the Chinese El Chino in Ayamonte is pretty good. Great value for money.We took some friends there who were over for a week.And they wanted to go back again,so we did couple of nights later.
My friend said jokingly to the waiter when we sat down that we should get a 10% discount for being regular customers.Lo and behold when bill came they had discounted 10% frm the total! Hows that for looking after your customers.
Jul 27th 2011, 8:22 am
#515
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
We ate at El Limonero on the opening night for the restaurant.Service was a bit slow but to be expected on first night.Menu is very extensive and interestesting. Food was excellent.
Actually no has mentioned it but the Chinese El Chino in Ayamonte is pretty good. Great value for money.We took some friends there who were over for a week.And they wanted to go back again,so we did couple of nights later.
My friend said jokingly to the waiter when we sat down that we should get a 10% discount for being regular customers.Lo and behold when bill came they had discounted 10% frm the total! Hows that for looking after your customers.
Actually no has mentioned it but the Chinese El Chino in Ayamonte is pretty good. Great value for money.We took some friends there who were over for a week.And they wanted to go back again,so we did couple of nights later.
My friend said jokingly to the waiter when we sat down that we should get a 10% discount for being regular customers.Lo and behold when bill came they had discounted 10% frm the total! Hows that for looking after your customers.
Is EL Chino the resto on the square next to the marina? Never tried it but they have some amazing priced menus at lunchtime. The guy I saw putting up the parasols was also the guy that works in the chinese shop next to the indoor market.
Is it busy?
Thanks
Jon
Jul 27th 2011, 8:44 am
#516
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2006
Location: Brentford
Posts: 492
Re: Restaurants
Usually looks quite busy.
Last edited by Steve and Pat; Jul 27th 2011 at 8:45 am. Reason: spelling; as usual
Jul 27th 2011, 10:28 am
#517
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 152
Re: Restaurants
Food was excellant...Good Luck to them.Ayamonte is in need of a really good
restaurant.
Sep 7th 2011, 5:36 am
#518
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
Hi
Found great new resto!
Firstly, Ive copied a link on another thread that recommends restos to bring the threads together.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=727793
I wrote this:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...53&postcount=7
If you follow this route in reverse, i.e the 'back road' from Monte Francisco to Altura you will see a signpost to a village called Rio Seco. It's rude to say 'middle of nowhere' - lets say 'off the beaten track' a small village of a few houses - some horses and ..... the resto Ze Da Tasca. 281 531 081
We went there yesterday and their dishes of the day at 7Euro were great. But on 2 occasions I found myself standing up and looking over the resto to see what was being served. Once a big 'paella tin dish' with a delicious looking tuna and onions and another time some great looking big steaks served on a wooden platter with a carving knife and fork. Yummmmmm! I wish I could understand Portugese so could understand all the options. But next time we are going 'off piste'... err 'off daily special' to try the other options.
The resto was packed on a Tuesday lunchtime and apparently get around 100 - 150 covers a day - its a place known to the locals and we thought we were the only tourists there. But we found another couple Portugese/French (we speak some French) that had come there from the western Algarve only because the resto was featured on the Portugese TV station RTP! And had some difficulty finding it. We bought them a drink: 2 big wines, 1 33cl beer and coffee all for 2.60 Euro! House white wine was good - and very cheap! Im sure the red is good too. Amazing find in this tiny hidden village! They actually have an English menu and there is a gentleman waiter that speaks some English (Mondays day off).
We also tried the new beach bar at Cabeco beach (the one just up from Praia Verde - drive towards M Gordo and turn right at the next sign after P Verde - and also mentioned in my post above ). Same company as the resto next door - but a very nice place with drinks etc Sushi and some more bar-type food. Bean bags on the beach - great! A 33cl beer was 1.50 so not a rip off either. So they dont compete with their neighbour. I used to recommend the neighbour resto (Sem Espinhas) but after the new resto on Praia Verde opened (http://www.pezinhosnareia.com/ ) - I shifted preference to that. And also because I got fed up after 3 times of being there being pushed more expensive wines and being charged for cheese we didnt have. I was also a bit embarrassed as I was with friends. Once a waiter less than half my age was recommending a 'better' wine and it turns out that he doesnt drink alcohol! Anyway its a nce location and the food is good, and the addition of beach bar makes that beach very appealing... they just need to sort out their service model.
We enjoy parking at Altura and walking to these restos on these beaches.... very nice and in Altura you get a 33cl fresh orange juice for an euro! Delicious after the walk! (About 30 mins)
Happy eating
Jon
Ps at 6:15 this morning we could hear the music and partying from the Ayamonte festival! All the way to CE!! We're planning to go to bed early and set the alarm for 2am to go there. Too old to do an all-nighter!
Found great new resto!
Firstly, Ive copied a link on another thread that recommends restos to bring the threads together.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=727793
I wrote this:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...53&postcount=7
If you follow this route in reverse, i.e the 'back road' from Monte Francisco to Altura you will see a signpost to a village called Rio Seco. It's rude to say 'middle of nowhere' - lets say 'off the beaten track' a small village of a few houses - some horses and ..... the resto Ze Da Tasca. 281 531 081
We went there yesterday and their dishes of the day at 7Euro were great. But on 2 occasions I found myself standing up and looking over the resto to see what was being served. Once a big 'paella tin dish' with a delicious looking tuna and onions and another time some great looking big steaks served on a wooden platter with a carving knife and fork. Yummmmmm! I wish I could understand Portugese so could understand all the options. But next time we are going 'off piste'... err 'off daily special' to try the other options.
The resto was packed on a Tuesday lunchtime and apparently get around 100 - 150 covers a day - its a place known to the locals and we thought we were the only tourists there. But we found another couple Portugese/French (we speak some French) that had come there from the western Algarve only because the resto was featured on the Portugese TV station RTP! And had some difficulty finding it. We bought them a drink: 2 big wines, 1 33cl beer and coffee all for 2.60 Euro! House white wine was good - and very cheap! Im sure the red is good too. Amazing find in this tiny hidden village! They actually have an English menu and there is a gentleman waiter that speaks some English (Mondays day off).
We also tried the new beach bar at Cabeco beach (the one just up from Praia Verde - drive towards M Gordo and turn right at the next sign after P Verde - and also mentioned in my post above ). Same company as the resto next door - but a very nice place with drinks etc Sushi and some more bar-type food. Bean bags on the beach - great! A 33cl beer was 1.50 so not a rip off either. So they dont compete with their neighbour. I used to recommend the neighbour resto (Sem Espinhas) but after the new resto on Praia Verde opened (http://www.pezinhosnareia.com/ ) - I shifted preference to that. And also because I got fed up after 3 times of being there being pushed more expensive wines and being charged for cheese we didnt have. I was also a bit embarrassed as I was with friends. Once a waiter less than half my age was recommending a 'better' wine and it turns out that he doesnt drink alcohol! Anyway its a nce location and the food is good, and the addition of beach bar makes that beach very appealing... they just need to sort out their service model.
We enjoy parking at Altura and walking to these restos on these beaches.... very nice and in Altura you get a 33cl fresh orange juice for an euro! Delicious after the walk! (About 30 mins)
Happy eating
Jon
Ps at 6:15 this morning we could hear the music and partying from the Ayamonte festival! All the way to CE!! We're planning to go to bed early and set the alarm for 2am to go there. Too old to do an all-nighter!
Last edited by Jon-Bxl; Sep 7th 2011 at 5:51 am. Reason: sleping mistaiks
Sep 7th 2011, 7:15 am
#519
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Ayamonte
Posts: 1,022
Re: Restaurants
Jon, you need to go earlier than that tonight as its when they do the flower offering and are all dressed in their finery.
Also brilliant new restaurant on the N125. About 2k before Cabanas on the right hand side (used to be a club next door to a car lot with yellow awnings). Set meals (fish or meat) including salad, potatoes, bread, olives, dessert and drink. Regards Bryony
Also brilliant new restaurant on the N125. About 2k before Cabanas on the right hand side (used to be a club next door to a car lot with yellow awnings). Set meals (fish or meat) including salad, potatoes, bread, olives, dessert and drink. Regards Bryony
Sep 7th 2011, 8:45 am
#521
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
Jon, you need to go earlier than that tonight as its when they do the flower offering and are all dressed in their finery.
Also brilliant new restaurant on the N125. About 2k before Cabanas on the right hand side (used to be a club next door to a car lot with yellow awnings). Set meals (fish or meat) including salad, potatoes, bread, olives, dessert and drink. Regards Bryony
Also brilliant new restaurant on the N125. About 2k before Cabanas on the right hand side (used to be a club next door to a car lot with yellow awnings). Set meals (fish or meat) including salad, potatoes, bread, olives, dessert and drink. Regards Bryony
Thanks
Jon
Sep 8th 2011, 2:45 am
#522
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
Here are the photos.... posted on the photo thread
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...&postcount=186
Last edited by Jon-Bxl; Sep 8th 2011 at 2:49 am.
Sep 9th 2011, 7:31 am
#524
BE Positive
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Restaurants
Yes we did - unlimited food/meat not for veggies.
Theyve had to put the price up at lunch. Its 8.50now - but that includes salad bar - meat(!) and god desert selection and coffee (I think). wine extra. They told me that this year meat prices have been going up and they simply had to increase the price. Its still great value.....
All the best
Jon