Snack-Bar Le Deauville

It’s empty in winter and stuffed full of people in the summer. Many shops and restaurants close in the low-season and only open when tourists start returning.

It’s a vicious circle that very few establishments dare challenge – but in June last year, French couple Pierre and Beatrice decided to open their little snack-bar called «Le Deauville» - harking back to the coastal town of Normandy very popular with tourists.

The atmosphere here is cosy and relaxed, and it’s already a point of contact for many French people passing through, as well as Portuguese who live in France. As a result, it’s hardly surprising that conversations here are conducted in Portuguese, French and English. Doors open at 9.30 am and close at 10.30 pm – and, of course, during summer months, people are welcome until two in the morning.

We should stress that it’s here that you can enjoy a real French breakfast – served with original French croissants (no imitations allowed!), and a variety of jams, or just butter. And later, anytime during the day – after a dip, or walk beside the sea on the long Quarteira promenade, you can choose from any number of salads, or baguettes.

We’d recommend the Salad Niçoise – with cheese, presunto ham, “chouriço” sausage and traditional “cornichons” (gherkins), from Southern France. The paninis are also worth trying (hot sandwich baguettes). There’s a terrace (at no extra charge) with sea view and the delight of the sun that has finally turned out with the long-awaited spring…

Specialities: Light meals, inspired by French cuisine; Hours: 9.30 am to 10.30 pm in winter; from 8.30 am to 2 am in summer (from 15th June); Bill: €40 for 4 people; Owner: Béatrice Merique; Bankcards: Multibanco; NIF: 229 652 131.