Restaurante Kangaroo

He was head chef at Doyles in Sydney Harbour, where he specialised in that famous British combination of “beer battered fish”. Years later, in the Algarve, he ran the successful Joe’s Place, which catered for clients from all over the world. Indeed, many travelled half way round it just to visit him.

Now, following a pause for some rest, Joe and wife Susie are back in business. This time in a restaurant with a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The new place has a garden/ terrace, small lounge bar and light-filled dining room – and the menu is a breath of fresh air: creative salads, pastas, vegetarian dishes, fish and meat served in original homemade sauces.

But the house speciality – the dish that really puts the place on the map – is, of course, Zé’s beer battered fish. It’s a recipe that Mrs Doyles taught him over 40 years ago, involving the fish being carefully steeped before deep frying. Just as Joe used to do in Australia, in other words.

You can choose fillets of sole (€9.50), fresh cod fillets (€12) or a shellfish dish (€26) – a real banquet for two – including prawns and squid rings.

We tried it, and can honestly say it’s great! Highly recommended. Other highlights include mussels in white wine (€8.50), and at lunchtime, there are other dishes of the day for a lighter meal. With this in mind, we also tried the tastiest chicken stroganoff we can remember… One last thing: there’s also some excellent wine here for connoisseurs.

Specialities: Zé’s style beer battered fish; Hours: Monday to Saturday, from midday to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm; Bank cards: Just money; Owner: José de Brito Gomes; NIF 169103498.