Salão de Convívio e Restaurante Mariza e Emanuel, Portimão

Whether on the electric organ or accordion, they know the music local people enjoy like the palms of their gifted hands. Some are “very fashionable”, like Humberto Silva or Fernando Pereira – who fill the house. Admission costs €5 for men with an obligatory €2.50 to be paid “for consumption by women” – and it’s not just the tunes that liven up the atmosphere.

Every now and then you’ll see a real display of good old-fashioned jealousy (not only the domain of the men-folk!) But, most of the time, everything’s nice and well ordered – though animation takes a short break during the month of August, when this family-run restaurant closes for its holidays.

One nice touch is that the owner has named the place after his children. His wife is in charge in the kitchen – and the dishes of the day are written on a blackboard. We arrived too late for the grilled fish, but kebabs solved the problem in an instant! Everything here is a reminder of a Portugal from days gone by, before “globalisation” – and long before shopping malls.

A reminder of a country where satisfaction could be found in a good meal, washed down with good wine. As this place is in an area with lots of businesses, many workers find refuge here. A complete meal costs €7 (main course, drink, coffee and fruit).

Specialities: dishes of the day, grills; Hours: Lunches & dinners. Closed Sundays. Dances on Friday and Saturday nights; Bill: €14 for 2 people; Owner: Carlos Encarnação Costa, Unip. Lda; NIF 505 852 276