Restaurante Cafetaria

It’s half way along the road to Praia Dona Ana, in Lagos. For lunches, they told us, they hoped the locals might get interested, particularly the younger crowd, who like trying new things - not just eating pizza at weekends.

So what’s here that’s different? We decided to try the Traditional Raclette (€16.90 for 2 people) – maybe one of the best-known dishes from the land of lovely milk chocolate. It’s made with slices of Raclette (cow’s) cheese. The first thing that comes to the table is a kind of electric toaster that takes a few minutes to warm up.

Then the little dishes arrive on which the slices of cheese are put to melt. For beginners like us, this was a challenge. After melting, the cheese is seasoned with freshly grated pepper and paprika (the red spice from sweet red peppers). This meal is a kind of social interactive ritual – perfect for sharing with friends in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. And as well as all the cheese, there are salads with different sauces, potatoes, pickled cucumbers and sausages to grill on the top part of the “toaster”.

Ah, and the heat generated from the whole performance adds an alluring warmth for the cold nights to come. Normally, Raclette is accompanied by white wine – but there are other options here, too: Fondue Bourgoinoise – involving meat, various sauces, homemade Swiss pasta and salad, at €17.90 for two, Cheese Fondue (€19.90 for two) and a wicked Chocolate Fondue for dessert (€5.90).

Another more simple dish is the Picatta – a turkey steak wrapped in egg and cheese, €7.50 and their Cordon Bleu – turkey steaks filled with cheese and ham, €9. For those who have never savoured Alpine coffee, they serve that, too!

Specialities: Swiss gastronomy, toasties, salads & dishes of the day; Hours: lunches and dinners, closed Tuesday; Bill: €16 for 2 people; Owner: Manuel Maria; NIF 111 515 823.