Friendly Bar

Any initial doubts were dispelled the moment we saw the dining room, full of light and an easy atmosphere. Friday and Saturday nights here hop with professionals in the Karaoke game, which attracts a lot of local weekend singers. Manager Luís Carlos Oliveira has been running the place for the last 16 years. He knows only too well that the days of foreign holidaymakers thirsty for fun and parties, filling apartments throughout the town, are long gone.

He’s aware that times are different now, and prides himself on working for the locals. Our meal starts with an extra: slices of cheese and ham, corn bread, homemade bread and olives. We’re three of us at the table and ask what’s available: tasty spicy fried chicken and Tongue cooked in tomato sauce. The latter wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, so I asked for a “bitoque” (steak with a fried egg on top). Washed down with red wine from the Alentejo, it was all good – price included.

Perhaps there’s a little room for improvement in the presentation, but the service is quick and with a good sense of humour, and at the end, we were delighted by the delicious homemade desserts, all freshly made. Worth mentioning: lunches are only served during the week.

Specialities: Portuguese food; Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 2am; Saturday from 4pm to 3am; Sunday from midday to 11pm; Bill: €25 for 3 people; NIF 179 982 680.