Cozinha do Claudio — Restaurant in Albufeira

1. We were greated by a staff member (owner?) He was neither friendly nor unfriendly. It felt a bit like we were intruding on his time.

2. He took our drinks order and walked off while my mother-in-law was asking him about wines. Apparently only 2 out of 4 people require drinks.

3. We gave our food orders and my wife asked how spicy the chicken was. He replied that the sauce would come seperatly so it wouldn't matter. The piri piri sauce didn't arrive, ever. It didn't matter as the chicken was very nice.

4. He said that he would bring our young son's food out first while our food was cooking. This was a good idea and would keep him happy.

5. My mother-in-law ordered a glass of wine at the same time as the food bevause he had previously walked off while she was giving her drinks order.

6. It took an hour for the food to arrive. The restaurant was not busy. No one came to offer us more drinks. They ignored eye contact and my raised hands. I had to ask loudly for service as they walked past so they couldn't pretend to ignore us any more. The glass of wine still hadn't arrived.

7. 1 hour wait for a seabass, a T-bone steak, and a chicken piri piri. The chicken was well charcoal cooked and tasted very good. The sea bass too was very nice. But the steak was bad. It tasted of nothing. I ordered medium-rare, but it was very rare and just tasted of nothing. They offered to cook it some more, but I declined as I didn't want them to remove any more juices.

8. When I asked for the side orders I was told "Yes yes yes!" in an impatient way almost aggressive, as if it was obvious they were coming. But he had already said "Enjoy your meal" to signify that this was it.

9. Tiny packets of mustard that are almost impossible to open. Sub-McDonalds quality. I don't expect little packets of mustard at these prices.

10. Dessert time: Instead of giving me the nice looking chocolate ice cream selection with chocolate shavings on top, they gave me a children's dessert covered in whipped cream and Smarties. My son's dessert too was covered in whipped cream. No whipped cream in the pictures or descriptions. I asked why there was cream on all the desserts, and suddenly the staff don't speak English and don't understand what I mean.

11. Google asks me to give a review. I leave 1 star and try to write a review but Google doesn't like it. I THEN GET A PRIVATE MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER asking why I gave a 1 star review. I don't really like being stalked.

12. They asked several times during the meal if I was enjoying the steak. I said "Not Really" , and they walked off without actually asking what was wrong. I could gave told them outright, but I assumed they would ask follow-up questions.

Seriously, avoid the place. The waiter (owner?) did not want to be there. It took an hour in an empty restaurant to grill a chicken breast and sear a steak for 30 seconds on each side. Then mediocre desserts and...

Absolutely amazing! We found this restaurant on Google, close to our accommodation. It is well located, with am amazing view, perfect to watch the amazing sunsets on the terrace. I think it's the best place we have ever been, starting with the atmosphere, food, service, cleanliness, attention for detail, hospitality and most of all passion for food and make happy every single guest! The way dishes were presented are beating the best restaurants we have been before, all over the Europe and not only. The menu is very well balanced with options for all tastes, high quality meat and vegetables, dishes absolutely perfect cooked by Claudio, amazing, delicious homemade aperitifs and deserts made and served by Camelia. I would suggest to make a reservation and come back to be able to try as many dishes as you can, you won't be disappointed. Special thanks to Camelia for the warmest welcome and for being the best host, we are looking forward so see you...

This place is wonderful, it makes you feel truly special. Starting with the food; we had the Algarve Fish Cataplana and I'll say it is the best fish dish I have ever had. Every element was cooked perfectly and the flavours blended so nicely. For dessert I had a lemon-mousse, which was so subtle and sweet, excellent. Big compliments to the chefs and staff. Then, the service is impeccable, friendly, but professional, and they can speak English. When you would want something, don't bother asking, because they already know what it is. That might be something of the fine wine-menu, that has great products and prices. Not to mention the alcohol-free options: with beers and G&T's. The location is nice, easily accessible by car (with parking spaces) and in between cities and business. It feels like an oase of peace. Seated on the terrace, we had a clear view of the sunset. A perfect way to end any...