O Alagar — Restaurant in Albufeira

We have eaten all over the Algarve for the last few decades, trying many different restaurants. We have had a few excellent meals and many average ones. The meal we had here last night ranks amongst the very best we have had anywhere. That includes the UK or other countries. I had done some research online, as this was to be a family celebration meal, and I wanted it to be special. It was most definitely that. The restaurant does not look much (or very inviting) from the outside, but the interior is spotless and well decorated and furnished. It is comfortable and classy. The owner was so welcoming, polite and helpful, making us feel very relaxed and at home. The food was delicious and fabulous cooked. We all had different dishes, from ribeye steak and pork loin, to sea bass and "shrimp" curry. I put "shrimp" like that, as it would have been called a king prawn curry in the UK. We all loved our mains and two of us had desserts. These were a chocolate, caramel and peanut pie and an orange creme brulée. Again, these were both amazing (and I don't really 'do' desserts usually. We had delicious wine from the extensive cellar and some water. It was the finest meal we have had in many years.

A couple of negatives only: the website menu differs slightly to that of the restaurant, both in price and content. But I can understand why, and would happily pay more for the food of the quality we had (I don't often say I would happily pay more). And sadly the place was just so quiet. We were the only people in there on a Saturday night, from 7.00 to 8.30ish. To me, this is a crying shame. It deserves to be full and have a waiting list to book. So if you have read this far...

Food was good but meat was drowning in sauce when it would have been much tastier served as is alongside chips and veg. The staff were lovely but since there was only one other couple eating, they really could have been a bit more attentive. We actually had to flag someone down in the bar to seat us and then almost left after no one came to the table within the first 10 mins to take a drink order. It may be “off season” but this was a Saturday night when most other places are full. Unless, it’s a “hidden gem”, this was surely a sign. Also, the decor just doesn’t work. It’s a massive open space that feels cold and uninviting. They have lovely paintings on the wall but next to a t.v., an unused cooler fridge and mix of furniture from the 90s. To top it off, they had the radio blasting in the background. It all felt as if they haven’t yet figured out what they were; high end restaurant, traditional Portuguese restaurant or local pub. The finishing touches and some finesse really could make this a “hidden gem” but that’s probably never...

My friends and I visited the cafe with the intention of enjoying lunch while charging our one-wheels. Sadly, we were told we couldn't charge them. We weren't just looking for a free power outlet – we wanted to be paying customers. It was disappointing to see a lack of accommodation for riders, especially when we planned to dine in. A little flexibility would have greatly improved our experience. I hope they consider being more welcoming to riders who also wish to be patrons...