Cooperativa - Centro Cultural Montes Novos — Restaurant in Loulé

Bit of a crazy experience but definitely want to go back. We really didn't know what to expect. Only waited about 15 minutes for a table to free up. Can easily see why this is a popular spot. Starters and mains are all off the sharing variety. There is no menu and no choice, other than your drink ... the servers just bring you the courses on platters to share. Starters were bread, olives, edamame beans, cheeses, roast chorizo, egg & spinach fritata. Mains were pork ribs, wild boar, chicken, marinated beef, lamb stew, chips, salad. Selection of desserts. Coffee. €17 a head. In for a late lunch; we couldn't eat until the next day! Very boisterous atmosphere - there were two very large parties...

Arrived around 13:00 on a beautiful October Sunday - had to wait a bit for a table, there were large family & biker groups having a great time. Our hostess was gracious and eventually got us a table, and then launched into a veritable barrage of amazing local food - plate after plate of meats, cheeses, stews and the small side plate of ribs (entrecostos) we'd requested. Arrive hungry. VERY hungry - very generous with the food. And friendly fast service once seated. Fruit platter plus a huge mixed-cake platter, coffee and a final shot of Medronho rocket fuel. Do NOT drive up the tiny access road, park down on the main road somewhere. This place is NOT infected by tourism, so full of local...

I had been wanting to go to this place since I moved here from the US 8 months ago. Since I was nearby on Easter Sunday, I decided to go. When I arrived, they were very busy, with all the locals enjoying their Easter Sunday on a beautiful day. I was told to wait for a while. In less than 5 minutes, they cleared a table for me. Immediately, they began bringing me food and it never stopped! The meats were incredible! Deserts fantastic. A special bonus was the medronho! I want to thank everyone at Coopertiva for accepting me on such a busy day and treating me like one of your own! I will be back again...