Forte Novo — Restaurant in Loulé

A Dismal Experience at Forte Novo - Steer Clear

I recently dined at Forte Novo and was subjected to what can only be described as the nadir of restaurant service. This was not just a letdown; it was an ordeal. The service was a masterclass in negligence, with a team consisting of one server and one bus boy who seemed entirely unprepared for even a moderately busy evening.

The failure began from the moment we were seated - at a table that hadn’t been cleaned. It took an agonizing 30 minutes just to receive menus, followed by another half-hour wait to place our drink orders, and yet another interminable 30 minutes for those drinks to arrive. When we inquired about ordering food, it felt as though we were imposing on the staff, who appeared both rushed and out of their depth, signaling a clear lack of training in both food service and hospitality principles. Every customer request seemed to be received as an inconvenience, further exacerbating the discomfort of our visit.

Adding insult to injury was the ambiance - or lack thereof. The absence of music coupled with a location that, while proximate to the sea, offered views marred by unsightly wire fencing and overgrown shrubs. Such mismanagement of what could be an enviable location only deepened our disappointment.

And then there was the food: overcooked, dry, and devoid of flavor, solidifying our resolve never to return. My advice to anyone considering a visit to Forte Novo is simple: avoid it at all costs. Opting for McDonald’s instead would not just be a better choice; it would be an upgrade. Don’t waste your time or money at this...

The fish was very good, fresh and nicely prepared, the chips were cold (not lukewarm but actually completely cold). The drinks were good and the location is very nice. The service is something I have never experienced before. The staff, even though very friendly, unfortunately were completely untrained and lost. We waited 1.5 hrs (yes, 90 minutes) for our food, the bread which was served with the drinks "covered" the wait. When it came to the bill the manager wanted to charge for olives (which we didn't touch) and the bread which was both served without being ordered as"well you eat it, so you pay it". I explained that we had eaten two slices of bread due to the extremely long wait to which he then proceeded in insulting me, shouting at me that I am "not family so therefore I don't get nothing free".

It was clearly stated that we are not welcome again after heading watched the same/similar scenarios with multiple other customers who tried to pay, I genuinely don't think many customers are welcome here.

The way the management argued with customers, told their own staff off in front of the customers and screamed at the kitchen staff (open kitchen) is extremely unprofessional and I genuinely hope that the lovely staff will eventually find a different work where they will be properly trained and treated.

I recommend to go to any other place or to bring a...

Positive things first. Food was tasty. Fish good, chips cold. Location is perfect staff were young and friendly. Negative things. We waited 80 minutes for the food despite it not being busy. Olives and bread were thrown at the table on arrival which we did not order and we had two slices of the bread as dying of hunger to which we refused to pay. The response was "you are not my daughter, I do not give you bread for free" I told the manager to charge us for the salt, knives and forks too then. The reason the staff sprint round is because the management has no idea how to run a service. I'd advise the staff to work in another restaurant as they are sweet and looking how he talks and treats to his staff he must be a very lonely sad man. We should of made the extra five minute walk to another restaurant even if the location was not quite as good. Would of given of 3 stars until the end. We were made clear we are not welcome back just because we refused to...