Restaurante Central de Vilamoura — Restaurant in Loulé

What can I say? We ordered our food and were promptly brought some bread, olives, butter, sardine pate and thinly sliced carrots ..... ‘just to keep us going’ till the food was ready. It was all very nice and tasty. There was a slight language misunderstanding so we also ended up with some cheese which we actually didn’t need but which was really good.

We ordered deep fried mackerel and a shrimp starter both of which lacked presentation but were quite delicious. However, to say the ‘beef’ steak which followed was chewy would be an understatement. It was tasteless, swimming in its own juice and surrounded by a rim of potato fritters which were needless to say quite soggy. Veg were obviously an extra because we didn’t get any!

We had two small desserts.... no cream or even so much as a tiny piece of fruit for presentation. We then received a complimentary thimbleful of white fire which nearly blew our socks off but in no way prepared us for a bill of almost 70 euros, for which I would expect an outstanding meal.

Although the staff are very pleasant, Chico himself is full of unnecessary banter and would do well to give his guests just a little bit more space and also let them know that everything that goes on the table goes on the bill!! To be fair, the holiday makers who recommended Chicos to us were very pleased with their experience there and the restaurant itself...

It was the first time that me and my family visted these parts of the Algarve, as it was father's day we decided to try Chico's restaurant and we are delighted that we did. From the moment we entered we were greeted and received as if we were entering a family home for dinner, Chico has some amazing stories to tell from his amazing past, he was very sociable and kind, his staff were very kind and helpful and i was even introduced to the kitchen staff who also received me in such a kind way, the whole experience was amazing, i would recommend visiting Chico's as apart from the staff and host the food was amazing and his kind helpings of home made wine was very nice, thanks Chico and staff we will certainly come back...

We saw the restaurant listed in a magazine that was in our room. Took a little walk and found it .very friendly atmosphere..the owner ,Francisco "Chico"..himself seated us .Our waiter Ilyia was very good and informative of the menu..our fellow diners were also very genial..which helps make for a great dining experience..My boyfriend chose a seafood salad with calamari and vegetables and a chowder.I ordered the lamb chops with fresh cut fries and a side salad .Chico brought us both a glass of white wine Delicious..We were both very pleased with the restaurant,meal...