Willie's Restaurant — Restaurant in Loulé

We were so much looking forward to eat at this restaurant. My husband booked it in advance before we arrived in the Algarve. We unfortunately got the dates wrong so arrived a day late. They were kind enough to accommodate us, however we were told we could only sit outside as they were fully booked. It was very windy and cold, however we didn’t want this to dampen our experience. The service was terrible from the head waiter - think his name was Carlos. He made us feel like second class citizens and it being a Michelin star restaurant really disappointed us. When we asked what cocktails they do, he pointed at the drinks menu and told us to look in there - wasn’t helpful with asking what we’d like or direct us to the page in the menu. We were also not asked if we wanted anymore drinks throughout the entire meal! The food was really good, but the way we were treated by Carlos made the experience horrible!

Also, two ladies who had not made a booking arrived after us and were miraculously given a table inside!

Cannot believe this is a Michelin star restaurant.

We have to say the waiters serving our meals...

Michelin dining with a subtle German flare! Nestled in the heart of the Algarve! Chef Willie is one of the first chefs to be awarded a Michelin star in the Algarve many years ago- he continues to maintain flavours, flair and effortless style in his restaurant! I celebrated Valentine’s Day at his restaurant with a lovely tasting menu and returned to celebrate a special anniversary with an á la carte menu- the traditional German liver with sensational potato purée with “special jus reduction” was a lovely reminder of my German roots! The menu often changes and the staff are always polite and impeccably dressed! A personal touch that was most appreciated was meeting Willie on both occasions- a manner slowly fading as most chefs choose to stay in the kitchen. It’s a privilege to see passion for food and flavour thriving in...

I hate to give bad reviews, but I need to give one here, as “Willie’s” advertises with having a Michelin star and thereby increases expectations (and prices). Whilst the service was nice, the food was unfortunately pretty unbearable. My wife and I had the beef carpaccio, the seafood ravioli, and the scallop risotto. All of it was either very uninspired or over-seasoned/over-salted or both. The meals also seem to be stuck in the past. We could barely eat it, and the service didn’t even question why we left most of the food on our plates (does it happen more often?) Interior also seems fallen out of time. Overall unfortunately worst dinner experience we had during our stay at the Algarve so far. The worst part? I’m sure someone like “Willie” could do much better with his...