Chá Chá Chá — Restaurant in Olhão

We had the most wonderful night! The loveliest experience of our trip to Olhão and basically the entire Algarve!

Entering through the tiny door in the small street around the corner, we were welcomed by EVERYONE with a warm hello, were seated directly with an honest smile, which continued through the rest of the night! Wow!

The restaurant was getting packed quite quickly, but we weren't rushed to order at any time, instead, the host Kevin was bringing us samples of their homemade pickles, a sip of the rosé pet nat and their lemon almonds to snack as we read our way through the menu to start off our night.

We were ordering aperitifs afterwards.. White port with kombucha and a very nice dry small batch white wine. .. just before the starters arrived: We had grilled courgettes, home-pickled sardines, oyster mushroom saté skewers and grilled polenta with pumpkin and beans. The mushrooms could have needed a bit more salt, but were seasoned nicely with an amazing mix of spices. Courgettes were served cold, unexpectedly, but perfectly seasoned, sliced thinly with homemade ricotta and a spicy honey made with local piri-piri. The polenta came smooth with charred bits, a silky pumpkin puree, roasted slices of garlic and al dente green beans, the combination was top notch!

Afterwards we had the grilled Dourade with lentils and fried veggies and, what stood out the most, TUNA KOFTA with a perfect raw slaw and yogurt. Wow.. what a treat.. we enjoyed every bit of that dish. Seasoned perfectly with everything you would expect from a 'classic' köfte, juicy tuna-meat, crunchy slaw and creamy and spicy yogurt sauce!!

We couldn't help it, but asked for the mussles with piri-piri and white beans as our 'pre-dessert'.. turned out to be beautiful! Of course... as everything else we had so far... also because all the staff and the hosts were constantly checking on us with a smile, with passion, with love. We could feel, smell and taste the passion of everyone throughout the whole night!!

We were also trying different wines, classic and naturals, port wines, Madeira and spirits. Everything was spot on and complimented the food and atmosphere perfectly!

We ended the night with a cheesecake, made from Portuguese oranges and a chocolate base.. wow.. was bitter sweet, tangy, sour, sweet, creamy, just lovely and heartwarming... HEARTWARMING would also be the word I would use to describe the experience we had, such a special treat!!

I love to go out, I love to have good food and drinks, but this place made my dreams of hospitality come true.. that happens once in a loooong while .. thank you! Please please please please stay exactly the way you are! Keep on being so lovely, kind and passionate! The gastronomic world needs people (and places) like you!!!

Much...

I write this review not having actually eaten here. My review is based purely on our interactions with the owner (I believe?) and I hope he/they take this constructively.

We rang to reserve a table on a 'same day' basis, something we knew would be optimistic. The gentleman on the phone confirmed no availability that night.

My partner then asked whether there was availability for a later weeknight. The host confirmed and then made a (presumably) joking albeit odd comment - "for a nice couple?" he asked. My partner responded warmly and jokingly with "for a lovely couple". He then went silent and was cold thereafter.

On the day of our booking it was raining. We knew this would likely mean outdoor tables at the restaurant were no go's. On our way to the restaurant, we got cash out as we understood the restaurant only took cash. This obviously comes with fees etc. that you front (relevance explained below).

Upon arrival at the restaurant, a gentleman approached and asked if he could help. We let him know of our reservation and he apologised. Our reservation was cancelled due to the rain, given our table was outdoors - we accept this, no problem. The host then went on to explain how it affects his business, reduces the covers and revenue of the restaurant etc. That's great and also unfortunate! But as a prospective guest, these aren't the things you want to hear, especially when the conversation felt so one way (i.e., this is how the rain affects me...).

Overall, we had two very odd albeit short exchanges with a gentleman of the restaurant and neither enamored us. I hope the food makes up the differences in verbal exchanges - I'm sure it does.

Reply I expected this response; based purely on those replies the restaurant has offered to others. It's a...

I arrived in Olhaõ on Friday morning and stumbled across Cha Cha Cha. After walking around for a bit longer I decided to come back and see if they had space for me. Sonia was incredibly hospitable and put together a table for me outside at the last minute. As a solo traveller I really appreciated the attentiveness and warm welcome. I had asked if there was a bookshop in Olhaõ but as there sadly isn't, Sonia asked if I'd like to borrow a book to read from their cookery book selection to relax with whilst I ate with them.

I had three of the smaller dishes, bread and the rice pudding cheesecake - all accompanied with the Cha Cha Cha white wine. All very delicious! Especially the warm white beans with sheep cheese, one of the best dishes I've eaten!

After this experience I decided to chance it on the Saturday night and see if they had a table free. They very kindly found me a spot next to two wonderful women, who I ended up drinking wine with and having lovely conversations with our tables pushed together. The warm energy of Cha Cha Cha made the whole experience absolutely heartwarming and I came away feeling very positive! :)

A huge thank you...