Vai e Volta — Restaurant in Olhão

It is universally accepted that "all you can eat" and "high quality" are at opposite ends of the culinary spectrum. Vai e Volta messes with this equation in such a fundamental way as to leave the experienced diner doubting the very fabric of space and time. It would be tempting to compare Vai e Volta to a churrascaria where meat of often dubious provenance is marched around the floor for a flat rate. To do so would be a disservice, as this place dispenses with most of the traditions of the restaurant trade, and does it in such a way that you wonder how they can make money with such good quality ingredients. There is no overpriced wine, there is no high margin seafood or "specials". Hell, there aren't even any menus - and - the place isn't even open in the evening. What you are left with is the essence of a good meal - fresh fish, grilled a couple of metres away from where you sit. Simple salad, sweet potato and, frankly, joy. The "Grill Master" (for it is he who stands and grills for the entire lunch session) unloads prepared and seasoned fish from crates stacked next to a monstrous smoking charcoal barbeque and methodically turns the Bream, Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines, Bass and other fish that happen to turn up on their doorstep that morning. These are stacked onto plates and danced around the floor, ending up on your plate - for as long as you have the desire. The experience is powerful - an intoxicating mix of fine fresh food, a pleasant ambience at a price point that is difficult to believe. Very highly...

I was a solo traveler in May 2022 when I found Vai e Volta. I enjoyed my first visit so much that I returned 2 days later. The owner, Jose (if I remember correctly) recognized me and had a table ready for me in minutes. He and his friendly staff kept bringing freshly grilled fish whenever my plate was empty. When it was nearly their closing time at 3 pm, I said that I shouldn't have any more since it was time. Jose told me that it didn't matter. I could keep on eating past 3 pm if I wished. According to the placemat, they serve 10 different kinds of fish, all fresh, never frozen. In addition to the 10 fish listed, they also serve grilled calamari. Aside from the grilled fish, diners also get bread, olive, tomato salad, potato/yam and sardine spread - all included in the reasonable 14 Euro/adult price! These items are typically complimentary at other Portuguese restaurants!! The only extra item I ordered was the house white wine which was light and crisp which paired well with the grilled fish. I will return to the Algarve in February 2023 with my wife. We plan to stay in Faro and take the train to Olhao just to eat at Vai e Volta. The restaurant is within easy walking distance, less than 1 km, from the Olhao...

I visited this restaurant in April, not a particularly busy period. I was drawn there because of the noisy hub-bub of the diners as I walked past, unlike many other places in April. A note on the door informs you that there is no booking available and no meat served. I asked for a table, only to be told to try in half an hour as they were full (mostly with locals). Usually I would just find another place to eat where there are lots of restaurants around, but I liked the sign on the door and returned to be given a seat at a shared table. After drinks were served, salad and a potato dish arrived, swiftly followed by a freshly barbecued fillet of fish. Having hardly finished the first piece of fish, another variety of fish was spooned onto my plate and it kept on coming, different fish each time until I almost had to beg them to stop. It's not classy or expensive, but like most places, clean and friendly.

Highly...