Borda d'Água — Restaurant in Olhão

Mediterranean cuisine spiced with some creativity

On the little, charming and baby-friendly beach of Fuseta we have found this "chiringuito-style" restaurant. Being the only restaurant on the beach, I was supposing that the food will be expensive and low quality. What a wonderful disappointment! Originally we were going to have only a drink, while our baby was sleeping, enjoying some peaceful moments and adult conversation. However, I asked for the menu just by curiosity and because I wanted to ask for something to eat for the baby for when he wakes up.

When I saw all those traditional ingredients the Portuguese and the Spanish cuisine uses re-arranged into interesting food compositions, like smoked salmon pancake in Dijon mustard honey, or melon and mint gazpacho with white fresh cheese and prosciutto, I became enthusiast to try something. I have also seen that the prices are not higher than at the any random touristic bar or restaurant.

I ordered the chef`s recommendation for that day, salmon fillet with a bit of passion fruit sauce and vinegar and new potatoes fried in whole. It has been the most interesting and best salmon stake I have eaten so far. an I have just realized how conservative I have been about Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

The presentation of the food was of fine-dining quality. The texture of the fillet was perfect and so was the harmony of salty-acidic-sweet tastes.

We were very happy with the naturally cheerful (not pushy, not pretended), kind, flexible and caring waitress.

Obviously the place itself is designed for western tourists, to their needs and budget, but the first touristic and beach restaurant that I have been completely satisfied, in fact thrilled after that wonderful salmon.

Their main profile I think is theirs cocktails, so maybe next time, I will try some of those (while baby is sleeping ;)).

Price for value: very good taken into consideration the quality of service and the high quality of food prepared with special care from fresh ingredients.

Foodies, you should really try out...

Ideal for evening drinks in Fuseta but it's also popular in the mornings. Worth noting that in the off-season, it opens at 9am, but earlier in the summer.

It can be busy on Saturdays and Sundays particularly, but you have a wonderful view of the beach and the old lifeguard station.

If you plan on going for sunset, be early as visitors to Fuseta position themselves early from about 5.30pm on to admire the sunset.

During the day, it's only a couple of yards from the beach so ideal for snacks or ice creams for the kids as the sunbeds (20 Euro for the day) are located just off the boardwalk outside the Bord d'Agua.

And later in the evening you can sip something cold as you watch the sun drop below the horizon.

It's worth noting that it is probably the most expensive location for a drink or indeed food in Fuseta, with Sagres for instance priced at €2.50 a bottle.

Food is good, but also expensive for Fuseta; the salmon wrap pictured was €12, and was just accompanied by potato chips. There's also burgers, salads and sandwiches.

However, the toast (or torada) they do in the mornings is exceptional, lathered with butter. Also worth trying are the Tiger Prawns, which are humongous.

A cappuccino is €4 and toast is also €4. Yes, that's expensive for Fuseta, as the same, two item breakfast, can be had for €3.60 in the restaurants further back.

They also have a sea view, but Borda d'Agua is keener on visitors, and of course does have that wonderful position, right on the beach.

The staff also deserve a special mention. They are cheery, always smiling and wonderfully efficient, and they genuinely do enhance the visit.

Also, tourists will be surprised by the 'pay-now' policy here. This is probably due to non-payers in the past, but because Fuseta is so hospitable generally, it can take you by surprise.

You mightn't visit everyday, but the premium is worth it when that the sun dips and the lifeguard station and beach are lit up by that magical...

Extremely Disappointing "Smoothie" Service

I was really looking forward to a healthy smoothie made with red berries and lime, but my experience here was downright disappointing. What I received was a sugary drink from the pharmacist instead of a fresh fruit smoothie. Apparently, the "smoothies" here are not made with fresh fruit but with sugary syrups, water, and ice. After one sip, I kindly sent the drink back and indicated that when ordering a smoothie, I expect a (healthy) fruit juice, as stated on the menu.

To my surprise, the smoothie (7,- euro's) still appeared on the bill. When I mentioned this, I was told to read the menu more carefully because all their drinks (smoothies, juices, cocktails, mocktails, etc.) are made with fruit and Monin syrups. It is misleading that they mention the syrup content in the mocktails, cocktails, and yogurt drinks, but not in the fruit smoothies.

Additionally, when we pointed out the issue with the smoothie and later with the bill, we were told that if we were tourists, they would have made a gesture without any problem. The funny thing is, I have lived in Belgium all my life since birth, but I speak Portuguese and six other languages due to my multicultural family.

My suggestion is that they update their menu to make this clearer. Furthermore, you can find much cheaper and better service in other pleasant spots in Fuseta. Fortunately, there was a reasonable manager/responsible who only charged us for 2 iced coffees (10,- euro's), one of which was accidentally knocked over by our 3-year-old son while it was still on the waitress's tray. This seemed much fairer than paying for a "smoothie" that isn't a smoothie.

It would have been much better if they had given me a smoothie with fruit, water, and ice as stated on the menu, or another drink without added sugar. All in all, a very disappointing experience that certainly needs...