Taverna Viavai — Restaurant in Penela

What a delightful find. We chose this place specifically because of the eastern inspired menu and it didn't disappoint, with reasonable prices and honest home cooked food. We had duck pancakes, corn fritters and chicken satay to start and then beef rendang curry and a chicken Thai red curry for mains, finished off with lemon tart and an apple tart. The curries used seasonal veg and the red curry had a proper hot kick to it. Delicious. The taverna is very sweet and I imagine that in summer it's got a great atmosphere with the small outside area on the street and a terrace with a view. Being a wet dark autumn night we were one of only two couples there but for us that didn't matter as we went for the food. You do have to book in advance and choose your dishes in advance, so make sure you check their Facebook page for info. The owners are super friendly and we had a lovely chat with them too....

Disgusting, we booked a table of 10 for 12.30 meals came out very slow at intervals. I got my lunch at 13.50! Singapore noodles - it was like soup without taste there was s tiny amount of chicken, about 50 grams (if that!) Awful. One of the guests asked "why is it so slow?" the waitress replied "I've only got a 4 ring cooker" very rudely. Dont go there. This is first time I have ever posted such a review (check my history) I am very positive...

Paul and Phillipa were our hosts. A wonderful meal of Bobotie, Thai green curry, very hot, salmon, Indonesian Chicken curry. It was great to get to know them. The place has a special ambiance in the village of Viavai. Order in advance off the menu on Facebook and go knowing you will spends a few hours here just chilling. No credit or debit card facility. Bring cash or pay with MB way. Perfect Sunday out... Easy and scenic...