Clarice's — Restaurant in Portimão

A new brunch spot off the beaten path trying to offer up something different. 3.5 stars, really. It was better than just okay, but not quite 4 stars... yet. Great prices.

I was really excited to try Clarice's since I saw their news about having Japanese-style soufflé pancakes. Nobody else in Algarve is doing this, afaik, and it would be a much-needed change from the same old brunch options at every place here. Unfortunately, it ended up being somewhat disappointing.

Service was warm and welcoming but quite slow. We waited a while to even have our drinks order taken, too long for the drinks to arrive, and far longer for the food. We were pretty much done our coffees and the food hadn't even come yet. It was a full house and only 2 servers, one doubling as a barista, but our coffees (flat white and cappuccino) came out deflated since they had been sitting on the counter so long. As I am very familiar with Japanese pancakes, I knew they take 20-30min to be done right so I was prepared for the wait. It still seemed long however. Furthermore, I do think there should be a note about prep/wait time on the menu cos not everyone is familiar with Japanese pancakes and the amount of time/work that goes into them.

Timing aside, the food wasn't anything super special. I had really been hoping it was. The English breakfast was the same as any higher end touristic brunch place, but with some seasoning, which was a nice touch. The veggie wrap was bland and unexciting, unfortunately. It was just some raw veg in a flour tortilla. Hummus, if it was there, was negligible. Garlic mayo tasted like plain mayo. Not a great offering for vegetarians.

Most disappointing were the soufflé pancakes. I've had amazing and mediocre ones in my time. These were probably the weakest ones. They were sloppy and deflated. Maybe they were undercooked or just not done with care, I'm not sure. As you can see by my photo, they were messy. Nothing like a good Japanese pancake should look and feel. The fruit, cream, and syrup portions were generous and very fresh, and they obviously want to present a good-looking plate of food.

Coffee was passable in flavour, but the flat white and cappuccino looked and tasted identical. Perhaps a symptom of waiting so long to be served. Cortado was solid and I enjoyed it (I had to order it as I had only a bit of cold cappuccino left by the time the food arrived). Tea was a fair size pot.

The fresh-baked pastries looked very good but get there early if you want a good selection. Doughnuts and cinnamon buns especially looked delicious.

Décor is clean and beachy, typical for brunch locations around Algarve. The door needs attention, however. It locks people out. I had to go to the door to open it multiple times for my friends who texted me that they couldn't get in as it was locked and inaccessible from the exterior.

The prices are pretty good. €8.50 for 3 soufflé pancakes and fresh fruit is a steal! Amazing price.

This place is new so they're probably just finding their feet and will get better with time. A lot of potential and can be improved on to make it a unique brunch café in Alvor. I just hope that if their identity relies on their exclusive offering that nobody else has, they actually learn how to make them excellently and correctly. I'm not in a hurry to return, but I will try again a while from now and hopefully change this to 5 stars cos I love Japanese pancakes.

EDIT after arrogant response from owner:

Okay, if that's the way you feel about honest reviews where I was fair and balanced about a mediocre experience, I will never return. Don't worry! And I'll tell all my friends about this experience and exchange, too. Stay mad and don't improve anything, doesn't bother me. I should change my review to even lower based on this attitude alone but I'm going to be generous since you're new and clearly have not learnt the concept of customer...

⭐☆☆☆☆ A Masterclass in How Not to Run a Café

I stopped by this almost empty café the kind that greets you with a “Wait to be seated” sign as though it’s a Michelin-starred establishment rather than a half-vacant spot on a quiet side street.

I ordered a €3.20 latte which, at first glance, looked promising, nice latte art, smooth surface, all very Instagramable. Unfortunately, the illusion shattered after the first sip: bitter, with a faint aftertaste of un-rinsed soap. On closer inspection, the flavour profile was confirmed, the bubbles even had that subtle iridescent petrol-like shimmer you’d expect from a carpark puddle, not a coffee cup.

I sat quietly for 28 minutes, finishing an email, when the waitress appeared to inform me that “co-working” wasn’t allowed. Apparently, writing one email now qualifies as a full-time job. I was effectively told I’d have to order food or leave a bold policy for a café that was otherwise empty.

I closed my laptop, begrudgingly finished my now symbolic latte of disappointment, and went up to pay only to be told there’s a €5 minimum spend on card. The suggested solution? “Buy a cake.” Ah yes, because nothing pairs better with frustration than sponge cake and bad coffee.

My mother (who lives in Alvor) actually recommended this place. I’ll be sure to let her know it’s perfect if you enjoy coffee that looks great, tastes like dishwater, and comes with a side of passive-aggressive hospitality.

Portugal is full of warm, welcoming cafés, this just isn’t...

This place is an absolute gem. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with warm, friendly service that makes you feel right at home. The staff are attentive without being overbearing and have a genuine passion for ensuring every guest has a fantastic experience.

The food…… Simply outstanding. Each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the menu caters to all tastes. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, fresh souffle pancakes or something a little healthier, every bite is a burst of flavor. The presentation is Instagram-worthy, yet the flavors exceed the visuals.

The atmosphere is equally exceptional—light, airy, and relaxed, with a decor that perfectly balances modern charm and cozy vibes. Whether you’re sitting indoors or enjoying the sunshine on their outdoor terrace, it’s the ideal setting for starting your day.

Overall, this spot delivers on every level….incredible food, excellent service, and a welcoming vibe that will have you coming back for more. It’s no wonder it’s become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Five stars from...