O Arco da Velha — Restaurant in Portimão

Ok, this is one of the most difficult reviews I've ever written. The food was amazing. No doubt about that. But and it's a big BUT ... honestly, waiting 30mins to take the food order is a joke.

Having to wait 1hr 15mins to get food is a joke.

Having three tables that arrived 15, 30 and 45mins after us seeing their main dishes served before us is a joke.

The table next to us had finished their main course and paid by the time we got ours. And yes, we had starters and so did they.

The guy taking the food order clearly felt that we were left behind and didn't bother apologising at all. There was guilt in his face but no apologies. Look, I grew up in this industry. Just say you made a mistake, show a nice gesture and all is forgotten. BUT this didn't happen so it leaves a very sour taste.

It was supposed to be a special night as we craved the food in this restaurant.

By the time our food arrive our daughter was so tired that she wanted to sit on my lap. Well, it doesn't make for a great dining experience if you have to wait for over one hour and you can't eat your food properly.

Oh, and you forgot to serve one of the salads.

An evening that was supposed to be special ended up to be a massive disappointment. Please, next time just acknowledge that you messed up. Don't ignore it. It's not worth it.

From a five star rating that I've given before (see below), today was a two at most.

This is what I said a few years ago: I wanted to describe it as 'just' amazing but my wife said ... simple, straight forward cuisine, they perfected their...

I did a quick search of the area to see where was good to eat and this did not disappoint!! We made a reservation ahead (90mins before we arrived) just to make sure, and I'm glad we did as we got the last available table for that evening! As you approach the restaurant you see one of the waiters on the outdoor BBQ preparing some fish, who is incredibly friendly and welcoming! The couvert was great - local fresh bread, olives & cheese - which is a big plus and many restaurants skimp out on this with jarred olives and baguettes! We decided to skip starters and go for mains and dessert instead. One of the party chose the grilled sardines which they could not complement enough! Myself and my dad shared the fish cataplana, which is the best one I have ever eaten! It was packed full of fish - sea bream, red mullet, huge muscles & prawns - and had a beautiful tomatoey sauce which the waiter suggested to add some Piri piri sauce to (yum!!). The homemade desserts were fab and just the right size to end a meal with - flan and almond delicia. For the meal including wine and two bottles of water, we paid €60! I will be back here in...

Hola..

Just had another fabulous holiday in Alvor..I had been recommended this restaurant by friends who have been visiting for over 20 yrs..I'm a mere novice of 12 yrs...

I've always stayed clear of the brassy glass fronted restaurants at the bottom lefthanded side of the strip as they look a wee bit pretentious..

However we suspected we were on to a winner when we tried to make a reservation & we were shown that their diary was fully booked for the next 4 evenings...

Fortunately this coincided with our last night...we had booked it for 7.30 pm..but I managed to sneak in early afternoon & ask to rearrange to 9.00 pm..so I could catch a bit of the City RM game

We were last in & my partner chose a whole golden bream for ourselves..we were seated next to the fish chef 's charcoal pit..& could watch the master & owner work his magic

My partner treated me to sit facing the TV screen & we both agreed..the service..friendliness the food wine & general ambience was fabulous.... We couldn't have enjoyed a more perfect evening & end to the holiday

Be prepared to book well in Advance..

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