A Ilha — Restaurant in Sines

We messaged A Ilha and asked if they could host a 90-person welcome party on the day before our wedding, which we held just up the road at Monte da Bemposta. They immediately and enthusiastically agreed, and worked with us to build a price and menu that fit. It was both extremely affordable and an impressive variety of food.

We didn't do any more work on the party, but when we arrived we were blown away by the work they'd done! The food was delicious and kept coming out in waves through the evening so there was always something hot and fresh to eat. Our guests ALL complimented the food. Particularly the shrimp, stuffed breads, fried cuttlefish and delicious grilled chicken.

The bar staff were incredibly professional, serving great drinks all night. The restaurant also brought in a musician who DJ'ed and played live music. This was supposed to just be a welcome gathering before the big day but because everything was so well organized it turned into a big party, everyone dancing, drinking and having an amazing time. The cherry on top was the sunset on the water and the full moon that illuminated the walk home.

We can't thank A Ilha enough for making this perfect party come together, with almost zero planning...

View and location are amazing. Service is the worse you can immagine. We kind of laughed about it and we take home a great memory of this day but guys, you need just more organisation and some guidance in how to deal with customers. From the smallest care to the huge elementary things - you don't bring on the table whatever you have in the fridge instead of what I asked without giving me the option to choose, for example, and as you are charging for bread and olives you should ask me if I want them before bringing it, you don't leave the clients waiting and waiting for a menu list / then for ordering / then for the food / then at the till for paying, and you don't answer rudely - there are many...

My buddy Costea and I hit up this place three times in one week cause it was that good, and then brought our friends. By the 3rd day when I got there and my buddy wasn't there (yet - he came a bit later and placed another huge order) the staff asked me "where's your friend"? We ate tons of excellent shrimp here. I recommend getting it with some toasted bread to dip in the garlicky olive oil the shrimps come in. The seafood lunches I had here were unforgettable.

The outdoor seating offers a great view of the Ilha do Pesseguiero, and after your lunch (or before if you need to work up some appetite) you can walk south past the fort to see some...