El Tango Argentino — Restaurant in Tavira

I understand the mixed reviews of bad service versus good food. I look foreigner, but I speak Portuguese fluently. The husband taking the orders was very nice to me as soon as I spoke Portuguese. He was patient and explained the dishes to me. The wife is a little dismissive, but if you can get passed the less than warm service, you will eat the most authentic and delicious “frango assado” (grilled chicken) that the Portuguese are known for and put Nando’s chicken to shame. Half frango assado (4 pieces) is €5 or €6.5 with rice or fries. In addition, watch out for the “prato do dia” (daily specials), which are authentic and most delicious Portuguese home cooked food. They cook a big batch of daily specials in the morning, and on several occasions, for the most popular dishes such as “massa de tamboril com camraoes” (pasta with monkfish and prawns) are sold out by end of lunch time or early dinner. Go there at lunch to see what is on the daily specials. We had “Fava with Entrecosto” (pork) and rice with duck, both delicious. if you don’t understand the menu written on the board, ask the people in line, or the husband who I see speaks some English and a nice young man who serves the food and seems very kind and friendly. Portuguese people are very happy to help, so don’t be shy to ask and talk to them when you are standing in line. This is a family run restaurant mostly catered for take out, and a favorite with the locals. Just have some patience and you will taste Portuguese food without frills...

We were looking forward to trying an Argentinian restaurant, but were quite disappointed with the food. We had half chicken and chips. The chicken was OK, but tasted a bit too much of salt and vinegar. The chips were frozen refried, not fresh, as we have had in other places in the town. It seemed more like a takeaway, and was very busy with customers coming in, so they must like the food. We didn't realise you had to order at the bar, as we sat down and waited for a while (no signs saying no table service). The soup was quite nice and the service was quick once we'd ordered. The wine and cost of the meal was reasonable. But we...

Despite the popularity of the locals, I was very disappointed with the food preparation. I ordered tuna belly with a new potatoes and onions. The potatoes were overcooked and all dish swam in oil. Overwhelmed by its volume I just about managed to drip the oil from potatoes and the tuna. I couldnt leave pictures for comparison though to illustrate, one could dip a spoon in the oil and spoon...