Nikita — Restaurant in Tavira

I had no idea this restaurant existed before our friends, Tony and Catherine, invited us there this evening. On a tiny one-way street a block west of the river in a mostly residential neighborhood is a hidden gem you will not regret trying.

Very simply decorated, the room is warm, both literally and figuratively, and inviting. The service was excellent given that just one woman, likely the owner, handles the front of house while a gentleman, her husband or a brother most likely, whips up delicious meals in the back.

We had a bottle of Dao (€13.50), a robust, deep red and oaky, just the way I like it, between us along with a large bottle of sparkling water.

For starters, I had the Mussels (€6.50) in a white wine and cream sauce, my wife got the Baked Goat Cheese (€6), and our friends the Asparagus. My fresh, steamed mussels, a healthy portion for the price arrived with little visible sauce, but when I inquired if I had received the right order, the woman happily brought me a small bowl of sauce ... obrigado!

My entree was the Grilled Steak (200g - €16.50) with Peppercorn Sauce (€1.50), accompanied by sauteéd veggies and roasted potatoes. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and delicious with almost enough peppercorn sauce. The veggies, zucchini, carrots, and onions, were perfectly done and scrummy even though I do not usually like cooked carrots and the potatoes divine.

My wife ordered the Pork Loin (€ ) with potatoes au gratin and sauteéd vegetables, the tender pork topped with a simple, light sauce that was also very good. Our friends had the Spaghetti and Shrimp (€ ) and Tuna (€ ) respectively, which I did not taste, but they seemed to enjoy very much.

The bill came to €108, quite a bargain for the bottle of wine, two bottles of water, four starters and four mains, and a definite TravelValue ... OOH-RAH!

CombatCritic Gives Nikita 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More...

We don't write reviews on restaurants that often but this one deserves one. My wife had the best fish she's had in her life (Stonebass) and that alone speaks volumes. I had the wild boar meatballs and pasta which was incredible. Everything was cooked to perfection and most importantly had the perfect amount of seasoning.

Not only was the food and service amazing but it was incredible value. Just imagine, how often can you say you had the best fish dish of your life for 15 euros! (And we've eaten in many fancy expensive restaurants). We also had appetizers which were also amazing and great value.

Anyways if you are around the Algarves, visit Tavira and more importantly treat yourself by going to this...

Just had an incredible dinner at this charming, family-owned gem in the heart of Tavira, Portugal. We started with the beet and goat cheese salad — a delicious mix of grilled goat cheese, beets, caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh greens. Every bite was perfectly balanced and full of flavor.

For our mains, we had the stone bass and the seabream with shrimp and mussels. Both dishes were bursting with freshness and came out piping hot from the kitchen — absolutely fantastic.

We ended the night with their homemade apple and berry crumble served with vanilla ice cream — the perfect sweet finish to a truly memorable meal.

Highly recommend this spot if you’re in Tavira — authentic, delicious, and...