O Manel — Restaurant in Tavira

this place seemed like quite a troublesome one from reading my fellow google reviewers posts. the atmosphere in the restaurant was unsettling. i almost felt like my waitress was scared and lost, poor girl! i usually am a big fan of having a view into the kitchen, getting to see all the chefs working hard, seeing how your food is made can heighten your culinary and dining experience. in this case, however, seeing into the kitchen made me nervous and slightly annoyed. the restaurant was packed with impatient customers and the kitchen staff were seen chit chatting and arguing. also saw the same pan being used for evening and not washed between uses. !!beware if you have any shellfish allergies!! there are no warnings on the door or anywhere in the restaurant stating that this is a CASH ONLY establishment. so naturally we had some drama when it came to paying. i also found the method of calculating the order total a bit questionable. they do not rely on technological devices and bring out a piece of paper and pen where they ask you what you ordered and then add it up manually. the head of the restaurant has a bit of a sassy attitude as well. apart from that, i don’t mean to be a negative noelle, the chicken my girlfriend ordered was a nice and hefty portion, chicken wings, personally not a fan of meat on the bone! and the rice was quite flavorless. :/ for my vegan friends, they do not have options for you here! maybe skip...

A Culinary Revelation: Panel by Nuno Sets a New Standard

Panel by Nuno isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a revelation. Nestled in an elegantly understated location, this gastronomic gem redefines what it means to dine with intention, artistry, and heart. Chef Nuno has crafted an experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is deeply satisfying to the senses.

From the moment you step through the door, you’re welcomed into a space where detail is king. The design is minimal yet warm, with a curated atmosphere that reflects the precision and creativity of the kitchen. But it's on the plate where the real magic happens.

Every dish on the tasting menu is a masterclass in balance and innovation. Whether it's a deconstructed seafood medley that evokes the ocean with every bite, or a seemingly simple vegetable course elevated to fine art through technique and imagination, each course tells a story. Ingredients are hyper-seasonal, locally sourced where possible, and always treated with respect.

The wine pairings are equally thoughtful, curated to elevate—not overwhelm—the food. The sommelier’s knowledge is matched only by their enthusiasm, offering pairings that surprise and delight even the most...

We went there because the prices seemed lower and it seemed like a cute local Portuguese restaurant. We were so wrong. The owner was really rude, mean and agressive to one of the waitress who wasn’t native and couldn't speak or understand Portuguese. We felt truly chocked and sad for her. Then we ended up receiving the starters (olive and bread) after the 1st meal (ameijoas a bulhão). The olives were salty as hell, almost not edible and the ameijoas tasteless. We know what good ameijoas a bulhão taste like and it wasn’t event close. My friend ordered the polvo frito that was a complete disaster. The octopus a wasn’t fried, just soaked in oil. It was so tasteless we had to ask for salt, very disappointing for a meal listed as one of the specialty. The “sweet potato fries” were just boiled in water barely cooked. About the owner, she was really putting on a show about her being tired and desperate for everything. If you want to hire people from another nationality, be kind, patient and teach them the basics instead of treating them in a very racist way and like they...