The Blue Parrot — Restaurant in Vila Real de Santo António

Shortly: a great place. As a food enthusiast I'd like to give some details, though if you care to know more. The people working there were superb and loved their work, with an extremely friendly - even close - relationship with the customers.

Starter 1: Tuna tartare 11€. Great taste, a tad warm to my liking, but carefully thought out. Avocado and small bits of carrot (great add-on, worked well) and some rucola. Perhaps a bit too much rucola but good balance.

Starter 2: Grilled asparagus 9€. Loved the mushroom sauce/dip with it. Cheese one could rethink in this one, was a bit dull and even dryish. Great size, anticipated smaller.

Enjoyed the starters with house white wine. Good combo, again the serving temperatures could be more chilled. Could not really choose as there was only one available when by glass only.

Main course: Steak 28€. Ordered medium rare, got a medium one and likely could have rested a bit more. Seasoning of the meat was good, with a small burnt crust that added well. Basic condiments (mushroom, asparagus, onion rings and grilled whole potatoes) were done well. Could have added a bit more sauce though. Size was good enough for me (105kg male).

Main was accompanied with the house red, which the waiter also confirmed might be not full-bodied enough with the meat. I agreed in the end. To improve, please think on a 2nd alternative for people eating single/one glass...

Fantastisch! Voor de 2e keer gegeten. Als je geen kant en klaar basismenu van een strandtent wil, dan ben je hier aan het juiste adres. En als je van voetbal houdt…

We have now eaten at The Blue Parrot for the third time – truly – and once again, it was a delight. The warm welcome immediately felt familiar. The varied and delicious menu made the evening complete, and what we particularly appreciate: you always feel genuinely welcome here. Even lingering at the table after your meal is never an issue.

The staff and the hostess are all equally friendly and professional, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. A fun extra is that you’re dining among the portugees, which makes the experience even more authentic.

This time, we would like to give a special thanks to Jordan. Jordan is working at the restaurant this summer but is normally an English teacher at a secondary school in England. Not only is he an excellent host, he also turns out to be a true football expert. With his passion for Ajax and the Dutch national team, he effortlessly shares fun facts – something his students surely enjoy as well. 😉

In short: The Blue Parrot is an absolute must for anyone who wants to enjoy great food, a warm welcome, and a touch of genuine charm and...

Sadly I was initially seated alone on the patio for lunch and once I was served and eating a couple sat down two tables away, both lit up cigarerettes which obviously blew directly at me, i ask my server if he might ask them to move one table forward.. He refused telling me to move inside while i was eating instead. As an American and as a diner, I was surprised, shocker really, he said the patio was for smokers. It ruined me otherwise delicious meal due to the experience! & the inconsiderate very aware neighboring smokers on an otherwise EMPTY PATIO! When I later paid inside I spoke to him about it as I explained my perspective as already eating and as an American diner food dining is giving consideration. He said he erred and apologized. Perhaps it's a cultural difference with the great number of smokers in the EU...