Casa Algarvia

[roy4eyes]

We have always regarded Casa Algarvia to be a 'safe' restaurant - never bad but never outstanding - so when we had friends staying who wanted to visit a typical CVO eatery it was our choice.
Result four awful meals. My house steak was with a tomato and PIRIPIRI sauce so hot it reminded me of an Indian phal to the extent the flavour of the steak was completely killed (perhaps they should send it to the Casarao !!), the portuguese steak ordered medium/well was very very rare and tough, the pork stroganoff was also overcooked and tough and the shark steak overcooked and dry. We complained and were told "that is how the chef cooks it" and offered the usual port but no apologies or reduction of bill. They have lost one regular customer.

[dodger]

1st time I came to CVO with my other half maybe 5 yrs back we went here for our 1st meal....I had spent a long time telling her of all the wonderful eateries CVO had then ended up in here on our 1st night (I hadn't been in it before)...we had a dreadful meal and will not be back.Suprised that each time we are in CVO it is always busy. Each to their own.

[laserblazer]

Their fish courses are normally good.

[ditzy]

That's a shame, I've always been a fan of the stroganoff..

[sam]

I'm surprised. We have eaten there a number of times over the years. Always good food and service.

[roy4eyes]

So have we - for 10 years. It was not just the poor food but their attitude when we complained!!

[kappa]

Actually, I´ve heard many customers complaining about food and service recently - but I think their rental contract will be finished anyway by next year. That´s what the rumour says.

[fatscholes]

hit and miss......over the past 8 years we have had good meals there & bad meals. We went back in October after a gap of about 3 years to find it ok. Main problem before was the time service took, even if it was quiet. But not a problem this time.

[steve]

It is a shame. We have used this restaurant regularly for many years but the last couple of times we noticed a distinct reduction in quality and the service was much slower.

[dennisg]

I had swordfish twice there on my last visit and both times it was excellent. My friend ordered Codfish Algarvian style, expecting a fish and potato pie but received a strange-looking piece of cod which he sent back. They then served him an excellent swordfish, and didn't charge for the cod, even though it was his fault for not checking what he was ordering. We thought their service and food were good.

[tomgibson]

I have just been browsing this forum and in particular reading the comments about my favorite restaurant. We probably eat here at least 5 or 6 times a year and in the past 6 years or so have never had a poor meal nor any cause for complaint. The food is excellent, the service good and the staff have always been friendly and helpful. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. We were there at Christmas (twice) and as always we had enjoyable meals and the place was almost full. Take as you find I say.

[laserblazer]

We went there last week and it may be the last time. They had a very limited fish selection and it wasn't brilliant.

[kappa]

I think the food is nor bad neither outstanding - just the average which is served in nearly every restaurant in rua do Farol. The fact of being full nearly every night has to do with them working with agencies, people who work in receptions, taxi drivers ..... who send the clients there (and who of course get then their commissions or a free meal), ....

[joanne]

We had another really good meal there last week, service was good, we have been going for about 10 years at least and it is always good.

[EMM]

Interesting to hear comments ref tour groups etc being direted to certain places. We went out for a meal on weds night and this place was one of a few ( very few ) that were busy.
As the prices or quality do not vary there has to be another reason why some are busier than others ?