Da Donato

[tricky]

This used to be a regular of ours, popular with the kids, nice pizza's, decent pasta's and prices.
However I believed its changed hands and it was a disaster last night. I asked for Tagliatelli carbonara, and got penne, without any explanation,
it was so salty it was difficult to eat and no comment was made when I didn't. Even my husbands pizza was soggy and tasteless.
would not recommend.

[Aldo]

Is this the one in Sesmarias nr the water tower?

[tricky]

yes

[ditzy]

That's a shame, it used to be one of our regulars too. Do you know who's taken it over?

[Aldo]

Great shame, it was the first restaurant we visited on arrival in CVO many years ago. Best blackened sea bass around

[tricky]

No but know that the landlord put the rent up astronomically so that the original people had to move out.
They were looking for somewhere local and even considered the island cafe.
I wish there was a really good italian in Carvoeiro, regional cooking not just pizza's and pasta's

[Bruce Wallis]

No but know that the landlord put the rent up astronomically so that the original people had to move out.
They were looking for somewhere local and even considered the island cafe.
I wish there was a really good italian in Carvoeiro, regional cooking not just pizza's and pasta's

Isnt via Italia the last word in Italian quality and excellence then???....I must have been misinformed

[mike999]

Don't understand the reports in this thread. We visited Da Donato several times during 11th Aug to 24th Aug and had excellent service and lovely meals.

The information we were given was that the same owner has been there for many years and was puzzled about the reports of "changing hands". The staff were very friendly and helpful. I am an ex British Army chef with 30 years experience in Restaurants and Catering so I have some knowledge in this area. Furthermore, we visited on two occasions with my in-laws and they are, how can I put this without offending?, quite particular!! We all enjoyed our meals and the dining experience at Da Donato and thought it was excellent value.

I think the fact that you either need to book or get there early for a table is a better example of its quality and value than any review or comment from me.

Thanks

[tricky]

Perhaps we went on a bad night, but there's no excuse for scrambled egg carbonara and soggy pizza.
Glad you enjoyed it so perhaps we will give it another chance as its very handy for us and used to be very good.

[Jaylay]

Don't understand the reports in this thread. We visited Da Donato several times during 11th Aug to 24th Aug and had excellent service and lovely meals.

The information we were given was that the same owner has been there for many years and was puzzled about the reports of "changing hands". The staff were very friendly and helpful. I am an ex British Army chef with 30 years experience in Restaurants and Catering so I have some knowledge in this area. Furthermore, we visited on two occasions with my in-laws and they are, how can I put this without offending?, quite particular!! We all enjoyed our meals and the dining experience at Da Donato and thought it was excellent value.

I think the fact that you either need to book or get there early for a table is a better example of its quality and value than any review or comment from me.

Thanks

Strange we wondered if Donato himself was back running the restaurant as we noticed his car parked outside the last few weeks and had not seen it earlier in the year.

[matoserrao99]

Maybe we went on a bad night as well.

Like Mike i used to be a chef, and i've never eaten worse food - in fact not eaten - spat out - than the salmon pasta dish offered to my wife - no excuse for it at all it was simpy diabolical

We had pizzas there a while ago - very average but edible - wine a total rip-off

We stupidly went back to try the pasta - my wife had salmon - it arrived 15 minutes before mine.
I could see it wasn't going well so i asked if i could try it - i've never spat food out before - it went half way accross the restaurant.

If there's a more foul disgusting plate of food on earth i hope i never get to taste it.

mine arrived - i'd only ordered lasagne - they certainly did no more than re-heat it , so why i waited so long god alone knows.

Much better than the salmon - tasted like dog food covered in clingfilm.

Never Again

[sunman]

ate at Donato's last night, over a year since last there; was very busy but the staff seemed to cope, 1 pizza, 2 tagliatele prawns, I tagliatele with salmon, all very nice and washed down with some nice red wine, lovely evening.

[tricky]

Nice to know its improved, as its handy for us

[widge]

Asked my neighbours about Donato & they say he's still there.

[widge]

Went to Donato's last night & he served at our table. This restaurant has not changed hands!