"The Ritz"O Escondidinho

[Victor Meldrew]

We are out on the 16th and in search of authentic Portuguese restaurants.Has anyone any views on The Ritz and directions on how to get there would be much appreciated.Likewise with 0 Branco.

[Barry]

From Monte Carvoeiro heading away from the village there is a 3 way junction. Take the middle road, and look out for the entrance for Quinta do Paraiso on the left. Go past Reception, up the hill and take the left turning at the t-junction and O Escondidinho is on the left. To keep matters simple, if you drive past the restaurant, and turn right out of QDP, O Branco is a short distance on the left.

[roy4eyes]

For authentic portuguese food you will find that the Fatacil restaurant and O Lotus in Lagoa will be better - but mainly for lunch.

A Paleta, near Plus supermarket serves almost as authentic and is also open evenings.

The Ritz in my opinion has turned into a 'this is what the tourists think is an authentic restaurant', particularly in the evenings when it is just grills and fries and they have increased their prices over the past two years.

North of the 125 is where you will find real food - our favourite is A Tasca on the road from Penina to Monchique - the rabbit stew is to die for !!

[algarborn]

You can find Portuguese HomeMade food in Carvoeiro at Mistral ( 118,Rua dos Pescadores ) , inside an 96 years old house, open all winter .
The Chief-Cooking was born in Carvoeiro and knows well the secrets of Algarvian Cuisine...
The fresh fish comes from her brother who is a fisherman!!!

[dodger]

been to the 'ritz' after reading good reports on here.Sadly was very vey disappointing,great atmosphere at luchtime with local workforce there but found the food was nothing better than what you would find in a greasy truckers cafe back home.

[bifas 1st darling!]

Hmmm, looks like Carla found carvoeiro.com!!!

You can find Portuguese HomeMade food in Carvoeiro at Mistral ( 118,Rua dos Pescadores ) , inside an 96 years old house, open all winter .
The Chief-Cooking was born in Carvoeiro and knows well the secrets of Algarvian Cuisine...
The fresh fish comes from her brother who is a fisherman!!!

[Victor Meldrew]

I take it Carla is Algarve born but whats her cooking like?

[biffa]

Dos anyone really take the Ritz seriously as some place to eat?

[bifas 1st darling!]

Bearing in mind that I haven't been here for about 8 years because I was so disgusted the last time I went.


Escondidinho is what a lot of "ex-pats" think is a typical portuguese restaurant.


It's not, they're just cashing in on the "ex-pat" trade and as long as they get the clientes that think it's good...

[biffa]

Good gracious! We agree!!

[bifas 1st darling!]

Ha,ha,ha I've just logged on to take this post off. Now I think I'll leave it!!!

In Portuguese it's known as enfarta brutos, couldn't put it better

[algarborn]

I Know i'm out of topic , but i must reply to bifas 1st darling! :
My Dear Darling , i'm not Carla but a faithful friend of her food and her house... and also Algarve born !!
...To Victor : Her cooking quality it's according to the quantity... You are Welcome to Carvoeiro!!!

[biffa]

What does that last post mean?

[laserblazer]

It's what they play at military funerals

As for O Escondidinho, seems to me its customers are mainly German/Dutch families staying at QDP rather than Ex-Pat Brits.

What's the place at the bottom of the steps just up the hill from Rascals? El Tidia or similar?

[Bruce Wallis]

Til Ilda.
We quite often use it at lunch time. Do good sardines and hors deuerves as a main course.
Lovely view over the village beach.