Porches Velho

Reviews

Under new management

from: Algarve Good Life September 2003

The ambience of the 200 year old former wine cellar, with its high ceilings, lends itself easily to the comfortable dining room of Porches Velho restaurant.

In addition to the 82 seats in the main dining area, those wishing to take advantage of the balmy Algarve evenings can opt for the outside dining terrace, which seats 30 diners and affords views of the countryside.

The new host-owner may seem familiar. Amândio Candeias was, for 25 years, the captain at Lanterna restaurant in Parchal. He presents a well rounded international menu, including several Portuguese specialties, and offers daily specials. A variety of fresh fish and seafood from the westcoast arrives daily and most popular fish are available, either boiled or grilled (no-one grills fish quite as well as the Portuguese). Potatoes and vegetables accompany fish dishes. The menu also offers Cataplana, clams and prawn selections.

Steaks, veal chops and roast duck à l'orange are specialties of the house. Chateaubriand (for two) and steak or veal are cooked to your taste. The menu also offers lamb and pork dishes.

A large selection of desserts includes Portuguese puddings not often found in other restaurants. Pudim de laranja (orange pudding), for example, decorated with fresh and candied orange slices. This is truly delicious Algarvian treat to top off your dinner, with a coffe and/or a brandy.

Good food, good atmosphere and attentive Service are the ingredients that combine to make Porches Velho a very popular restaurant, well worth repeat visits.

Main courses cost from € 12.80. Dinner is served from 6.30pm until 11pm (closed Sundays).