A Tasca do Careca is next door but one to the Post Office (Correio) and next door to Cafe Correia in Vila do Bispo. Coming from Lagos, take the first exit to Vila do Bispo, turn left onto the road from Aljezur as it enters the town and then right at the first crossroads with the church on the corner. There is plenty of parking space in the square just beyond the church (- look inside if it is open - it is splendid). This is a typical local bar-restaurant with about 30 covers and a strong local trade. It's not possible to book so, to be sure of getting a table, it is necessary to arrive early. The menu is simple and typically Portuguese - grilled meat or fish, with chips and a lettuce and tomato salad. The sorts of dishes offered include steak, pork steak, ribs, salmon, sole and the renowned fish soup, grilled chicken and stuffed squid. There are some desserts including the famous carob tart but, as usual, it was impossible to get that far - the portions here are substantial.
We turned down the cover of bread, butter, sardine paté, cheese and olives but two of our party opted for bowls of vegetable or fish soup (tomato based) with some bread. For our main courses we chose grilled sea bass, veal steak and grilled chicken all served with large portions of chips and salad. We sampled some of both the house red and white wines and finished with coffee and green tea. All the meals were delicious but looking round the restaurant, it was obvious that the chicken and chips was a favourite - the piri-piri is served separately for you to use to your own taste. It is possible to order certain dishes, such as the chicken, in a larger portion size to share for those with slightly smaller appetites. We were the first to arrive at 7pm but 30 minutes later, the restaurant was almost full and by 8.30pm there were people waiting for tables. The atmosphere was good and there was Portuguese, English. Dutch and German being spoken so a good mix of nations were sampling the excellent food. For a genuine Portuguese evening amongst locals, at a very keen price, A Tasca do Careca is worth you taking the time and effort to visit.
A Tasca do Careca, GPS N 37º04,964, W 8º54,591
address: Rua 1 Maio 6, 8650-425 Vila do Bispo
open: 12.00 - 14.45 hrs for lunch and 19.00 - 22.00hrs for dinner.
