Where to eat in the Algarve, Portugal

Restaurante O Cangalho in Barao de Sao Joao

This remarkable family run restaurant is a bit off the beaten track but well worth the visit. From Lagos, take the road North to Bensafrim and turn left following signs for Lagos Zoological Park, or turn off the N125 between Burgau and Salema and travel through Barão de São Miguel, and Barão de São João to find the restaurant right next door to the Zoo.

It would appear that there are two dining rooms and chances are you will go in the wrong one first, but don't worry, the friendly and helpful staff seem used to this and treat it as a joke as they show you to your table, either in a very comfortable, traditional, rustic style room with open fires and a well stocked bar, or a tropical room with water features.

Our intention was to have a quick lunch but the menu was so tempting we “made a meal of it”.

We opted for the “couvert”, its better than any starter and contains olives, home made chicken pate, home made smoked salmon mousse, flaming sausage slices, carrots marinaded in oil, garlic, and cumin, and quail's eggs!, as well as ample bread and butter.

Steaks were thick and tender and cooked to perfection. These were complemented with interesting sauces, such as cream/pineapple/almonds/raisins/and sultanas. The rosemary roast potatoes and amazing fresh salads made a very satisfying meal -made even more enjoyable by the house wine at €7 a bottle (This was so good we called at the supermarket on the way home and bought a number of bottles - Vinho Reg. Alentejano MONTADO )

For dessert we tried the pear in red wine sauce with ice cream - wow! 10/10 for taste and presentation, and at €3 well worth it.

Despite the travel we will certainly be going again, if only to try the “house specialities”, but next time Jackie will be driving so I can sample the amazing range of brandies displayed over the bar.                                               Jackie & Tony 

If you would like to know more about Portuguese Food and Drink, why don't you dip into our Restaurants in the Algarve section and our series of articles on Portuguese Wines and Ports.  We also feature some Traditional Portuguese Recipes and a glossary of useful Portuguese food & drink words and phrases