Where to eat in the Algarve, Portugal

 OndaLuz Restaurante in Praia da Luz

One of the must do things in Praia da Luz is a visit to a restaurant at the eastern edge of the town.  Past the post office, on the left side of the main Rua Direita just before leaving Luz, is the OndaLuz Restaurante.

Although it's not been open long, it's developing a reputation for excellent food, great service and the good humour of the staff. They all speak good English, which puts us to shame really.  We make all sorts of promises to ourselves about learning more Portuguese but there is little incentive when the staff makes you feel so welcome and even recognise and can place your local (English) accents.

We have been to OndaLuz a few times now and nothing seems to put them out.  Once, after we were seated and had ordered our meal, some friends arrived (without booking) and were about to be turned away.  We asked if they could join our table, and quickly two extra chairs were found, our friends were seated with us and more (complimentary) covers were served while they caught up and placed their order.  Nothing seems to be too much trouble for OndaLuz.

Unusually, at this restaurant you are asked if you want to select items from the usual list of covers. Maybe it's to do with the inclusion of garlic in most of the items.  Garlic butter, olives and herbs in a garlic dressing, carrots in the same garlic dressing, thank goodness for a break and a selection of regional cheeses and sardine pate; all served with a brimming basket of breads.

There is a wide ranging wine list but we chose the house wine. Their house wine is an excellent Dao, Quinta do Cabriz at €9 - a full bodied fruity red, made with the Tinto Roriz, and Touriga Nationale grapes.  This wine, surprisingly, will go with almost anything and, although it was really to go with main courses of duck, steak and turkey, the other main course, sole, which was chosen from a cold tray of fresh fish presented for selection at the table, was not overpowered.

But first, the starters.  Nothing on the starter menu is more than €5.  We ordered asparagas soup, which had a lovely texture and some very crisp croutons added; a fish soup in a tomato stock, a rich gaspacho and a paté which was served ready spread on toast soldiers and presented on a bed of leaves.  All these starters were €2 or €3 and terrific value and flavour.  Other starters on the extensive menu include the usual salads, melon/ham and of course vegetable soup.

After the empty plates had been cleared, the main courses arrived.

The turkey was a double escalope, with a creamy sauce containing fruit and almonds and served with chips and a salad. (€10)

The large steak tournedos was covered in a green pepper sauce and again was served with chips and a salad. (€12.50)

The duck, a full half, was covered with a rich orange sauce and served on a bed of fresh orange slices, and, (yes you guessed it!) served with chips and salad. (€10)

The sole was presented just lightly grilled, with a citrus dressing and served with potatoes and salad. (€18)

Other interesting main courses which we have had before are the kebabs. These are brought to table hanging from a stainless “tree” so are very easy to transfer to your plate or, if you wish, the staff will strip the skewer and plate them for you.  The mixed meat kebabs are a BIG meal, with chicken, sausage, beef and lamb grilled with peppers and onions, but a lighter choice could be the mixed fish with monkfish and prawn.)

Just looking at our order may lead you to think side orders are limited to chips and salad, but that's not the case.  A full selection of vegetables and potatoes are, of course, available.  The portions were large and the meals were full of flavour, and most enjoyable.  All too soon our plates were empty.

There's always the desserts to come though, so we had another glass of vinho, while we had a rest and considered our choices.

The desserts are a bit more adventurous than most Portuguese restaurants and, in addition to the usual items, include warm, home made fruit tarts with ice cream, almond roll with cream or ice cream, crème caramel (not a small individual, one but a thick slice) with lashings of hot caramel sauce and hot chocolate sauce with a variety of ice creams.  These last items were the ones we chose and we weren't disappointed.  Absolutely delicious!......... and at €3.50 each, great value too.

With a couple of beers before the meal and coffees and “Beiraos” after, the bill was €56 a couple so, although its not the cheapest place to eat, it is certainly one of those restaurants where you know you are guaranteed a good night out.  Excellent food, entertaining and friendly staff and, if you are staying in Luz, handy for a stroll along the prom while you watch the moon over the water and listen to the gentle waves washing up the beach.  Ah memories !

OndaLuz is only open in the evening and booking is essential from the late spring and through summer.  With the Vila Baia development close by, it will become even busier, so call in or ring 282 767 350 to book your table. You won't be disappointed.

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