Cantinho Algarvio em Lagos

This is a traditional Portuguese restaurant serving traditional foods. It's my first visit and my wife's 2nd (or 3rd), so she insisted we visit claiming it's very good. We have different tastes. I wasn't wowed by the food but will take some inspiration from the hot cheese starter. It was good. I'd like to get some of those earthenware pots to try this at home It'll be so easy to make. The main course I had on the other hand was a real disappointment and showed me why I can despise Portuguese foods so much. I had wild boar in a pot. A slow cooked stew, that I'd hoped it replicated a fantastic dish I once had in Alentejo some years back. Sadly, it was dreadful. For some bizarre reason the chef decided fresh mint was a great addition to this dish. It wasn't and it killed the dish. The sauce was wet and overpowering with this herb. Nothing like what I had expected. This is typical of the inconsistencies of Portuguese home cooking in places like this. I have a discerning palate. French descendant and keen cook. I can't speak for my wife, but there are better places to visit than here and I was surprised by the great reviews this place had. Food is subjective I guess.

Chance visit, we had been at the beach, it was getting late, we were hungry and everything was smack full. Not only did they react friendly despite being full but also pointed out that they would have something shortly and they arranged it for us. The food and service was great and we really enjoyed it. I think we got lucky and I would suggest you reserve