Izzy's Beach Restaurant em Loulé

It’s always difficult when you go to a restaurant for the first time to know whether you have chosen a dish which is ‘representative’ of what the restaurant can do. Such is the dilemma with Izzy’s because the experience was exceptional but the food we chose was distinctly average. This bears explanation, so let’s start with the experience, which was really very good. The restaurant sits adjacent to the beach, it absorbs the laid back vibe you might expect from the natural surroundings. The pounding of waves is part of the soundtrack of the dining experience. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the beach bar feel is reflected in the furnishings and decor. On this mildly wet and dark November evening the place was also warm and cosy. The atmosphere is first class, and there is a comforting hubbub of conversation and laughter which seems to synchronise with the crashing of the waves. So, as I said, as an experience, really very good. We’ve eaten well on this holiday, so looking at the menu the selection of curries provided a welcome diversion from the fare offered by the fish restaurants in the area. However, these were not good curries. My wife ordered the chicken curry and I ordered the monkfish curry. The first inkling we had that maybe curries are not the ‘thing’ here is that the poppodums, which came with our meals were draped over the food…a great way to get the steam off the food to make your poppodums soggy. They were too, absolutely horrible. The curries came with plain rice, which was fine, but the curry sauce was bland, and like something you might get in a coronation chicken sandwich. The chicken and monkfish were themselves ok, but the curry sauce had not penetrated, making for rather a poor dish really. Credit where it is due though, the mango chutney tasted homemade, and is amongst the freshest and tastiest I have ever had…so not all bad then! So to pudding. Try the sorbet with vodka! Served with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime, this was a subtle and engaging way to finish the meal…so simple and yet very good. My wife had the chocolate ice cream which was also very good. So back to the original dilemma, the experience was great, and I am reluctant to overly criticise the food on the basis of what we chose, because maybe…just maybe, they do other food items on the menu much better.

Izzies is an old favorite of ours and we have been there many times over the years. Visited again the other day and Rory and his team have not lost their touch at this beach side restaurant. Excellent service and food - mainly but not exclusively fish. The location and atmosphere are still fantastic - with uninterrupted and unequalled Atlantic views. Very committed and loyal following so essential to book, especially at weekends when there is often music, adding even further to the atmosphere. We will return soon.