A fantastic restaurant has to have a number of different elements; the food of course has to be excellent, the service friendly and professional and lastly the atmosphere should be welcoming and relaxing. It is only when all three elements come together that the overall dining experience is a great one and Taste in Carvoeiro manages to firmly tick all of the boxes.
In a town like Carvoeiro, where you are spoiled for choice, it can be hard to pick out the best restaurants from the crowd, however have a quick chat to local people around Carvoeiro of all nationalities and the majority will point you in the direction of Taste, showing just how well the team have done to build a solid reputation for mouth-watering food served in an inviting atmosphere.
At Taste, is doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit, the beautiful restaurant is able to make the most of the seasons thanks to their large terraces and outdoor eating areas which are perfect for the summer months and the cosy dining room with warming fireplace ideal for the winter months.
Downstairs there is a charming courtyard area complete with traditional Portuguese calçada flooring and areas suitable for getting together with a group of friends for an informal dining experience under the leafy foliage complete with twinkling nightlights hanging from the branches of the bougainvillea.
Once you have found your perfect spot to enjoy your meal then it is down to the serious business of choosing what to eat and with such a varied choice – this can be quite a challenge!
A quick browse through the menu in Taste and you are instantly met with some real variations sitting alongside some old favourites with an international feel reflecting the influences of the various members of the team.
Starters on the menu include the very moreish homemade fried onion rings with sweet and sour sauce, leek ball with aioli and the creamy sweet dates filled with goats cheese and wrapped in bacon.
Vegetarians have some good options at Taste without the need to resort to a portion of boiled vegetables! Here you can feast on a veggie burger made with tofu and topped with caramelised onions and mango chilli or sample the Porccini mushroom risotto finished off with some delicious white truffle oil – so good that even dedicated meat fans will struggle not to choose this one from the menu.
Taste is not a restaurant you come to if you are looking for plain food. Here you are treated to real flavours and exciting combinations that you don’t find in every restaurant in the Algarve.
Taste take a beautiful salmon fillet and then serve it with a creamy almond sauce for a real Algarvian flavour or why not try the fresh cod fish with clams in a tomato sauce and served on a bed of new potatoes or for a taste of the east there is the Cherne fish fillet served with a chilli and ginger sauce and lemon risotto.
There is also a very good choice of meat dishes on the menu including meals as diverse as burgers made with Black Angus beef, lamb chops with couscous or duck breast with raspberry sauce for a twist on the classic.
If you have any space left after enjoying the generous portions and beautiful presentation of the main courses and starters, then try the homemade baked blueberry cheesecake or the fresh fruit kebab served with chocolate sauce.
Taste really is a fantastic restaurant and it is not just because you can choose great meals to suit every palate, or that the menu is so reasonably priced for the quality you receive. Taste provides the perfect atmosphere for every occasion thanks to the attentive, professional and knowledgeable staff.
This Valentine’s Day the team will be serving up their usual choices from the a la carte menu as well as the 15 steak menu and all accompanied by live music from Stuart McColl. However, if you are looking to try something to bring a taste of romance to your table then why not opt for the special starter of scallops with raspberry sauce or try the special “love” dessert!
If you would like to enjoy a meal at Taste on 14 February then it is strongly recommended that bookings are made in advance to avoid disappointment.
Taste is far more than just a restaurant; it is a total dining experience, where wonderful food and an unforgettable atmosphere are combined to create a truly memorable experience at any time of the year.
For further information, or to book a table at Taste, please call 969 577 644 or visit the restaurant in person at Rua dos Pescadores 104, Rua do Barranco (on the in and the out road) Carvoeiro.

Author

Originally from the UK, Daisy has been living and working in Portugal for more than 20 years. She has worked in PR, marketing and journalism, and has been the editor of The Portugal News since 2019. Jornalista 7920

Daisy Sampson