Saturday 6 October 2012

Restaurant Portal do Infante, Marina, Lagos, Algarve

We had a long-planned party for friends and family in Lagos on a Saturday in mid-September 2012.

We required a location with a pleasant view, Portuguese cuisine and capacity up to 80 persons. Planning started in March 2012. We trawled the main restaurants and hotels in Lagos. Either they did not have enough capacity, were ridiculously expensive and/or turned us away saying mid-September was still "tourist" season.

The Portal do Infante was among one of the first restaurants visited and the manager, Sr. Paulo was about the only manager to whom we spoke who understood what we wanted, was able to offer a good price per person and was interested in what we as customers required. The Restaurant is situated in the area around the corner from the main Marina complex. It is a more tranquil location and offers a direct view over the moorings.

The party passed off perfectly. It was a beautiful sunny Lagos Saturday evening. Drinks were served to all guests on arrival and then we sat down to a lovely dinner. We had arranged a pianist and a traditional Fado group, comprising two guitarists and an excellent female Fado vocalist. (Even guests from Lisbon and Coimbra complimented her talent.)

All this time, the staff of the Portal were extremely attentive and continued to be so until we finished at 1 a.m.

The food was of the highest quality and included for the first course arroz de peixe com Gambas/Fish Rice with shrimps or Bacalhau no forno à Infante/Baked bacalhau (cod) á Infante. The second course offered Borrego assado no forno/ Roast Lamb or Medalhões de Vitela Madeira/ Veal Medallions in Madeira.

The wine selection was also excellent.

We cannot more highly recommend this restaurant which also has a cafe section which offers snacks and light refreshments at good prices.

This is an excellent location just for a dinner for two or for an anniversary/wedding party.

Website: http://www.gelanel.pt/portal/portal.html

Lote 31 - Cais de Honra - Marina de Lagos 8600-780 LAGOS Tel: 282 792 197 e-mail: portalinfante@sapo.pt