Willie's - Loulé

I went with friends. They eat out 5 or 6 nights a week and I would class them as “foodies”. The staff here, like everywhere else we ate out, take ‘things’ very seriously, indeed. They like to introduce every single morsel to you in detail and lord help you if you interrupt. Since returning I have asked 2 or 3 people who have holidayed on the Algarve about the Portuguese welcome In restaurants and uniformly everyone said it’s almost as if they don’t want you there. Not quite as bad at Willies but they are somewhat rigid in their approach. I like to put it down to professionalism and a desire to ‘do it correctly’ but it’s a bit intense. A lighter touch would be welcome. That said the food was superb and I would certainly go again.

Stunning meal last night, scallops and lamb for me, foie gras and prok for my wife. The amouse bouch were amazing. The staff were very attentive and helpful. Would have gone again next week if they were not closing for the winter

Absolutely amazing!! One of the best meals I’ve had throughout my travels!!! The lamb was exquisite. The staff was incredible and the ambiance was terrific.

Absolutely excellent from start to finish! The scallop and ravioli starters were fabulous, as were the scallop truffle risotto and John Dory mains. Loved the little treats in between . Everything, including a gorgeous reasonably priced bottle of red wine was fantastic! We have eaten in several Michelin guide or star restaurants in the UK and this food experience is up there with with some of the best! Thank you!

Not Michelin starred and a bit old fashioned. We visited as a family of 4 in August 2023. This restaurant lost its Michelin star sometime after 2019 but you wouldn’t know this from the restaurant’s website. I had the feeling that this restaurant was doing what it has always done a ‘don’t fix it if it isn’t broke’ approach. I think the menu and food presentation needed a through update. Service was very good. The amuse bouche selection also very good. Starters scallops and beetroot carpaccio scallops nicely cooked but beetroot was cubed and didn’t really work. Beef carpaccio was good but portion size too large. Crab was excellent. Mains uninspiring. Scallops with truffle risotto too salty. John Dory was quite nice but needed something more to make it look and taste special. The lamb was good. Desserts Large portion sizes of mains and starters meant only one dessert the chocolate fondant. Best dish of the night. Wine limited by the glass selection. Cost 370 euro for 4 included couvert (breads), starters x 4, mains x 4, dessert x 1, table water, 2 glasses of Portuguese fizz and 2 glasses of wine, 2 x coffees. Excludes service.