With such a vast and delicious selection of restaurants and eateries to choose from in Quinta Do Lago, we wouldn’t blame you for feeling a little overwhelmed when it comes to picking somewhere that suits the needs of the whole family, especially the little ones!
Peter Jenkins, travel expert and managing director at Sun-hat Villas and Resorts, specialists in luxury Algarve villas, has compiled his top five family friendly places to wine and dine.
Koko Lane
From mouth-watering breakfasts to daily bistro specials, Koko Lane’s extensive menu offers something delicious for any time of the day. Located on the driving range, the flatbread starters and spinach tortellini provide sustenance for a busy morning practicing your drives. With a traditional wood-fired oven creating heavenly pizzas, a play area next to the restaurant and an ice-cream shop, the kids will forever be satisfied. Takeaway is also readily available so you can stroll leisurely along the stretch of sand and simultaneously enjoy your pizza.
The Shack Bar and Grill
If you’re after something that sways a little more towards the edgy vibe, then The Shack Bar and Grill is the place for you and your family. This cool restaurant mimics the authenticity of a fisherman’s shack and is situated next to the shoreline of the lake – overlooking the nature reserve and sea beyond. You can watch over the kids running around and playing in the sand, whilst tucking into a ‘Shack Burger’ or the fish tacos, washed down with an exotic cocktail and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere that the live music supplies.
The Cheeky Pup
This is a brand-new Irish gastropub, operated by a young and passionate team that adhere to the fun and friendly atmosphere that Quinta Do Lago prides itself on. The Cheeky Pup serves fine wines, craft beers and food all day and also features an unrivalled outdoor terrace, offering the perfect alfresco experience. With live music to whisk you away into the late hours of another glorious day, you can sit and reflect on how amazing both the seabass and tiramisu you just devoured were. The kids menu is fantastic too and packed with plenty of healthy options, but if you’re youngsters are missing home, we’d recommend the classic fish, chips and peas option; brownie points if you can get them to eat all the peas! Due to popularity, we suggest you make a reservation here and be sure to look out for discount vouchers, soon to be offered online.
Bovino Steakhouse
This is the most exclusive steakhouse experience you can have in the Algarve. The Bovino Steakhouse offers prime-cuts and the finest dry-aged beef within a setting created by one of Europe’s most acclaimed designers, you are guaranteed to feel like royalty. We love the rump, the ribeye, or the two persons ‘Bovino Signature Cuts Experience’. Kids are also well catered for here; there is a separate well thought out children’s menu and an outdoor play area, which really adds to the atmosphere and allows them to explore the surroundings in the sun, whilst you remain close by.
Picnic in the Park or on the beach
Saturday night in Quinta Do Lago is beach party night, granting the resort the well-deserved nickname of ‘bather’s paradise’. Lying along the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve, Quinta Do Lago beach has pristine white sands that stretch out for three kilometres, protected by the dunes. This part of the coastline offers unspoilt views of the ocean, making it a beautiful picnic spot (home-grown produce and wine is always available from local markets and shops).
The resort’s driving range annually hosts Picnic in the Park in aid of some of the neighbourhoods’ charities between July and August, which creates a relaxed atmosphere amongst the tropic temperature. Live music and children’s entertainment are situated next to the first tee of the South Course. There are usually four fresh hampers to choose from ranging from €12 – €25. The ‘pure’ hamper is an assortment of healthy super foods, the ‘Bovino’ is a meat-lovers dream and the ‘Clubhouse’ basket is comprised of dips and cheeses. A kid’s picnic basket is also available to purchase.
Have these divine restaurants left you hungry for a good deal? Sun-hat Villas has properties widespread across Algarve – take a look here.
