Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 281 321 113; Av Dr Mateus Teixeira de Azevēdo 6; mains €8-12; lunch & dinner Wed-Mon)
This very
authentic, well-maintained Portuguese place with gold-and-blue tablecloths has an air of
the 1960s, efficiency with a capital 'E' and a loyal clientele. Good home-style dishes in-
clude the seafood risotto and grilled tuna.
Jamie's Cozinha
INTERNATIONAL
€€
(
www.jamiescozinha.com
; Poeta Emiliano da Costa 6; dinner Tue-Sun; )
This cheekily named spot
(translate it into English) is a welcome change to Tavira's standard cuisine scene. To start
with, it's refreshing when the owner-chef proudly declares himself a vegetarian. But that's
not to say there's not meaty fare; this place serves up sophisticated Mediterranean -fo-
cussed cuisine - including meats and seafood - using local produce where possible and a
seasonally changing menu.
Drinking & Entertainment
Bars are interspersed throughout town; most are on the northern bank, with a couple along
Rua Dr José Padinha.
For a higher-velocity night, head to the
mercado municipal,
which hosts a row of danci-
er, preclub bars that play music from hands-in-the-air house to African. The area buzzes in
July and August.
Tavira Lounge
BAR, CAFE
( 281 381 034; Rua Gonçalo Velho 16-18; noon-2am Mon-Sat summer, noon-11.30pm Mon-Thu, to late Fri &
Sat winter; )
By day it's a cafe-restaurant ; by night a cafe-bar. Whatever it is, it's cosy
and a lovely place to chill over delicious tapas snacks, or kick back with a cocktail or
smoothie. Free internet and several cosy spaces ensure a long and comfortable visit. There
are even distractions for the kids.
BAR
Refcafé
(Rua Gonçalo Velho 23; Tue-Sun)
A casual place where nothing is quite what it seems: it's
more of a bar (despite its name, although it serves good smoked-salmon sandwiches), the
space has a 1970s feel (but it plays contemporary music), and the ladies' bathroom is be-
hind the blue (not yellow) curtain. Can be fun.
