Restaurante Colombo is conveniently situated a short walk from the Casino and the Dom Pedro Hotel in the heart of Vilamoura.
This eatery has lots of character and is a great place to enjoy an evening with family and friends, or for a quick business meeting in the bar at the end of a long day.
The interior décor has a nautical feel, with framed pictures referencing boating themes. The walls and ceilings are covered in rich wooden paneling which complements the well-lit and spacious dining areas, giving the open space an elegant, traditional feel.
Parking is roadside and free after 7pm, with more parking available a couple of minutes’ walk away in the public car park just down the road.
I made a reservation on a Sunday evening and was warmly received by Sr Elvio Pires, the owner of the restaurant, who escorted me personally to a little table overlooking both the main dining room and the outside terrace at the front entrance. Although early in the evening, lots of couples were already enjoying the food and ambience this place has to offer.
The menu offers something for everyone, with prices for a main course ranging from between €9.90 up to €59. There are many choices and all the ingredients are locally sourced, including fresh Portuguese fish and seafood dishes, traditional meats including steak, lamb and chicken, and a range of vegetarian options – the portions are very generous but beautifully presented.
I enjoyed a particularly good tuna tataki with fleur de sel chilli with a soy reduction for my starter. This was paired with a very pleasant glass of Quinta de Alvarinho, which was deliciously light and fruity.
My main course was a peppered fillet steak served with sauce and dauphinoise potato (no vegetables). I requested it to be medium and it arrived perfectly cooked. I enjoyed a super bottle of 2016 Cabo da Roca Merlot Reserva from the Lisbon region. The main course was followed by homemade dessert and coffee.
This restaurant is full of charm and the discreet and attentive staff are well informed about the food and wines available and dedicated to offering you the very best dining experience possible.
Restaurante Colombo can easily accommodate 130 people inside; has a private function room and a large outside area where you can eat a meal on warm summer evenings or sit and enjoy a few cheeky cocktails which can be ordered from the extensive cocktail menu at the bar.
Open six days a week 5pm-1am, Sunday 5pm-11.30pm. Closed on Monday.
Menu: restaurantecolombo.com
Phone: 289 380 919
Reservations: restaurantecolombo.com
Review by KARYN REAL
