One of our favourite restaurants is Monte da Eira,
at Clareanes, north of Loulé. About 25 minutes drive from
the coast at Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo or Vilamoura.
At the roundabout by the market in Loulé, take the exit
towards the north, following signs for Querença.
Keep on this road for a few kilometres (it's a pretty
drive) until you see the sign for Clareanes and a
sign which says 'escola' (school). The entrance to
the restaurant's car park is almost immediately after on
the right, with a white sign and a bright white light at
night.
The red circle shows Clareanes
The restaurant itself is a beautifully restored quinta
(farmhouse) owned by Pedro Lima, a charming host who
speaks very good English. The menu, however is exclusively
Portuguese, and very good indeed. Try the black pork
dishes, duck, stone bass, steaks or the daily specials.
All delicious and generous.
Unlike many typical Portuguese establishments, Pedro knows
the value of lovely napperie and nice tableware.
It's a classy establishment with moderate prices
(especially when compared with Quinta do Lago,
where our holiday house is).
Not much in the way of
vegetarian main courses, however I'm sure Pedro could
arrange something with prior notice.
At time of writing, closed on Mondays and Sunday
evenings; but it's always safest to check first.
Tel: (+351) 289 438 129
Thanks, as ever, to Lesley for sharing. I hope that
Pedro's attention to detail brings its just reward!
