Vale Do Lobo Julia's Restaurant

For me a good restaurant is a combination of things - location, ambience, staff and of course the food. Very rarely do restaurants manage to provide all these elements over a long period of time, especially in the large tourist areas such as the Algarve, but Julia's has been doing it for years.

There are many excellent restaurants in Vale Do Lobo but none of them can be as popular as Julia's. This is one of the few beach restaurants that is open and busy throughout the year. Even in the depths of winter tables for Sunday lunchtimes require advance booking!

Located on the beach at Praia do Garrao (commonly known as Julia's Beach) many clients choose Julia’s because they know that their children can play safely in the playground or on the beach while relaxing over lunch or just a drink at the beach. There is live music every Sunday afternoon and twice weekly Tuesday and Thursday from June until September.

The view of course is something that only ever changes with the weather and I can think of no finer place to be when the sun is shining. The last time we ate there we had a window table early on a warm summer's day. A cool breeze was blowing from the Atlantic, the first swimmers of the year were gingerly entering the sea and the outside terrace at Julia's was packed with lunch time clients. For me this is what "Al Fresco" dining is all about.

The food on offer is a combination of classic dishes and some excellent fresh Portuguese Seafood. Julia's also have an "African Rice" dish that is served with few of the dishes but is worth ordering as an extra anyway. Compared to many other restaurants in this kind of location the cost of a good meal with wine is cheap. The main courses are served in large portions and dinner dishes like Chicken Piri Piri served with chips or African rice comes in at €12.50 and a fillet steak cooked in red wine and parma ham will set you back around €22.50. If you don´t fancy a full blown meal and just want to sit and relax with a drink then Julia's Beach Bar just in front of the restaurant serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Shelly, the owner, is generally around throughout the day over the busy summer months and the rest of the team are always on hand to make your visit a special one.

Our advice is to book in advance and you can do this by calling (00351) 289 396 512. The best seats are by the windows either inside or outside depending on the time of year. Or go to their website: www.julias-algarve.com

To help you find the restaurant we managed to steal a map!

© Vale do Lobo Guide.com 2010