Name of Restaurant

Bistro des Z'Artes - Almancil

Style

Intimate, cosy and rather romantic. Quite arty (down to the fact that the walls are covered in paintings by a Dutch 'Beryl Cook' called Martha Visser) and very relaxed.

Ambience

Great for any occasion, but really good for those nights that you don't want to cook, don't know what to eat but know you want something special without taking out a second mortgage.

What to eat?

Great menu with lots of exciting ideas on it: beetroot- marinated salmon with warm dill potatoes to start, or cappuccino of mushroom soup scented with truffle oil followed by seafood "pot au feu" or saddle of rabbit & "presunto", carrot mousseline and tarragon jus. Surprisingly well priced.

The chef

Jonathan Pratt, or Jonnie, was not just kissed by the blarney stone he eloped and married it. Irish, talented, full of charm and with great service standards, he learned his craft at the helm of some of the world's great hotels, working for Marriott and Hilton among others, plus a spell on a luxury cruise liner. He honed talent, taste and ambition and the result is this little firecracker of a bistro that he opened at Christmas 2008. A passion for local food, making everything himself including the bread, has seen a local fan club start which we are sure will continue throughout the summer.

What to drink?

Great house wine from the Douro at €11.50 per bottle.

Insider knowledge

Can't decide what to eat? Although not on the menu, Jonnie will do a tasting menu which at €35 will give you a snapshot of the style and talents of the chef. He will give you a selection of his choice of the menu. Great value and great fun.

Anything that clients should know about?

Can't think of a thing, except I suspect that you will need to book in advance to get a table once the word is out.

The inspirational bit?

Passionate food, well priced, laid-back and just a great atmosphere.

Size    

Seats 38.

Location

Rua Calvario 69, Almancil.

One of the back streets in Almancil. If approaching from Apolonia supermarket towards Almancil centre, you come to a set of traffic lights; turn right and Calvario is the second road on your left. The restaurant is half way down on the right hand side.

Cost

Three courses approx €33

Tasting menu €35

Wine from €11.50 per bottle  

Opening times

7 nights a week from 7pm - 10.30pm last orders.

Phone

+ 351 919 407 366

Website

www.bistro-des-artes.com