Forte de Santa Catarina

We lived in France for 3 years, and have just moved to Portugal. We found this place by accident when the place we intended to go to was fully booked. What a happy accident!. The restaurant is set in an ancient fort, beautifully lit with a wonderful atmosphere. We greeted by the friendliest man ever. They had two guys quietly playing background music, so we chose to sit near them. My partner wanted cider so the man bought out all the ciders on a tray so he could choose! Coming from France where there is "service with a scowl" this in itself was mind blowing! He gave the history of the fort and invited us to have our drinks on the rooftop terrace while we waited for our food. The terrace overlooks the curve of the bay, and there are quiet romantic corners, or a stylish bar (very easy to social distance too). The view from everywhere is magnificent. It was breezy so no mosquitos either (take a wrap/cardigan ladies!). The perfect place to drink our lovely cider. Our burgers arrived and they were magnificent (they have five choices of vegetarian burger too - five!!) Beautifully cooked and huge, it came with hand cut chips. Every mouthful was pure joy (especially after French food which is bland and repetitive). Even though we were absolutely stuffed, we decided to have a desert. I had chocolate fondant with a perfect melted middle and amazing red fruit ice cream (home made). My partner who is a chocoholic, had chocolate cake, WITH home made chocolate ice cream. I tasted some of his and it was the nicest chocolate ice cream I have ever had (and trust me, I've eaten lots!). We complemented the food and the chef even came out to thank us, and was very appreciative. We were astounded at the level of service, the genuine friendliness and the quality of the food. It cost us 10 euros for the burgers (they would have been twice that price in France) and 4 euros for the most fabulous desert (a simple crepe in France would have cost us a lot more). They have music every day from 3pm on the roof terrace apparently too. This is our new favourite place, and we will be going back this week with a friend from France. I am so glad we moved here! Highly highly recommend!

Although the website claimed they are open on Monday it is not. It was closed. There is nothing there anyway except a bar. Very touristic area. Not worth it. There is a nice sea promenade for a nice long walk but otherwise a waste of time

Nice fort with view over the whole beach

Amazing views, great cocktails. Better at the end of the afternoon especially if the wind isn't blowing!

Nice view and delicious ice cream ;)