The Fisherman's Shack

Edit - changed the rating as the food is good, and if they were transparent about the prices I would have rated 4-5. We went to the Fisherman's Shack before and had a very different experience. This time although the staff was really friendly, we were recommended (pushed) the special which was Sea Bass and it was supposed to br 'slightly' more expensive than the one on the menu (which is not an issue), we explained that we have been to the restaurant before but this time we just wanted to have a main as we were both not feeling great and we even felt forced to have dessert. We understand that it is their job to sell but we spent half of our generous daily budget and although it is insignificant comparing to the overall price, we were charged for bread, butter and sardine paste we never asked for or touched and were never made aware was chargeable. Although the staff was very friendly, they also made us feel uncomfortable as they were very hands on. We would not go back or recommend the restaurant as they take advantage of tourists, the time before it was only the owners and we had a good experience but now they mislead you and don't disclose prices or what you get for it (which I am sure it is not legal?) and you can get MUCH better food for 3/4 the price. Be careful!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

A deception. We entered with enthusiasm after the good reviews, we believed at first that we had made the right choice because they recommended us not to order the sardines (they told us in a low voice that they were not fresh) and they offered us wild sea bass. We had planned to order mussels and shrimp alho so we were disappointed with the sea bass because it was already a lot of food... we tried to order camarao with monkfish and rice, but they also told us that it was not fresh. Given such recommendations, we ordered the “sea bass”. The waitress who served us, or the owner or whatever, can give me 500 explanations and tell me that her father-in-law is a fisherman and that wild fish tastes different if it is caught in Quarteira or in Portimao. But what they gave us was as farm-raised as the one I buy at home, and as little wild as the one I've been eating for more than 30 years in Portugal. The argument that they work all year round and their clients are English, Scottish and Dutch is worth between 0 and nothing, because they still don't know how to distinguish one fish from another.

Keep shamelessness

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great food, great hosts. Shrimp and prawns,mussels, Tuna, beef. Are all done perfectly. It doesn’t get much better.

Food: 5

Service: 5

It's seafood restourant, so you expect good quality sea food. Ordered seafood plater and was so dissapointed: mussels was so small, shrimps and fish was overcooked and souce was lack of flawour...Only staff was great!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 5

Me and mum was here this evening , such an amazing place , was recommended the Sea bass it was fantastic and cooked beautiful , be back next year ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Fish

The best seafood I have ever eaten! Friendly and cool atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish

Carla and Leo made us feel so welcome - I cannot recommend this restaurant strongly enough! It is a hidden gem.
The catch of the day is exactly what it says - off the fishing boat and bought from the fish market this very morning. Fresh fish at its finest. As Couvert we had the obligatory bread and sardine paste, but they also offered a Portuguese dish of goats cheese dipped in local honey - odd pairing, but surprisingly delicious.
The grilled Sardines were superb, and the
Fresh Sea bream was beautifully filleted at the table.
Seating can be inside or out, we chose outside with lovely breeze on a hot summer evening. A lovely, cosy evening, thank you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Wow! What a gem! We discovered this restaurant thanks to the TripAdvisor ranking and what's more, it's right next to our hotel, Vila Gale Marina. What can I say other than forget the tourist traps at the marina and come and taste delicious dishes here!!! Sea bream with potatoes and vegetables: €12, 25cl glass of white wine €4.50, dessert of the day €6 (almond tart and vanilla ice cream) lemon sorbet €2.50!!! And what's more, everything is delicious. We will definitely return there during our stay and we recommend it! the little extra: the glass of Porto as a digestive offered at the end of the meal and the very friendly and smiling waitress ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is heavily overrated. Showed up for dinner at 6.30pm when it opened and it was completely EMPTY. Even though we were the only people there the server asked us if we had a reservation and then after we were seated she rushed us through our dinner. We left in 40 minutes and the restaurant was still completely empty. The service was terrible and I wouldn't go back again

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very overrated seafood restaurant. Went here with high expectations and was thoroughly disappointed. The service was the worst part. The lady who was serving us was very forceful and tried to get us to order what she wanted and when we didn't want to she was pretty rude about it. I would not go here unless you want to be told what to order just to end up with a pricey bill

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

We had an amazing dinner at the restaurant. Food and service was outstanding. Definitely recommend it ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish

Friendly restaurant with excellent food and good service. We had the nibbles on arrival, mains, desserts and the house red (a decent drop) for a very reasonable 78 Euros.
My octopus was cooked beautifully, very sweet and tender. The almond tart was lovely.
Highly recommend if you are in the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant doesn’t have the glam that most do in Vilamoura but the service and food is great! The food is made with love and the servers really care about your experience at their restaurant. I would absolutely suggest this hidden gem for anyone looking for authentic Portuguese food. The octopus, sea bass and garlic prawns did not disappoint. The server deboned the sea bass for my wife at our table side which made things much easier for her. The bottle of Pousio was a perfect match as well!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish, Grilled Fish

Excellent meal and fabulous service. Really worth a visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish

The food was amazing. The service was even better. Thanks. Definitely a great place to go.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5