I have eaten here dozens of times. The Covid lockdown 5 years ago almost killed the Portuguese restaurant industry, including this joint.
Since then, the fame of this easy to eat and fried menu has spread to 4 sibling locations throughout the town and on the Island beach. Known for its signature polvo tempura (octopus tentacles) served with plain mayonnaise, and an entrecôte (boneless ribeye) that is perfectly grilled to a pink medium rare and sliced for service, with saucing in the side.
The varied menu at this location includes cod tempura and a variety of risotto's - the best is served with squid ink and nicely seared scallops on top (not available on last visit)
CNG is a nice neighborhood joint for casual dining inside and al fresco, but its quality has sadly declined over recent visits despite its frenzied popularity with the British and Irish crowd who enjoy their fried offerings, beers and cocktails.
The octopus tempura on my most recent visit was limp, the tempura coating was coming off when cut, and the tentacle itself was tough. Compared to my first visits years ago, this offering fails to please. It tastes of old oil and freezer burn.
Their classic sweet potato fries had a similar off putting old oil flavor - but doused in enough mayo they still ate fine.
The best bite was the new menu add - the seafood bisque, perfectly creamy with shrimp, white fish and crab with plenty of crispy croutons.
If you are hungry for small plates, CNG has plenty of variety to suit most folks. Specialty cocktails are nice, but the new servers seem confused at times. The best of the staff have been redistributed to the sibling restaurants, making the original less successful in service and details with the food. Hard to get past 4 stars.
TOP TIP: Stick with the steak frites, pork cheeks and their cod offerings. The sweet potato fries are a must get.
NOTE TO STAFF: Your quality is dipping despite your fame amongst expats and tourists. You need to up your game if you want lasting and consistent loyalty from the community. The restaurant game in Tavira is growing rapidly and your menu misses will be gained by new openings elsewhere. read more