I'm always keen to try somewhere new whenever I have the chance to visit Tavira so Jamies Cozinha was an obvious destination for dinner on my recent mini break. I turned up last Tuesday without having made a booking and had no problems getting a choice of tables in this nicely turned out small restaurant which is situated just over the river from the central square in Tavira (walk over the bridge, the small one open to traffic, just along from the lovely old Roman bridge). If you are planning on eating here in June, July or August I suspect a booking in advance would be essential to avoid disappointment. There are a couple of tables on the narrow pavement outside but the road is quite busy so this is not a place I would recommend for dining outside (try the A Ver, the Brisa do Rio or the lovely roof terrace at the Patio if you want to eat in the open air). However, the restaurant itself is quite charming and has been restored sympathetically with the interior design based on the original green tiles. It's has a modern look and a nice vibe no overhead strip lighting and candles on the tables. The owner obviously knows his market, he runs a small local hotel, and has pitched this offering just right. There is something on the menu that should appeal to all tastes and there is a good selection for vegetarians which is rare in Tavira. Prices are higher than most other restaurants in town but the menu is a bit more adventurous and the cooking is well executed. The staff are friendly, professional and efficient no doubt they will cope well with the demands of the summer season!! If you are fond of a glass of wine there is plenty of good stuff on the wine list from reasonably priced and easy drinking house wine to some more interesting choices which will not break the bank. I had a very tasty starter of sardine fillets which came on a bed of panzanella salad this would be a good sharing plate if you want to pace yourself and get through three courses. I then moved onto a main of sea bass with saffron seafood risotto. This was a big fish which was perfectly cooked and nicely presented with a side of risotto stuffed full of octopus, mussels and clams a nice plate of food but there was just a little bit too much going on flavour wise for my palate. By now I was totally stuffed and after a quick bica I was off into town for a bit of a walk before a cheeky nightcap. I'm already looking forward to a return visit to see how Jamies develops after the summer season. read more