Found this place through TripAdvisor and read reviews there and on Google, which were very helpful. This is the place to go!
Other reviewers said to get reservations and I agree with that. We showed up on a Sunday evening during a major festival and lucked out by getting the last patio table that wasn't reserved. However, you have to be there at opening at 7pm to try and get a table. Other people filtered in for the next half hour and sat inside. But by 7:30 the place was full and they were turning away people that didn't have reservations. They also said to walk ups that if they waited for a table, the kitchen was very slow due to the crowd and the meal might take 45-60 min. Very honest and upfront of them.
Other reviewers said to get the swordfish so I did and though I know nothing about swordfish, I know that this one was excellent. Dipped in flavored butter/ oil dish, it was divine. My wife had the grilled octopus and while we were surprised they brought out a full body, it was beautiful and both she and I loved the taste. I asked the server about eating the head and while he said some do but most don't and I took his advice on that.
One daughter had the sea bass and said it was very very good. Another had the Cesar salad which she enjoyed but was later disappointed she wasn't more adventurous with her selection.
Wife also had a mojito and liked it. I've been drinking tap water in all he restaurants in Tavira without a problem but here they said I could not, so I bought a large bottled water.
They brought us a basket of bread and a tray of tuna salad / anchovies / olives and asked if we wanted it. We have since learned in other restaurants that this is an extra charge and we agreed as it looked good and was. Total price for both was only 6 euros even though the menu said it would be more.
Total dinner with IVA was 60 euros and we were done in 1 hr, 20 min. We opted to get out and let them serve another group at our table but never felt pushed.
The service was great, the sun quickly set over the plaza and a street musician was playing nearby.
It was a great experience for us all! read more