Tavares has been open for 233 years. As you might expect, it has an elegant self-confidence and absolutely no desire or need to pander to tourists. This is not the place to go for a cheap meal or local color. It is the place to go if you want a superb meal and outstanding service in a restaurant that is on a par with high end places world wide.
The rococo decor may not be to everyone's taste, but I felt it created a strong sense of history, particularly as it is excellently well maintained. After an amuse-gueule (nice touch; not many restaurants bother nowadays) I had an imaginative and delicious crabmeat, coconut and ginger starter in filo pastry, followed by superbly presented roast sea bream and then a creme brulee but with wonderful fruit flavors. A bottle of Luis Pato'Rebel' wine, recommended by the sommelier, went very well indeed with the food.
At about 130 euros each this wasn't a cheap meal, but generally speaking you get what you pay for. For anyone willing to spend that amount I can't recommend it too highly. I hope it survives another 233 years! read more