252 reviews
#4 of 29 Restaurants in Quinta do Lago€€ - €€€, Mediterranean, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options+351 289 143 218+ Add websiteWrite a ReviewImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:30 - 0:00
Mon
12:30 - 0:00
Tue
12:30 - 0:00
Wed
12:30 - 0:00
Thu
12:30 - 0:00
Fri
12:30 - 0:00
Sat
12:30 - 0:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Mediterranean, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Bar Scene, Business meetings
Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Details
About
Located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, The Bold Octopus is a beach restaurant and bar with unrivalled views of Quinta do Lago, the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean. We serve daily freshly sourced seafood to be enjoyed with our carefully chosen wine list. Enjoy our speciality cocktails and nibbles in our rooftop bar with live music as the sun disappears beyond the Atlantic. We pride ourselves on creating the best atmosphere on the beach in the Algarve – you will not be disappointed!
PRICE RANGE
€10.00 – €30.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
252 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
28
Average
18
Poor
12
Terrible
7
Jez Rothwell
Littleborough2 contributions
Oct 2021 • solo
Spent a very pleasant few hours at the Bold Octopus. Even though it’s a fairly large, open dining area it had a cozy, intimate feel. It’s unique location is a real plus point that gives it a lovely exclusive vibe.
Myself & five friends started off with some cracking cocktails, all how described on their drinks menu & elegantly presented.
We all ordered different dishes for starters + mains & everything was spot on. As with all the decent restaurants in VDL your wallet will be emptied but it doesn’t matter when the venue provides a glitch free visit.
I have to give a big thumbs up regarding the flawless service, it really was attentive but relaxed and friendly.
We visit VDL every year & we’ll definitely be back to the Bold Octopus next time.
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on your visit to The Bold Octopus. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and service of our special place. Thank you very much for the visit, it will be a pleasure to receive you again
Written 16 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EllieHope
105 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Visited twice, both for dinner. Pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop terrace. First time the terrace was very busy and getting a waiter to take a drinks order was a battle. Second time - much better. The cocktails are good. But a coaster underneath the 15 euro cocktail would be good, so you don't drip water over you every time you take a sip.
Our table on the 2nd visit was ready 45 mins later than the booking, exacerbated by the receptionist walking past us twice while looking for us to get us for our table, only to disappear again without telling us.
Food over the two dinners was at worst slightly disappointing, at best 4/5 some of the time. It's not cheap, as the location is excellent, I'm just not sure the kitchen is quite at the same standard as the location warrants.
Usual schoolboy error annoyances from the waiting staff, such as bringing over bottles of wine for the table, walk away without opening them, and forgetting to come back with a corkscrew, and the usual thing - give you the bill and then not go anywhere near you to take payment for 20 mins.
We will go back, for the location if nothing else. Might try Dos Passos next door before I do go back though.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Hi Ellie,
Sounds like a few things we got wrong on your visit. Really sorry about that. We are going to digest your review and try to see how we can improve our practices so things like this don't fall through the cracks again.
If you give us another shot please let our reservations team your previous experience and we would do our utmost to ensure you have a much better time.
Thanks for the feedback and hope to see you again.
TBO
Written 19 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kbp61
Tiverton200 contributions
Sept 2021 • friends
Fantastic location in a marvellously designed venue on the beach.
We dined at sunset, which is special, in a room of excited diners, many of whom looked as if they were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or just the fact that the location is great.
The food was tasty, well cooked and filling. In fact, we thought two starters would have been sufficient to sate our golf inspired appetites.
I will definitely return the next time I visit the area.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on your visit to The Bold Octopus. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and our special place. Thank you very much for the visit, it will be a pleasure to receive you again
Written 25 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ukswift88
539 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
We first visited in May 2021 after the initial opening with mixed feelings. Booked for a second time in August with the hope of a better experience. Unfortunately the experience was far worse.
In May we booked our table for August for 5 people, requesting a round table, when we arrived today we were sat to a table for 4 with 5 chairs, restaurant was empty apart from one other table. We requested to move to a larger or round table but told it was not possible. The staff showed no interest in accommodating our request despite the restaurant remaining by largely empty during our visit.
Our son is autistic and although we go out for lunch every day to restaurants in the area, we did not receive the usual Portuguese welcome that we experience during our several years visiting the Algarve.
My wife felt particularly upset by the reaction to our 8 year old son as we arrived, with one waitress in particular (a lady with dark hair) showing disapproving looks towards him.
Generally the staff were standoffish and we found the food average at best. In particular the monkfish rice was without taste. We were not asked throughout our meal if the food was good or how our visit was when paying.
At the end of the meal my mother in law was bumped into my a member of staff. Out of curtesy, she apologised but completely ignored by the same dark haired lady that earlier upset my wife.
Overall this was a poor experience. Poor service, poor food and not inclusive to those with hidden disabilities.
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Dear Mr Daniel Swift,
Once again apologies for the experience your family had to go through during your visit to The Bold Octopus, appreciated the time you spare to talk to me during our phone call.
Again I assure you that this not the treatment I expect my staff will give to valuable customers like your family.
I would like to invite your family to come back to my restaurant for another meal full complementary, and give us a chance to meet personally.
I take this matters extremely seriously and again I am very disappointed the way your family was treated by my staff.
My name is Jose Correia I am the General Manager from The Bold Octopus this is my direct contact and my email is jose@theboldoctopus.pt.
I hope we could meet if not here in another of our Restaurants in Quinta do Lago prior your departure.
Have a lovely evening tonight, send regards to your family.
Looking forward to hear back soon.
Sincerely
José Correia
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fredrik A
Lagos206 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Location great , interior was good, welcome was good . Service at table good. We ordered calamari with lime aioli - very nice and only down was a slight overdose of lime and also a touch of burnt batter. The popcorn shrimps was perfect.
Now then we asked for the fish of day - turbot and sea bass was available . We ordered turbot for two. The fish that came in was dry on the surface , cold and overcooked. And this at a price of 90 € for the two us and I estimate we got yesterday’s fish heated and deboned 300 GTS for two ! Not ok !
Written 27 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on your visit to The Bold Octopus. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed our service and location. Thank you very much for the visit, it will be a pleasure to receive you again.
We have already discussed the specifics about the fish situation with our team, and we will strive to improve and make each visit enjoyable in every detail.
Thanks again, your feedback is very valuable to us. Hope to see you again!
Written 28 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve M
Greater London4 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
This place had a decent reputation and so we were looking forward to this one. I think in the building of the former Parilla 2?
Started well, nice choices and attentive staff and a very ‘fashionable’ clientele. The food was decent; my sons prawn dish and daughters Thai red curry big hits though my sea bass with Lime Risotto was overpoweringly limey , but before then all had started to go wrong sadly. From 6 dishes, 2 were brought wrong, one 5 minutes after the others. We waited an age for plates to be cleared, were never offered a desert menu or further drinks, and in the end just asked for the bill and left. The beginning of another issue, don’t try and get Uber to go here, we had 5 cancel in a row for some reason when they find out where it is. Annoying.
A rather disappointing outcome, shame as it started so so well. Never mind, you live and learn. Not like there aren’t plenty of options nearby.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your feedback. Sorry that you had so many issues during your meal with us.
Would love to speak with you sometime about your experience to learn more if you have the time. Our number here at the restaurant is +351 289 143 218. Just ask for our GM.
Would love to welcome you back and ensure a much better experience perhaps.
Hope to hear from you.
TBO
Written 12 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda B
Albufeira16 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Was not on par with it’s amazing location. Unable to close a section of restaurant roof due to fault, resulting in most diners needing to be wrapped in blankets. Food was far below expectations and very small portions making it extremely overpriced. Great upstairs terrace for cocktails etc.
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria K
4 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Delicious fresh flavoursome food. The Resturant has had a complete refurbishment (and new owners) and have created a stylish, friendly and bright, light filled environment.
The roof top bar has returned to to a bar/eating area. Yippee!!
The waiting staff are so helpful, friendly and make you feel so so welcome. Will come back many many times.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rea
Vale do Lobo44 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
We fell in love with the Bold Octopus in June 2023 & couldn't wait to return in September. In June we stopped for drinks in the rooftop bar & enjoyed the live music & ambience of a hot summer afternoon overlooking the Ria Formosa & ocean. On a subsequent visit it was too busy to get to the roof so we tried our luck for dinner. We hadn't reserved a table. It was clearly rammed. However, the charming manager who greeted us & explained the situation, kindly found an outside table by the entrance & agreed we could order food. Nothing was too much trouble.
The food (fish tacos & cesar salad (ordered without the anchovies) was truly delicious: fresh ingredients, beautifully presented, plentiful & value for money.
Washed down with a chilled white house wine. The wine list is good & varied (despite our choice of the house. We knew it would be good.)
The sun set, the atmosphere was fabulous & fellow guests snapped selfies as the sunset presented the most magical photo opportunities.
Last night, we made a fourth return visit (now September), we had the same level of service. The same wonderful host offered us a table (again we hadn't booked) & we enjoyed the setting sun through nearly 360 degree windows inside, offering spectacular views. We watched as the restaurant changed as the sun set casting a beautiful light only enhancing the wonderful atmosphere inside.
As part of a group of 4 restaurants, this is easily our favourite for location, menu, views & hospitality. The staff are well trained in all four, the deco is beautiful in all & so too is the quality of food, wine & menu options. All freshly made to a high standard. That is how I'd define Bold Octopus: quality on all levels (& clean!)
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
My wife had a chicken burger without the bun. The little amount of chicken was covered in a huge amount of overcooked coating. The fries were lukewarm. It was like eating McDonald’s chicken McNuggets at 10 times the price. The service was hit and miss
Written 28 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
I would like to apologize for your recent experience with The Bold Octopus. We have already discussed these specifics with our team, and we will strive to improve and make each visit enjoyable in every detail. Thanks again, your feedback is very valuable to us. Hope to see you again
Written 28 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mariska M
Amsterdam27 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Fantastic dinner. A friend of ours who lives in the Algarve booked a table at this restaurant for me and my lover to have a proper dinner. And yes, we had.
Our waiter was a sweetheart, from the moment we sat down he gave us the feeling that we were special. The food was supernice; for starters we had the Tuna Tostadas and the Clams. Both so good, wow! For main: lamb chops and sea bass risotto. Fingerlicking good! We always share our plates so we both tasted everything and we were simply amazed by the flavours and the way the food was prepared and (whats the correct English word? Put down?) placed on the plate.
I was so happy with the whole experience, I told the waiter to give the kitchenstaff a round of drinks on us. That made the chef come up to our table, and I had a nice chat with him. We told him we had enjoyed the food so much, and he responded with; that makes me happy, because thats why I’m doing this.
I also want to recommend the Albarinho wine, It was my favourite wine while working myself in a restaurant in A’dam ten years ago, but this evening at the Bold Octopus it tasted better than ever before.
Thanks, hope to come back!
Written 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on your visit to The Bold Octopus. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and service of our special place. Thank you very much for the visit, it will be a pleasure to receive you again
Written 5 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
housewifeUk
25 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
The Bold Octapus belongs to an elite group of restaurants that oozes style and sophistication in such an understated and relaxed manner, that looks effortless. Don’t be fooled; there’s a lot of talented people that make it appear that way. The location is idyllic and the building, with wall-to-wall glass windows, ensures the the ocean view is enjoyed by all. The food is simply sublime; black clams with garlic and cerviche starters were delicious and the giant tiger prawns served with rice and salad are highly recommended. The pannacotta and chocolate mousse cake were the perfect end to the reasonably priced meal. The staff are welcoming and friendly and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Highly recommend this jewel of the sea.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilconto
59 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Love VDL and as a family we have been going there for 20+years.. Booked this for our first night in October , good location, the food was really nice. But at the start my wife had an Aperol Spritz, after a sip she noticed a fly in her glass. The waitress took it back and i watched the bar tender remove it from the glass and it was returned to the table! To be fair to the waitress she then asked if we wanted it replaced, my answer was yes! I have never seen that in a restaurant before, anywhere….. i was on table 19..
Overall food was good, i had Turbot, which is for 2 but over priced at €80 vs other local restaurants. We also booked again later in the week , i have now cancelled this as i don’t think the standards match the price….
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
I would like to apologize for your recent experience with The Bold Octopus. We have already discussed these specifics with our bartender and service team, and we will strive to improve and make each visit enjoyable in every detail. I assure you we take extremely serious every comments received. Thanks again, your feedback is very valuable to us. Hope to see you again!
Written 6 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DublinDon
Ireland232 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
Due to its popularity, it is impossible to get evening dinner reservations here, unless you book very far in advance. That simple fact demonstrates that if you build the best mousetrap, people will beat a path to your door. We opted for early dinner (16.00), and were not disappointed with same. We started with some of their iconic Sangria, while perusing the extensive menu. Service was very professional, and food was all at the upper level of local and comparable standards. When we were leaving, live music (Jazz), had started up on the rooftop, where the panoramic views, music, and 'sundowners', all combined to make this a special occasion! Long may the Octopus be Bold.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
I wish I could hire you to write our epitaph.
Long may we endure.
Thank you.
We will do it all again soon.
TBO
Written 26 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan J
London13 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Fantastic meal, by far the best and best value food we’ve had in the area - beats hands down all the restaurants at the Praca and Julia’s. Service was absolutely impeccable, sunset view unparalleled. Book well in advance although there is a standby list and also the chance to sit upstairs. Can’t recommend this enough - both the food and the people were top rate
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bold Octopus
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on your visit to The Bold Octopus. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the food and our service. Thank you very much for your visit and your recommendation, it will be a pleasure to receive you again.
Written 30 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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