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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.
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Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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PRICE RANGE
$115.00 – $197.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Portuguese, Wine Bar
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant serve Tuscan food?
Details
About
Fresh and unprocessed ingredients, produced and served daily. Please note that we are not suitable for children, we do not accommodate pets, and smoking is not allowed. Reservations are recommended for our personalized service, best suited for small groups with a maximum of five people. We do not accept cards, only cash. Sincerely, Marina & Hugo.
PRICE RANGE
$115.00 – $197.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Portuguese, Wine Bar
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Table Service
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5.0
1,843 reviews
Excellent
1,628
Very good
120
Average
60
Poor
19
Terrible
16
Andrew S
Huddersfield85 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Le Cro is one of the best restaurant experiences in the Western Algarve. Based in an understated location on Restaurant Hill in Carvoeiro, Hugo and Marina have carved out a niche in the local dining scene.
An innovative well priced Tapas menu, designed by Marina and regularly updated with new dishes whilst not losing any of the favourites! A superb selection of wines to be ordered by the glass, expertly critiqued by Hugo, who certainly knows his wines and selected depending on your taste.
Most importantly, Hugo and Marina are the friendliest couple you could wish to meet. In spite of being rushed off their feet every night, they take time to have a chat and are generally interested in you and your life!!
We return virtually every time we are in the area and have introduced many friends to Le Cro’s delights! They certainly deserve their top rating and long may that continue.
Written 5 September 2020
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.
Mark S
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
This is a small charming family run restaurant. The menu is relatively small but we could have chosen everything on the menu and the food was all delicious and fresh tasting. Delicious and reasonably-priced wine is served by the glass and it is fun to follow the recommended wines with each course. What really makes this place special though is the lovely and warm welcome and service we received.
Written 14 November 2020
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.
Renske V
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • couples
Which is absolutely true for this cozy and personal restaurant. Run by an enthusiastic couple who share their love, knowledge and passion about the menu and wine selection. After you choose your dishes they make sure they find a wine that compliments each dish.
The food is amazing and as fresh as can be.
It is wise to make a reservation as the restaurant does not seat many people.
Written 12 March 2020
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.
giulia
1 contribution
June 2021 • couples
Excellent restaurant! We chose a selection of tapas which were all extremely fresh and delicious. The staff speaks excellent English and is very friendly and helpful. The restaurant specializes in slow food and small portions with a very affordable price so you can taste many dishes. The owner can help suggest a selection of excellent wines paired with the tapas and based on the client’s preferences. Will Definitely come back!! Five stars for sure
Written 8 July 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.
Lottie Milns
Manchester91 contributions
June 2021 • none
Husband and wife tag team Hugo and Marina run this superb little place which offers the best in local produce and wines. The menu is modest in it’s variety which for me always marks the sign of quality over quantity and it also means you can go a couple of times and try everything (which we did). You can’t buy wine by the bottle but €4 will get you a beautiful glass of reserva meaning a few glasses works out very affordable.
The stand out dishes for us were the hake cerviche. Perfectly flavoured with notes of lime and lemongrass and plenty of sauce for bread dippings. Next the chicken meatballs swimming in a gentle coconut curry like sauce. The bean and sausage stew transported me back to childhood where my mum would cook up hearty big bowls of smoked paprika sausage stew. The big place of cheese with fruity chutney jam is also worth a top mention.
The restaurant clearly reflects two hardworking people who want to make your experience a special one.
Prices are extremely very reasonable, portions just perfect and service impeccable. Booking recommended or you won’t get in! Our two visits will not be the last they see of us! Thank you for making our honeymoon. Lottie and Léon xx
Written 1 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.
lecroportugal_tapas
Wow thank you for your words!
And for being with us twice so far 😊
We wish a lot of happiness to the newly weds!
Kindest regards
Marina and Hugo
Written 2 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mmf
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • couples
We have no idea why this place is so highly ranked. Maybe we tried the wrong dishes? We chose several recommended dishes though. Except for the sardine bruchetta, which we liked, the food was mediocre. The waiters wine knowledge was very limited and he didnt pair the wine to the dishes we had chosen, but to our personal wine taste. Never experienced this before. He asked us a couple of questions about our personal taste to appear to have knowledge about wine, which was obvious he didnt have... In addition the red wine was served way too warm and the portions were really small (small for tapas). it would have been OK for 1/3 of the price, but not worth what you have to pay.
Written 24 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.
Peter H
Coventry13 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
First off make sure to book - it's popular and rightly so. They only take cash and be prepared to try new things.
That in mind this was some of the best food we've had and one of the best dinner experiences as a whole. Marina and Hugo are super friendly - they helped us through the menu picking a variety of tapas dishes from truffles mushrooms to sardine bruschetta and cheesecake. Hugo would then pair the wines based on preferences and food choices making sure to allow sampling. Service was prompt and everything tasted excellent. Fresh and flavoursome. We spent around 60eur with 5 dishes, desert and 3 glasses of excellent wine which we felt was good value for money.
The atmosphere was great - it felt like we were eating with friends.
Overall we had an excellent time and thoroughly recommend a visit if youre in the Algarve!
Written 17 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.
kjonwinmasterpro
Dublin249 contributions
Sept 2021 • family
Lovely staff who are clearly passionate about the food and wine they serve. Small enough menu and dishes are very different to the usual fare you will find in most other restaurants in the area. Fresh ingredients and comes out like tapas, so little by little as they are ready. Might not suit some tastes so prepare for a very different type of menu (e.g. on our visit they were offering two types of ceviche, coconut chicken meatballs, sautéed mushrooms, sardine bruschetta, pear & ham salad, bread & olives..) Also a little more expensive than other places in the area. Wine is served by the glass only, and you are given little tasters before you pick which one you like. Very different dining experience, definitely worth checking out!
Written 12 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.
lecroportugal_tapas
Thank you for your review!
We have the same prices since 2019.
Fresh food, not frozen as you beautifully mentioned, takes time to prepare and even more time to search and pick each and every one of the ingredients personally.
Processed food is definitely cheaper :)
Kind regards
Written 13 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lee L
Richmond15 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Hugo and Marina and their excellent and enthusiastic team create wonderful fresh food and give knowledgeable advice about their superb range of Portuguese wines. The ambiance is relaxed, but totally professional. Dedicated to providing a special experience for their guests, their five star success is very well deserved.
Written 9 March 2020
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.
Gerard Beerling
Amsterdam75 contributions
June 2020 • friends
We were warmly greeted, and ordered the classic ceviche, cheese and saucage platter, tomato bruschetta, veal meatball and the amazing pear ham salade with a touch of lemon and soy dressing. Local ingrediënten, great Douro wine and to top IT off, Oreo cheesecake lemon custard dessert with almond liquor. Couldnt wish for more. Go eat here.
Written 26 June 2020
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.
J M 007
Badsey154 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
Had tried to get in here for past 2 years whilst in Carvoeiro. It was certainly worth the wait. Even the booking experience made you want to visit here, when I read The email confirmation from Marina.
Both Marina and Hugo are on top of their game and it is an absolute pleasure to be welcomed into their tiny restaurant with such passion and enthusiasm. The menu is a small and doesn’t boast pages of tapas dishes but what it does is focus on a small number of beautifully prepared and cooked specialities.
Wine is not sold by the bottle as Hugo will present himself and ask each guest as to any wine preference they may have and deliver accordingly with that personal touch.
At the end of the meal Hugo then presented the bottles of the wines we had drank that evening and without any pushy sales ploy, asks if you would like to purchase any.
As it turned out i purchased a bottle of the port that I had with my selection of deserts, which again were delightful.
Marina and Hugo are perfect hosts and I sincerely wish them all the best during these challenging COVID times, in a trade that has had to adapt to the world we are currently living in.
Certainly look forward to a return visit next year when hopefully we will be in Carvoeiro once more.
Written 18 August 2020
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.
suebcooke
Cwmbran27 contributions
July 2019 • friends
I can’t believe it will be nearly a year since I celebrated my birthday with my family & friends at Le Cro we all had a fabulous time amazing food & delicious wine. Marina & Hugo made my birthday really special with gorgeous flowers & birthday card. This small & friendly restaurant is a little gem and we have never been disappointed every time we visit we are made to feel so welcome and if you are lucky enough to be in Carvoeiro now I can throughly recommend you visit & support them through this surreal time!
Written 5 June 2020
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.
lecroportugal_tapas
Dear Sue,
Thank you for always supporting us with your lovely presence, little gifts and wonderful reviews!
You deserve all the attention and pampering simply because you are a wonderful person. You are so sweet :)
It’s amazing to have you, your family and your friends always here celebrating!
We are smiling behind the mask!
Warm regards,
Marina and Hugo
Written 6 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Damien
Nottingham14 contributions
July 2020 • none
We were made to feel very welcome by the owners when we visited Le Cro a few ago.
We had a selection of Portuguese tapas, such as; ceviche of salmon, chicken meatballs and a selection of Portuguese cheese. All we very fresh and tasted delicious.
We talked at length with the owners too who took the time to tell us about their lovely restaurant, whilst also advising on which wines to have with each dish. Further to this, they gave us a great overview of the different wine regions in Portugal and where each of these were.
Would very much recommend visiting if in Carvoeiro! We stayed at the Tivola Carvoeiro and it was only a 5 or so minute walk away.
The only bug bear we did have was that they didn't take card payments (only cash), so we had to visit a cash machine opposite. Not a big issue at all, but in today's world I think the restaurant should look to make this available..
Written 29 August 2020
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.
lecroportugal_tapas
Thank you very much for your lovely review!
What a pleasure to serve you guys :)
We hired credit and debit card services this year because of the pandemic and unfortunately the contract came into effect in disagreement with what we had hired. For this reason, we are unable to accept international cards of any kind until the situation is resolved.
Portuguese cards are being accepted normally, as the rules regarding fees work differently. We fully agree that cards are the safest way today to make payments in the current global context and we are exhausted waiting for our bank to solve this problem for almost 2 months.
Believe me, we are most interested in having this resolved quickly and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Kindest regards,
marina and Hugo
Written 30 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simon G
Milngavie62 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
A lovely little restaurant offering “Portuguese Tapas” - in reality small plate dining (5 dishes between 2 would be about right) offering hot and cold dishes of traditional Portuguese food but with a few clever twists. The menu is relatively short but everything is executed perfectly, we have tried most of it across a few visits and enjoyed everything. Interesting local wines are served with good knowledge and all are available by the glass - we have found the best/most fun thing is to let them bring you a glass of what they recommend with each dish! Service is very friendly and most dining takes place on the small outdoor terrace, under current COVID conditions only one table was available in the small indoor space though the terrace is well sheltered.
Written 17 October 2020
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.
David W
Badsey102 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
Absolutely excellent, I cannot recommend this place enough. Even in the masked environment the service was superb.
This is a husband and wife team both working front of house, she sorts the food advice and he is in charge of the wine.
The food was beautiful and well presented, the wines were well chosen, tasty and well priced.
For 4 of us who didn’t hold back we only got to €180.
We will be back!
Written 18 August 2020
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.
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