Florian - Loulé

What a find. Gazpacho and Veal Bitterballen probably the best Amuse Bouche we have ever eaten. The bisque was lovely, the service attentive and the evening special. Can't wait to to back. Thank you, Mark Jane

Best to book in advance to this restaurant as its always busy and very popular I booked through there website by email. The owners are Dutch and very friendly welcoming along with the attentative staff and a Somalia who knows all about the wines they offer he selected a wine for us which we had not tried before and was perfect for the food we had ordered. There is a lovely menu accompanied by a specials menu which had an amazing burger main which we ordered. I would recommend this restaurant to all from family meals to a lovely romantic meal for two.

When we arrived to park the car opposite the restaurant we noticed that the members of staff were eager to take sight of us. We were a little early and noticed that the two staff members kept coming out of the doorway to check we were still in the car. Sat in the car we felt very famous indeed as both staff members kept popping out to check we were still there. Maybe some people park opposite to fool them into thinking they have customers , then cruelly drive off leaving them customless ! We did eventually exit the car and make our way to the entrance. Unsurprisingly the door was being held open for us so we couldn’t escape. Upon entering the restaurant we saw that it was empty and that we were the only guests. It was a Monday night so perhaps not to uncommon. After being given the wine lists I was asked if I would like some help. I stated that on our last visit we had drank a nice Ribero from Spain. The sommelier replied that he didn’t know about South African wines. Not really much help. We declined the bread as we did not want the couvert and I am a celiac (so can’t eat gluten). We were presented with spoons containing large portions of smoked salmon and pate we assumed these were complimentary as we had declined the couvert. Food was good and service attentive. When we were presented with the bill we noticed that we had been charged the couvert. Although we had declined this we were told that we had to pay for it. Turns out you are charged for the spoons of smoked salmon and pate whether you like it or not. Terrible to be charged for food you have not ordered and is placed in front of you.

Florian was one of the restaurants in our hotel's recommended list. On top of that it has excellent TripAdvisor reviews. It did not disappoint. The owner, Karen, said she has owned it 22 years and she still oversees all operational aspects. We had shrp risotto, pork, salad, duck terrine etc. Everything was very nice, particularly the sauces. A real highlight of our trip.

This was a very disappointing night . My wife over the years I have always enjoyed our meals in Florian. The food tonight was not up to past experiences and lacked any flair but my guests chateau steak for two was tough and very fatty. When asked about the meal, we complained and were asked by the owner what she could could to make it right and she suggested a cocktail at the end of the evening. The steak was untouched. When the bill arrived. We were offered a free coffee. We asked for the steak to be discounted from the bill. We witnessed another side to the owner. ‘We don’t give discounts ! What we wanted was an acknowledgment the steak was inedible. We shall not return. Luckily in the area there are lots of excellent restaurants . As a side issue my waiter spilled gravy over my trousers. Not a night to remember !