Eating out with a baby..

[Lauzy28]

Hi All

We are staying on the Pestana Golf resort in Sept and this is our first visit to Carvoerio.

There will be myself and hubs and our parents and we will also be bringing our 7 month old. We're keen foodies and like to try all manner of local fare ad enjoy making the most of the warm evenings sitting outside but are slightly restricted with needing to accomodate little one (who will be sleeping soundly in his buggy fingers crossed) he wont be eating but we may need to feed him on his baby mush whilst in the restaurant...so whilst we dont need the restaurants to provide entertaimment per se, we want to be sure bambino are welcomed...

Would much apprecite anybody's experience of travelling around the resort with an infant and any particular recommendations anyone can make.

Many thanks

[laserblazer]

Fear not, unlike some UK restaurants, the Portuguese positively welcome children and go out of their way to accommodate them. When my grandson was that age, we used to cover the front of his stroller with a towel and he soon nodded off. There are also some babysitters with links to the forum. I don't think my contact will be around then but I'm sure there are other members who can personally recommend a reliable sitter.

[Lauzy28]

Thanks Lazerblazer thats good to know...

Anywhere in particular to go / avoid (thinking of steps and access with buggy etc)

[laserblazer]

Monte Carvoeiro is pretty pram friendly and has loads of choice. Parking isn't a problem either. It's a big square with a central fountain and restaurants/bars. Elliots is one of my favourites and Cocktail Garden for a pre-dinner drink and nightcap.

[Lauzy28]

Sounds good we'll be sure to give them a go and good to know about the parking as dont want to be treking for miles with buggy...

one last thing do you pay for parking in the town??

[sam]

Most restaurants welcome children and we & family never had a problem squeezing a buggy in somewhere.
Parking is free, but limited in actual town centre. Parking on in and out roads is fairly level.

[HampshireRich]

......one last thing do you pay for parking in the town??

With fines if you are not careful

[Graham]

Hi Lauzy. I have had a place on Pestana for 10 years and have been taking both my children out to restaurants since they were about 4 weeks old (they are now 10 and so I understand your concerns. All restaurants are child friendly but some may suit you more than others.

My view is that unless you are convinced that your beloved sprog is not annoying other diners it is hard to relax and enjoy youself and therefore being outside is very good and loads of space (and what I would call an 'escape area' for the odd occasion that they kick off) is a bonus.

I would therefore suggest :-

Bon Bon - very close to Pestana, clever food (but not cheap) but good terrace, loads of space and a very family orientated owner.

Da Donatos - Even closer - cheap and cheerful pasta and pizza place but VERY popular - booking is a must but almost everyone has children with them (or grandparents )

L'Orange. Pretty close. Mixed reviews here (bit of a marmite restaurant), probably becuase the menu never changes but he does what he does very well. If you haven't booked and turn up in shorts he WILL turn you away but again a good sized terrace and child friendly.

Villa Medici (in town) Book a table at the back and you will be with all the other families.

Any of the restaurants in Monte Carvoiero. Plenty of space and a good choice of food.

I am sure others will add more but feel free to PM me if you want any more info.