I never would have found this place if it were not for Bart, the golf pro and all around good guy at nearby Benamor Golf Club. Thirty of us played 18 holes of wonderful Stableford golf at Benamor, then only 20 headed to Brisa do Rio for dinner because there just was not enough room for all 30 of us.

We were met with tables already laden with bottles of water and wine as well as bread, olives, fish pate, and butter. Once we all had been seated, the appetizers started to flow family-style. Fresh octopus sauteed in a zesty tomato sauce, razor clams in olive oil, garlic, and parsley, as well as chevre cheese topped with honey and apricot jam, I believe. They we all sublime.

My entree was the lamb chops, four of them, perfectly seared and cooked to a medium rare accompanied by a mint sauce with a bite, likely a bit of a local favorite, piri piri (chilli) sauce. The chops were delish, accompanied by new potatoes perfectly seasoned and roasted to a semi-crispy dark brown.

The service was impeccable with three servers keeping watch over our party of 20, replacing empty water and wine bottles and clearing empty plates post haste. The dining room is simple, yet sophisticated with just enough light to be able to read a menu without hurting my light sensitive eyes. There is also a dining room in the back to handle overflow as well as provide a place for wine tastings, from what I understand.

An excellent meal and value at 30 Euros for a four course dinner, including wine and coffee, I recommend getting a reservation because they are fully booked pretty much every night.

CombatCritic Gives Brisa do Rio 9 Bombs Out Of 10 With Room For An Extra Bomb For When I Return ... More Bombs Are Better!