Café Império

We did not have reservations on a Thursday at 1 pm and the inside was full. We chose a table in the covered outdoor patio. The olives and carrot mix w cumin is so flavorful. Choice delicious tomato’s for the salad. The chicken was undeniably the Best we have had in the Algarve!!! Slow grill cooked to order so don’t be in a hurry!! The skin is crispy and the meat is mouthwatering moist.
Owned and run by a sweet family-51 years- that’s saying a lot. We will be back for the ham and dessert soon

The finest chicken piri piri in Monchiqe.
Food, Service is very good.
Kindly people i love them ❤.

Ps. The park down the restaurant is also very beautiful, go there and find out.

Such a delicious lunch and dessert. We ordered everything from cheese, butter, sardine, pate, and olives. For lunch we ordered chicken and french fries. Everything was hot and fresh and delicious. The best part was definitely the dessert as everything was homemade. Inside of the restaurant there is a big see-through fridge with all the different desserts and we got everything except for the meringue. I definitely recommend the passion fruit cake along with the walnut cake. The chicken was really good but the spicy chicken wasn’t spicy. It’s OK though because they gave us hot sauce to eat with it. The tomato salad was also delicious and perfectly seasoned salt, olive oil, and vinegar. The server was really nice and funny and told us that there was a big festival going on so our whole entire party went there in the afternoon it happened to be the town’s spring festival.

We were a party of eight people consisting of six adults and two children under 15. Everything came out to €120 including beverages and dessert. Definitely a must stop when in the area.

One of my favorite spots we visited in Portugal! Be careful to the opening hours, but make sure you go here! I loved the chicken, fries and the bread. Top service, top food, so tasty.

An extremely relaxed, family owned business, where I was instantly made welcome. The food is simple and tasty, whilst the ornaments and fittings really add to the charm of the place... The fact that the owner is working there after some 50 years of running this little gem is a testament to its appeal...

Cash only! (And 6km from the nearest ATM...) But payment methods aside, highly recommend if you'd like some great peri-peri chicken. Fairly busy on a weekday lunchtime in the winter, so it must be good! €10.50 for a half-chicken, chips, salad, bread, olives and a Coke.

Top Top Top place. Best chicken I’ve ever had. Even fries are one of the best ones! Even in low season reservations are recommended. Very reasonable prices! Must go place!!!

We had a very nice lunch here. It was recommended by the Lonely Planet guidebook and listed as having the best Piri Piri chicken in the region so we had to try it out. If it wasn't for Google Maps, we wouldn't have found it. We didn't see a sign but glad we found it and ate there. The chicken was delicious. We weren't offered a menu, just asked, You're here for chicken? Yes! We were offered a salad, bread, butter, and olives to share and the platters of chicken and chips were for two. It felt like a home-cooked meal. It was raining so we ate inside. Would recommend. Parking is limited.

Amazing food - lovely salad with local cheese and ham to start, then mai event of the best piri piri chicken I’ve ever had! Delicious and very reasonable price for the excellent quality (note - no other menu options)

Chicken, fries, salad. That's all that is on the menu. No nonsense, good quality food in a family run Portuguese restaurant.

I love this place and we always come here on the way to Monchique. So far it has been the best chicken I had in Algarve. Lovely staff, speak English. chicken is €10 (big portion). Maaaaasive salad €4. Cosy in the winter with the fireplace and seating outside in the summer. Kids friendly but it is right by the main road! Nice walk down the little stream on the side of the restaurant. Highly recommended and we will definitely be back!

Had to wait 20 minutes absolutely worth it, no need to order as it is basically the tomato and onion salad and chicken plus chips. they have other starters.
Delicious chicken and absolutely worth the wait. For dessert the almond cake and almond pudding, both perfect.
We where 3 and it worked out at 10 Euros a head.

Amazing, understanding hosts who prepare beautifully simple, well cooked food. For those not aware, the menu is short and sweet - Portuguese-style peri peri chicken, fries, salad - some simple starters of bread, olives and cold meats - a selection of deserts including an outstanding home-made tort using local carob pods (try it; it's amazing!); all perfectly executed and sensibly priced.

Definitely worth a visit. They don't accept card so make sure you take cash - it will go a long way so treat yourself!

We have been to this place a few times and it is always good. There is a limited menu, but boy do they do it well. The hand sliced ham is so tasty, the little carrot and olive dish amazing, but then the salad and Piri Piri chicken is to die for. We had been to another Piri Piri place in Portimao the previous week it was good as well but we felt a little rushed. The atmosphere in the old part we find better. But the outdoor is also great and on a clear day the views are stunning. This is a family run business, The prices are very good. Remember that do not take cards. WE LOVE THIS PLACE, SO DID OUR FAMILIY FROM THE USA. 100% worth a visit

Good service and excellent fried chicken! If you have an accommodation in CALDAS DE MONCHIQUE, although it's not visible on GMaps, just follow the steps near the small river upwards and you can reach the place on foot too, don't hike near the road.

A lovely little spot with the most patient and gracious host to weary travellers. Delicious chicken and such fresh well seasoned food. So good we went back again for more!

Chicken piri piri at its simple best.
It is remarkable value and now so popular I recommend you reserve a table to avoid disappointment.

Lovely family restaurant, very friendly service. No menu; you eat the best grilled chicken with or without piri-piri.

Always a favourite with locals. Been going here since 2006. It was open way before that and I'm sure it will still be thriving long after I am gone.

Lovely family run place.

Perfectly cooked chicken with the very hot piri piri sauce. Worth taking extra sauce and taste the almond cake for desert.