Algarve Restaurants: Happy Family Algarve Shopping

Every time that we visit Algarve Shopping we always walk past Happy Family on our way to whichever restaurant or fast food outlet that we are planning on eating at. The reason why we usually bypassed it is because we thought that all they served was sushi and even though I am a big fan of it the rest of the family isn’t.

We had the option to have a look around recently and decided to come back and have a meal when we were next in Algarve Shopping.

So last night became the next time and I am so, so glad that we went there as it was the best buffet meal that I have had in a very long time.

I am a big fan of the buffet establishments because it wouldn’t be a normal family if we didn’t all have different favourite foods.

So I could start by tucking in to the gorgeous sushi while my husband sampled the beautiful meat that you could have cooked in front of you.

Whenever I go to the buffet restaurants I always eat from a side plate then I can have smaller plates of different things but more often. Then if I don’t like something it doesn’t look as bad when I leave it. Then if I do like something a lot – I can always go back for more tasty food.

I must have had about 8 portions of sushi and each piece melted in my mouth and I couldn’t resist going back for more. I never managed to tempt my son into trying it for the first time – but maybe that was a good thing we could have sent the place bankrupt.

After trying the sushi I headed straight to the meat cooking area and then chose some meat and fish that I would like cooking. This is the very first time I have tried a place that offers this kind of system and I waited no time at all.

However, we were there between 6.00pm-7.30pm and there were only three tables in use so if we had gone at a busier time we might have had for of a wait.

Soon after arrival though, we were told the buffet was no good and they then brought out a brand new buffet completely fresh and of great quality.

The buffet isn’t a big one like you have at a standard Chinese buffet but has a mixture of things including noodles, rice, spring onions, chips, prawn toast etc.

But when you add that you can have as much meat and fish cooked to order to go with your buffet food this is what makes it the great value for money that it is.

I remember one of the plates that I had received cooked to order. I had placed about 10 king prawns with a few slices of green pepper and onions on a plate. Five minutes later one of the waitresses brought over my dish and it looked like a fancy starter from a Japanese restaurant not something that had been quickly put together at a buffet restaurant.

It was cooked in a beautiful garlic sauce and it was the same sauce that was used on the majority of the fish and meat.

You had such a huge choice of meat that even for the person that is the biggest fussy eater you would find something that you loved.

For example my husband Dominic preferred the beef, while my son Kyle had a real soft spot for the chicken.

The price for dinner at Happy Family was also very reasonable we paid 10 € a head for unlimited buffet, meat and sushi which to me is very good. Even with all the drinks we had because we were so hot from shopping in the summer temperatures it still came in at 40 € including a tip to the excellent staff.

The service was also excellent and I will certainly be returning more in the future.

An Update

After another 10+ visits we have noticed a drop in the quality of the hot buffet food as if the hot buffer heaters are no longer working.

However we still visit on many ocassions because the wok station and the sushi are just so nice and not to mention the great service.

Our Verdict 3/5

To get to Algarve Shopping where the restaurant is situated you can take the N125 or A22. On the A22 we travel down to junction 9 then keep to the right handside of the road, which brings you onto the N125. travel about 1.5km until you see the turn off for shopping. Take the right turn which takes you over the bridge and into the parking area. When parked make your way to the food area. When there you will see a Mcdonalds, Kfc and Burger King, just ignore these and keep walking into the next area where all the traditional places are. Just on your right hand side i think it is the third restaurant in is Happy Family  .