Tio Pepe
In April 2007, Tio Pepe celebrated its 25th anniversary and continues to go from strength to strength. Its prime location opposite the entrance to Horseshoe Bay makes it a popular restaurant for beachgoers from this and the other South Shore Park beaches. With its flags, signature red and white awnings, and convenient roadside location you’d be hard pressed to miss it.
On your arrival, either maitre d’ Enrique Maresma or his assistant Norris Fernandes will greet you and guide you to your choice of table. You can choose to dine inside or out. The interior has two dining rooms and a bar where you can grab a drink. The décor is distinctly Mediterranean; with whitewashed walls and Chianti bottles, garlic cloves and kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling. The outside terrace has good views of all the comings and goings on the busy South Road.
Head chef Bartolomeo Simoes has created a menu where classic Italian dishes predominate. Appetisers include Cozze alla Marinara (fresh mussels in marinara sauce) and Mozzarella alla Martinese (Fresh mozzarella served with olive oil, basil, marinated) mushroom and tomato. For an entree try Saltimbocca alla Romana (veal escalope with sage, prosciutto and Marsala sauce). Tio Pepe also serves a variety of pizzas and a few Spanish specialities, including Roast Suckling Pig Spanish Style (served in winter only). Lobster is also available in season (September 1 to March 31). Tio Pepe is a reasonably priced, unpretentious restaurant renowned for its generous portions.
Tio Pepe has a small but competitively priced wine list. House wines are available by the carafe or glass and sangria by the pitcher or glass. The bar also serves a variety of cocktails including margaritas. Rum punch and pitchers of rum swizzle are also available.
Tio Pepe welcomes children and even provides books and toys to keep them entertained. Dress is smart casual at dinner (no sleeveless t-shirts for gentlemen) and casual for lunch (no beachwear or sandy shoes allowed inside the restaurant though). They have a terrace for those who wish to smoke.