Ma-Ja's Diary

What’s happening at Ma-Ja’s

Christmas Day 2020

We are planning on opening over the festive period, including Christmas Day for which bookings are required

We will be adhering to all of the Covid-19 hygiene rules to ensure our restaurant is a safe place for you to visit

Please ensure you bring your mask that must be worn at all times unless seated in the restaurant.

Reopening from 2nd July 2020

During these unprecedented times, we are reopening with reduced hours and a reduced menu.

We are adhering to all of the Covid-19 hygiene rules to ensure our restaurant is a safe place for you to visit.

Please ensure you bring your mask that must be worn at all times unless seated in the restaurant.

Our opening times are as follows:
Thursday to Saturday 18.00 to 21.00
Sunday midday to 15.30
when we will also be serving our traditional Sunday roast

Our takeaway service remains available

Booking is highly recommended

We look forward to welcoming you soon - Stay safe xx

Open for Takeaway from 16th April 2020

During these very difficult times for us all, we will be open for takeaway

Please stay safe xx

Christmas Day 2019

We will be open every day over the festive period but bookings are required for Christmas Day.

We will be serving anytime between 12pm and 3pm - you just choose the time you want to arrive and the table will be yours for the duration. The restaurant will be decorated for Christmas and there will be crackers/novelties on the table, not forgetting the Christmas music playing - all leading to a fabulous ambience and a great day!

Contact us soon to reserve your table - we only have a few tables left!

Christmas Day Menu
A Glass of Prossecco on arrival

Smoked Salmon with Prawns
Presunto Ham, Mulled Wine Poached Pear with Baked Camembert
Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato Soup served with granary wedges

Traditional Roast Turkey accompanied by all the Seasonal Trimmings
Horseradish Crusted Roasted Fillet of Beef
Pan-Fried Swordfish Steak with Lemon & Oregano marinande
Individual Roasted Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Tartlet
All Main Courses served with Festive Vegetables and Seasoned Roasted Potatoes

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Cream, Brandy Sauce or Custard
Homemade White Chocolate & Ginger Cheesecake
Homemade Snow-Covered Oreo Chocolate Brownies
Mixed Cheese Platter

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea served with a Warmed Mince Pie & Mints
Brandy, Port or Liqueur

House wine, Beer or Soft Drinks

A Christmas gift from Mark & Jan to take away with you x

€62,50 Adults
€25,00 Children under 12
All menus must be pre-ordered
A non-refundable deposit of €25,00 per person is required to secure the bookin

Start of our 13th Season!

Well we re-opened last night, Wednesday 10th April for the start of our 13th season!

I am not sure where the time has gone since I last wrote an entry on here - They say time flies when you are having fun and of course "Living the dream"!

Maybe take a moment to browse our menus. We still offer the traditional Sunday roast that we serve from midday to 4pm

Come and try something different from what the other restauirants in Carvoeiro offer....we look forward to seeing you soon xx

Start of our 9th Season!

We will be re-opening to start our ninth season
on Monday 31st March 2015.
We are fully booked for this night but look forward to welcoming guests both old and new on future nights.

Mark has tweeked our menus to include some new dishes, but as always the old favourites remain. On Sunday's we now offer a traditional Sunday roast that we serve anytime from midday and includes a jug of wine for only €9,50. If you fancy a starter and/or dessert then no problem, you can choose what you fancy from our menus.

We both look forward to welcoming you as a guest into our restaurant when you are next in Carvoeiro and leaving as a friend x

Christmas Day 2013

We will be open every day over the festive period but bookings are required for Christmas Day.

We will be serving anytime between 12pm and 3pm - you just choose the time you want to arrive and the table will be yours for the duration. The restaurant will be decorated for Christmas and there will be crackers/novelties on the table, not forgetting the Christmas music playing - all leading to a fabulous ambience and a great day!

Contact us soon to reserve your table as bookings have already been taken!

Christmas Day Menu
A Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival

Fanned Melon with Smoked Salmon Mousse accompanied with a Salad Garnish
Pan-Fried Camembert served with Homemade Tomato Salsa & Salad Garnish
Homemade Roasted Vine Tomato & Fresh Basil Soup with Herb Croutons & Cream Swirl

Traditional Roast Turkey accompanied by all the Seasonal Trimmings
Individual Beef Wellington
Oven-baked Salmon Fillet marinated for a Tangy Citrus Flavour
Individual Goat's Cheese & Caramelised Onion Tartlet
All Main Courses served with Festive Vegetables and Seasoned Roasted Potatoes

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Cream, Brandy Sauce or Custard
Homemade Tiramisu a light, creamy, coffee-infused Italian dessert
Homemade Mint Chocolate Cheesecake with a dark Chocolate Sauce
Slivers of World Cheeses accompanied by Cheese Biscuits

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea served with a Warmed Mince Pie & Mints
Brandy, Port or Liqueur

½ Litre House Red or White Wine
55,00 euros Adults
25,00 euros Children under 12
All menus must be pre-ordered
A non-refundable deposit of 25,00 euros per person is required to secure the booking

Start of our 7th Season

We will be re-opening for the start of our seventh season on

Wednesday 20th March

and will be offering the following menu on that night
Spring Vegetable Soup

Roasted Loin of Pork
Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Crust
Baked Salmon Fillet wrapped in Prosciutto Ham
All meals served with potatoes & fresh vegetables

Bread & Butter Pudding
Strawberries & Cream
Lemon Meringue Pie

House wine, beer or soft drink

€14 per person

Bookings are required as limited spaces
Call 912 684 052 to reserve your table.

Christmas Day 2012

We will be open every day over the festive period but bookings are required for Christmas Day.

We will be serving anytime between 12pm and 3pm - you just choose the time you want to arrive and the table will be yours for the duration. The restaurant will be decorated for Christmas and there will be crackers/novelties on the table, not forgetting the Christmas music playing - all leading to a fabulous ambience and a great day!

Contact us soon to reserve your table as bookings have already been taken!

Christmas Day Menu
A Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival

Fanned Melon & Prawns with Salad Garnish & Lemon Mayonnaise
Pan-Fried Camembert served with Homemade Tomato Salsa & Salad Garnish
Homemade Roasted Vine Tomato & Fresh Basil Soup with Herb Croutons & Cream Swirl

Traditional Roast Turkey accompanied by all the Seasonal Trimmings
Roasted Leg of Lamb studded with Fresh Rosemary and Garlic
Marinated Salmon Fillet with a Tangy Citrus Flavour wrapped in Prosciutto Ham
Corn Filled Zucchini a blend of onions & chillies, topped with cream, eggs & cheese
All Main Courses served with Festive Vegetables and Seasoned Roasted Potatoes

Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Cream, Brandy Sauce or Custard
Homemade Berry Brulee Tartlet served with Bourbon Vanilla Ice-Cream or Cream
Homemade Mint Chocolate Cheesecake with a dark Chocolate Sauce
Selection of World Cheeses & Biscuits

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea served with a Warmed Mince Pie & Mints
Brandy, Port or Liqueur

½ Litre House Red or White Wine
55,00 euros Adults
25,00 euros Children under 12
All menus must be pre-ordered
A non-refundable deposit of 25,00 euros per person is required to secure the booking

Mexican Nights

We are going Mexican!!!

Every Thursday night we will now be offering a 3 course authentic Mexican menu for just €15

We tried this earlier this year and it proved to be very succesful, so due to popular demand our Mexican nights are back. This is the menu for this week;

Mexican Mezze for two
Cheesey Nachos, Chorizo, Tortilla, Refried Beans, Tomato Salsa
Mexican Spiced Pork Ribs
Pastel Delicia
(Layered tortilla pie with chicken, ham and corn filling)
Tex Mex Chilli con Carne
All served with Rice & Salsa Mexicana
Aztec Chocolate Fudge Cake
Caramel Flan

So why not come and join us for authentic homemade Mexican food or indeed one of our homemade dishes from our normal menu? xxx

Christmas & New Year’s at Ma-Ja’s 2011

Well December is with us already! The Christmas decorations and lights are up in the restaurant ready for our 5th Christmas and New Year here at Ma-Ja's.

We will once again be open every day over the Christmas holidays, but bookings are required for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

We are nearly fully booked for Christmas Day so if you do want to spend your Christmas Day eating fabulous home-cooked food, drinking copious amounts of wine and having an amazing time, then please contact us now!

For New Year's Eve this year we have made the menu slightly simpler in order to reduce the cost as we know everyone is watching their pennies. So why not come and join us for great food and company before heading off to drink bubbly on the beach watching the fireworks at midnight?

We wish all our guests past and future a very Merry Christmas and all our best wishes for 2012 xx

Season 5 – 2011

I can't believe that we are nearly in August already - where has this year gone? They say time goes faster as you get older but this is madness!!

Well the year has not been bad for us, yes it is a lot quieter than previous years, but that is the same for every restaurant/bar here in the Algarve. I guess that is down to people watching the pennies/cents that they have.

However, we have welcomed back familiar faces from previous years and enjoyed meeting new faces that assure us that they will be back next year.

Our second guest book is now full of wonderful comments and makes us proud when we get 5 minutes to sit down and read them all!

The weather here in Carvoeiro is amazing at the moment, sun every day and now the sea is warming up, it is a great time to visit the village and of course pop in and say hi to us!

Look forward to seeing you soon, have a great Summer wherever you maybe xxx

Start of our Fifth Season – 2011

We will be re-opening to start our fifth season on Thursday 17th March and look forward to welcoming guests both old and new.

Once again we have tweeked our menus to include some new dishes, but as always the old favourites remain. A 2 course traditional Sunday lunch will be offered for those of you that can not manage our traditional 3 courses. Both options include a complimentary jug of wine to enjoy with your meal! Also keep an eye out for our specials board!

We both look forward to welcoming you as a guest into our restaurant when you are next in Carvoeiro and leaving a friend x

Christmas & New Year at Ma-Ja’s 2010

Time to start thinking about Christmas and New Year already - where does the time go??!!

As in previous years, we will be open every day over the Festive period, but bookings are required for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

For Christmas Day, we will be serving a traditional 4 course lunch and the price will include house wine, beer and soft drinks, with bucks fizz on arrival. Reserve your table to arrive anytime between 12 and 3pm and it will be yours for the day. However, please book early to avoid disappointment - reservations have already been made and once again we had to turn people away last year.

A sumptuous 3 course meal will also be served from 6pm on New Year's Eve, again the table will be yours for the evening. Come and join us before maybe heading down to the beach to see in the New Year watching the fireworks.

Please contact us to see the menus or indeed to reserve your table!

Merry Christmas and all our best wishes for 2011 !

Start of our Fourth Season – 2010

Well we opened up for our fourth season on the 17th March

We really can't believe that this is our fourth year already - they say time flies past when you are doing something that makes you happy - or is that when you get older??!! We are both looking forward to the season and keep pur fingers crossed that it will be good to us. Last year was tough, as it was for everyone, but we are still here and remain confident about this coming year.

We have once again held our prices and have added little extras, for example we now include complimentary wine with our 3 course traditional Sunday lunch - all for only 12,50 euros! We have introduced 3 course daily specials including complimentary wine for an amazing 9,00 euros! Our menus have been tweeked slightly to include some new dishes, but the old favourites remain!

We both look forward to welcoming you into our restaurant when you are next in Carvoeiro x

Quiz Night – Saturday 9th May 2009

A first for Ma-Ja's
Quiz Night
8.30pm

Come and eat first, or just come for the quiz
and a drink or two!

A good fun night to be had - Everyone Welcome!
Maximum of 4 people to a team

Call 912 684 052 to reserve your table

St George’s Day – Thursday 23rd April 2009

Why not come and celebrate St George's Day with us here at Ma-Ja's with a classic English pub night?

We will be serving traditional pub grub!
English sounds playing on the jukebox!
"Around England" Quiz - prize for the winner!
Come in red and white fancy dress - prize for the best dressed!
A good old English knees up to be had!

All welcome as usual - hope to see you there!

Call 912 684 052 to reserve your table

New Band Playing Live Music – Saturday 11th April 2009

TAMAR
Featuring
Th Acoustic Sounds of
Nigel Crowson & Iona Knight

Will be Playing Live on
Saturday 11th April t 8.00pm

Our normal menu will be available early evening,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

Nigel & Iona are both very experienced musicians
and this will be their first live gig

One certainly not to be missed!

Call +351 912 684 052 to book your table

Live Music – Saturday 27th December 2008

Something to liven up that quiet time between Christmas & New Year!

White Crow
Blues - Folk and More
Featuring
Barney White & Nigel Crowson
with special guest Iona Knight

Will be Playing Live on
Saturday 27th December at 8.00pm

Our normal menu will be available early evening,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

Hope to see you there!

Call +351 912 684 052 for further details

Christmas & New Year at Ma-Ja’s 2008

As I have it on good authority that Christmas bits and pieces are now available in the shops, it is definitely time to advertise our celebrations for the Christmas and New Year Period !!

In addition to our normal menu, a Christmas Party menu will be available throughout December, which would be ideal for your pre Christmas get together or for those of you that won't be here on Christmas Day !

As last year, we will be open for Christmas Day serving a traditional 4 course lunch between 12 and 3. Reserve your table and it will be yours for the day, but please book early to avoid disappointment - reservations have already been made and unfortunately we had to turn a lot of people away last year.

A sumptuous 4 course meal will also be served from 6pm on New Year's Eve, again the table will be yours for the evening. Come and join us before maybe heading down to the beach to see in the New Year watching the fireworks.

Bookings are required for the Christmas Party menu, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve

Contact us to see the menus and reserve your table.

We will be open every day over the festive season, so we hope to see you sometime !

Merry Christmas and all our best wishes for 2009 !

Live Music – Saturday 1st November 2008

Due to the huge success of their previous appearances, we are pleased to announce that:

White Crow
Blues - Folk and More
Featuring
Barney White & Nigel Crowson
with special guest Iona Knight

Will be Playing Live again on
Saturday 1st November 8.00pm

Our normal menu will be available early evening,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

An evening not to be missed!

Call +351 912 684 052 for further details

Live Music – Saturday 11th October 2008

We are hoping to make this a regular monthly event, therefore we are more than happy to announce that:

White Crow
Blues - Folk and More
Featuring
Barney White & Nigel Crowson
with special guest Iona Knight

Will be Playing Live again on
Saturday 11th October 8.00pm

Our normal menu will be available early evening,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

A great evening to be had by all!

Call +351 912 684 052 for further details

Live Music – Saturday 9th August 2008

Due to the huge succes of the last evening, it is with great pleasure that we can announce that:

White Crow
Blues - Folk and More
Featuring
Barney White & Nigel Crowson
with special guest Iona Knight

Playing Live again on
Saturday 9th August 8.00pm

Our normal menu will be available early evening,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

Call 912 684 052 for further details

Live Music – Saturday 14th June 2008

White Crow
Blues - Folk - Jazz - and More
Featuring
Barney White & Nigel Crowson

Playing Live on
Saturday 14th June 8.00pm

Homemade chilli or Delta Blues bean hotpot available if required ,
or just come along for a few drinks and the music

Call 912 684 052 for further details

St George’s Day – Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Our First Anniversary – March 26th 2008

A year on from our official opening night - we really can't believe it! The year has just gone by so fast but we have had an absolutely fabulous time!

A party was definitely called for, so we layed on a complimentary buffet and wine and invited all of the people that we have met since coming to Portugal. These were a mixture of other bar or restuarant owners as well as people who have also moved over to "live the dream" and now frequent our restaurant. It was wonderful to see so many people turn up to help us celebrate and wish us every success for the next year!

So we are looking forward to our second season as restaurant owners in Carvoeiro and if it is anything like our first then we will be more than happy - here's to it!