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Johnny Hooper's Saxophone Bistro
Review
About
Open April - October. Winter closure: November - March. Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/JohnnyHooper'sSaxophoneBistro. Jazz and Blues themed restaurant. Johnny Hooper's live saxophone shows with fun music quiz, party atmosphere and dancing are on Tuesday and Friday nights from April - October. Chill-out Sunday afternoons take place during lunch on the garden terrace with cool local musicians providing the laid-back vibe. Gluten-free and Vegan menu options. Great place for celebrations!
Features
CUISINES
Bar, International, European, British, Grill
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Jazz Bar
Live Music
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Street Parking
Menu
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Contribute
4.7
(1,465)
Excellent
1,156
Good
195
Average
56
Poor
31
Terrible
27
annb15
Middlesbrough468 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
We really enjoyed our night at Johnnie’s. All guests are cordially welcomed by the host and made to feel part of the experience. The food and drink were a bit more expensive than we paid elsewhere but considering we had three hours of entertainment and dancing we certainly would not complain. We will definitely come back if we return to the area.
Written April 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
McGoo
London22 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
My wife and I booked a table for Friday night on 9th June. I had goats cheese starter and beef stroganoff while my wife had chicken liver parfait & chicken breast. The food was served promptly and was tasty, good portion size and good value. They serve an IPA on tap which is rare in the Algarve and was a nice drop. Johnny is a good entertainer and if you like live music, which I do, this is a really enjoyable evening which is great value and suitable for all types of visitors, be it couples, large groups or families with kids. We’ve been going to the Algarve every year for many years now and this is the first time we’ve visited. We’ll definitely visit again next year when we return
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Torie Nethercoat
Burnham-on-Crouch404 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Last minute booking, well worth it. We were welcomed at the door by Johnny, and he introduced himself and had a quick chat. The rest of the staff were all very welcoming and friendly. The restaurant has lots of memorabilia and photos. I imagine it gets busy in high season. I’m glad we went when it was less busy and it was more intimate. Johnny has amazing talent, we were in awe watching and listening to him play. We had a quick ‘pop quiz’ for a break which was really funny too. Johnny introduced his friend William who was visiting for a few vocals tonight- another great talented man. Songs were familiar and we were encouraged to join in and participate etc…
The food was delicious, and good value. We will come back, for the food and the entertainment. We love jazz/blues/live music. If you are tired of ‘the strip’, fancy something original? Then give this place a try.
Thank you all for an amazing night!
Written April 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nc37onn
119 contributions
Apr 2023 • family
The most fun night of our holiday, Johnny got the party going from the start... We had a big group of mixed ages, from babies to 70+ and everyone had a ball. While saxaphone may not be everyone's cup of tea, don't let that put you off. It is so much more than that... a sing song, a music quiz, dancing.
The engagement with Sue to make the booking was prompt and helpful. The welcome to the restaurant by Johnny himself was warm. Everybody in the restaurant was made feel at home and not overlooked during the night. The children in our group had a blast, nearly as much as the adults.
The food was decent for a group menu. Only comments would be to reduce the garlic on the garlic bread, it was too strong for the children and to put the sauce on the side of the steak meal. The caesar salad (with iceberg lettuce) and catfish that I had were tasty. Drinks were decent.
Turning on the AC or opening windows when the dancing gets going would be recommended.
For a great night out and a night you won't forget, book into Johnny Hoopers.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vicky f
Belfast135 contributions
Apr 2023 • none
Our 3rd time back & as usual had a fab night. A very warm welcome & the food is always amazing, we usually are a large party of 7 or more and everyone always enjoys the night. There’s a music quiz and singalong to the famous saxophone music which is always fabulous music & a good laugh. Children would love it too as it’s something different. Highly recommend a visit, easy to get to walking is literally 10 min from strip.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deb0rahjaynew
17 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
I feel I have to write an honest review of our experience as the team may be able to learn from
My feedback. Firstly the entertainment on the terrace on a Sunday is great. Willy ( not sure of second name ) has the most amazing voice and was a pleasure to listen to. The Sunday roast was lovely but the portion was so small we left hungry! With only 2 roast potatoes each and a very small Yorkshire pudding we were gutted!! The thing is the Yorkshire pudding was fab snd you could quite easily triple the size and make this a signature pud!
We returned on the Tuesday for the sax show snd meal ( keeping our fingers crossed the welly menu may fill us up) the show was great , everyone singing and dancing and joining in. We all bonded over a music quiz snd had lots of laughs - luckily Willy was in so gave us a few songs too which was a treat.
The meal of chicken with Parma ham really was stunning and cooked to perfection . The portion size was just right and chicken so succulent. ( don’t understand why chicken isn’t offered with Sunday roast ? Only beef or pork options )
As we knew we were staying for the evening I decided to have a cheese board later in the evening at 8.95. I have to be honest I was absolutely dumbfounded by 4 prepacked crackers and 6 miniature pieces of cheese with 2 small pieces of jam! I was embarrassed by the offering I’ve never in my life experienced such a poor offering of a ‘cheeseboard’ I really couldn’t understand who had thrown this together. No grapes no cracker selection just something you would get on a Ryanair flight to be honest! I must also comment on the cost of drinks as these were extortionate at 9.50 for a gin and lemonade we were in shock when the bill came!
The chicken and Parma dinner was the only thing that I would say is priced appropriately at 15.95 and was of some quality . I understand times must be hard at present but times are hard for everyone. Please don’t take advantage of people who just wanted to have a nice evening out!
This was our most expensive evening of the whole holiday by over double what we had been paying in old town for food and drinks snd we were also not the only people to choke on the bill ….our friends had to return home to apartment for extra money to pay!
I want to also just quickly mention that the staff were just stunning so lovely, attentive and such hard working people. I hope they are not taken advantage of like the customers are! 😢
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susieb64
Thank you for visiting the Saxophone Bistro and taking time to write your review. I’m happy to know that you enjoyed the entertainment, our lovely staff service and the food on both occasions.
I sincerely apologise if you did not receive enough potatoes on the Sunday visit (we normally serve 3 - oops!) and we would happily have brought more if brought to our attention. I know you loved the Tuesday night chicken but on Sundays, as well as our traditional roasts (ribeye of beef or stuffed pork loin with crispy pork belly), we also serve a slow-braised lamb shank and vegan nut roast as an alternative.
I feel I must clarify the prices that you mention - €9.50 is the price for the Pink Gin, berries and full mixer of lemonade that was ordered. Our normal Gordon’s G&T is €7.50 and they are generous measures.
The cheeseboard is actually priced at €6.95 (not €8.95) - nevertheless, I am sorry that the board was not presented well for you, and I will certainly address this issue in future.
We do feel that we represent good value for money considering 3-4 hours of entertainment, good food, drinks and dancing, and we hope to welcome you back for another great afternoon/evening in the future.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca O
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Eating out with a child with coeliac disease is so much of a challenge that we tend to avoid it. But Johnny’s place had so much GF choice that my 10 year old little coeliac was spoilt for choice! The warm welcome, easy parking, great food & fabulous entertainment meant we had such a great night that we’ve booked to return before going home! Johnny has a way of making the atmosphere comfortable & inviting so that all three generations of our family enjoyed every minute. Hugely recommend this place for anyone looking to get away from the commercial, impersonal vibe of the main drag but needs catering for with attention & care (& enjoys dancing on tables, doing the conga, a music quizz & listening to some excellent musicianship with tales from a saxophone legend!)
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil Williams
Porthcawl7 contributions
May 2023 • friends
Just spent 2 weeks in Algarve and as usual we visited Johnny Hoopers Saxophone Bistro for a show night as well as 2 Sundays for lunch on the terrace. On the show night we took along some Canadian friends with us who have just moved to Albufeira. They were blown away with the atmosphere and the food and will be taking their friends there to share that experience. We love this place, and Johnny & Sue the owners always go the extra mile to ensure your visit here is one of your holiday highlights. Cant wait to get back there on our next trip out there in October.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian
Preston6 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
As we got out out of the taxi, we were met at the door by Johnny, who introduced himself, and asked us our names. We informed him, on request, that we were from Preston, then Johnny told us of his happy times playing Sax at Bistro French in the city. He led us to our table, introduced us to the couple on the next table, Joanna- from Wales, and her partner Tomas, from Denmark. We had drinks, and chatted to them like old friends, whilst the restaurant filled up. Johnny remembered everyone, and went round the room, table by table introducing them. He then got the party started by announcing that my partner and I had got engaged the night before, and then a rousing “ Going to the chapel “ ensued, followed by us dancing to him playing “My Girl “.
We then had our food, which was lovely, all home cooked by Johnnys partner, all very well presented.
A light hearted music quiz followed, then dancing to well known tunes, which Johnny played Sax, to backing tracks. Then more dancing as Johnny turned DJ.
All in all, a great night that will last long in the memory, we will keep in touch with Joanna and Tomas ( all the best with your move to LA guys ), a great big thanks to Johnny- a great entertainer who knows how to work the room, and ensured that everyone had a great night.
If you go to Albufeira, this place is a must!!
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ken c
Galway40 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
Just had a Christmas dinner party with a group of friends here on the 4 th of December we arrived at 6.45 for 7.00 start time. Some of the tables had already started their meals before we were seated.The service was very very slow even though the meal was ok but very small.
A bottle of cheap house wine cost 16.50e bottle of water 4.50e.
When it came time to pay the bill it was a total disaster all the bill were mixed up and trying to sort it out took for ever.
None of our group will ever return as we all felt that we were robbed and social distancing was non existent
Written December 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susieb64
I am very sorry to hear that you were disappointed. We served a quality home-cooked 3-course Christmas meal at a fantastic price of €24.50, or 2-courses for €19.50 which you all ordered in advance. Our house bottles of wine are of excellent quality and are €16 and the large bottle of mineral water is a 1 litre size. With 3 hours of free live music and entertainment throughout the evening we deliver a value for money experience. The initial bill was for your table of six and everything was itemised. When you then all requested individual bills then of course this took time for our staff to sort out. With regards to social distancing, we were operating at 50% capacity and all tables well spaced strictly according to the law. Staff were all wearing masks and customers are required to wear masks when moving through the restaurant. There are 3 hand-sanitising stations in place.
Written December 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
busby1971
Manchester45 contributions
May 2022 • family
Absolutely a must when you go to Albufeira, I knew about Johnnys as my mum and dad have been several times in the past years, they also used to watch him play in the old town’s main square many years ago, the music and atmosphere was excellent.
I booked a table on Friday 13/5 for myself and my mum and was not disappointed it was a fantastic night, Johnny dedicated My Girl to my mum as she had told him about seeing him numerous times previously.
The food was delicious we had the chicken with Parma ham and chorizo, the mash was lovely and creamy, with a jug of sangria which was one of the best I have had.
Also a big shout out to the staff there too who were great, as well as Johnny & Sue, thanks for a wonderful night hope to return soon.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen H
Nenagh21 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
Wow, just finished Sunday lunch here and I can’t recommend it more. The food, cooked by Johnny’s wife, was superb. My husband had the roast pork two ways and said it was melt in the mouth and the and roasts were delicious. I had the battered catfish and chips, lightest batter I’ve ever had and homemade chips, with peas and a lemon mayonnaise. All served with a smile and our lovely waitress was so nice and attentive. Johnny was around to all the tables checking in with everyone and the atmosphere was friendly with great backgrounds music. Can’t recommend enough. If I could give it more that five stars I would. A nice quiet location off the beaten track.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Corby3 contributions
Nov 2023 • friends
Having been to Johnny Hoopers on several occasions and always having thoroughly great nights my wife and I decided to celebrate her 60th birthday here with around 40 friends. We could honestly not have chosen a better venue. Johnny and Sue opened on a Saturday night, (usually closed), and offered a set menu for our guests. We had agreed on chicken in a white wine sauce and a pasta dish for non meat eaters and I have not had better food in 4 years in Albufeira, an opinion shared by every single guest at the party. Sue did us proud. The entertainment was as ever brilliant and the whole night was a wonderful success. Many thanks to Johnny, Sue and the lovely staff for making our night very, very special.
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derekstothart
Carlisle6 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
My family and I payed 2 visits to this wonderful find . Our first visit was on a Tuesday ( Tuesday and Thursday Johnny plays his saxophone and interacts with everyone ) we arrived to a big welcome from Johnny himself , really friendly nice bloke also the staff were very pleasant, his wife was the chef and all food was home cooked and beautiful- never tasted mash like it . In these hard times it’s a struggle for some but even tho there was only a few tables booked in for this night it was brilliant , the food and drink brilliant and Johnny on the sax , going table to table playing anything we wanted to here brilliant , I can only say that if he had , had a full house with social distance measures of course 🙄 it would of been rocking - great family night out and highly recommended.
The second visit was for Sunday lunch on the terrace with more of a laid back theme and of course Johnny on the sax and his wife and staff cooking and serving one of the best Sunday lunches I have ever tasted and very reasonably priced . We spent about 3ish hours there eating , drinking cocktails , listening to some of johnnys stories and sax playing , with an extra bonus of 2 of johnnys friends being there who were also musicians ( one who got up and sang Baker Street with Johnny playing sax and the other playing the harmonica with Johnny on sax) brilliant brilliant afternoon .
We will definitely be back to johnnys saxophone bistro in the near future and I highly recommend it for anyone thinking about it, You and your family will enjoy it.
Thanks for everything.
Derek Sarah Nicole and Joshua
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bodywork11
Cambridge38 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
We visited on a Sunday afternoon as we had heard they do a lovely vegan roast. The roast was really delicious, cooked my Jonnys wife sue. Fantastic live music and a friendly atmosphere. Thank you Jonny who made us and our children feel welcome and told us some great stories of how his bar began!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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