Two fantastic dinners - two fantastic concerts!
This little gem was just next door of our rental apartement. What a fantastic coincidence!
The first day we arrived we've seen the sign outside advertising the Fado concert that night. Of course we had to see that! Did start at 22.00. But food was served only before the concert, so we went in around 20.30.
Staff was really friendly and helpful about the food. And let's just start with that said food. Absolutely delicous what the cook is preparing in this restaurant. You can get your tapas-sized items (Petiscos) or real meals.
We went for Petiscos that night. Here's what we ordered (forgot the portugese names, sorry):
Croquetes: wonderful, nice texture and flavours
Fried Shrimp: fresh and crispy
Melted Cheese and Garlic Bread: nice and creamy
Boiled Shrimps in Sauce: fantastic, really fresh
Stuffed Mushrooms: good choice, nice meat topping
So, food-wise a great place so far. After the dinner the Fado Concert started. And what a great concert that was! It's a very intimate, small stage. The elderly gentlemen had a wonderful and powerful voice. So much soul in it! And the instruments were also played very very professionally. We found out later, that this restaurant here belong so one of these gentlemen! All the guest were very quiet and respectful....except for one table with some young guests. Quite loud and chatting all the time during the concert. If you wanna party, go somewhere else please. I found it very disrespectful, there are artists on stage, so please behave a bit.
There's no entrance fee, there's no cover charge. All you gotta do is eat or even just drink something. A wonderful place away from the tourists traps. Yet so close to the center!
We came back a few days later when there was another concert. This time it was traditional portugese folk music. Just a guy and his guitar. But very very entertaining. Mostly locals were present and did sing half of his songs with. A great night with a fantastic atmosphere!
That night we ordered Ossos do espinhaco (a huge load of meat for 4 Euro), some more croquetes, the Shrimp Risotto and the Octopus and a good bottle of Portugese Red (Quinta Do Espinho - a heavy red full of smoot and warm flavours). Good Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert.
The Octopus was fresh and so tender....sadly there was quite too much salt on it! The Risotto on the other hand was as perfect as it could be!
So, this is an amazing restaurant with great entertainment, good food and fantastic staff. Very fair prices as well. Forget the Fado presentations for tourists and head here! Be sure to book a table though! read more