This negative review is about horrible service and plating so strange you wonder if it was intentional. It is simply a warning to know before you go, because we were clearly the exception rather than the rule. All the other diners were receiving attentive service.
Reviews on Google were mixed, negatives seemed to be about service, more than food. Ever since covid we have learned to be more patient, usually because of short staff in kitchen and servers. Mar had none of these excuses.
Yelp was more negative, but i didnt check that until we were already seated, to see food pictures etc.
Tripadvisor was almost all positive.
Here is the story...
We had been traveling throughout southern Spain for over a week and had become accustomed to two practices, patience with your wait staff (ok to make eye contact & head nod to indicate ready, and it isnt rude to ask for the check), and tips are not asked & not expected, no spot in the bill to add charge, when we left coins the waiter would seem confused.
It was our first night in Portugal, and even though our rental condo had great views of the ocean & coast line, we wanted to go out and dine with a view.
Dressed for a romantic dinner, we walked to Mar, and went to the host station to request a table. Another white, non american, very casually dressed, couple arrive. The host pointed to a table in the middle of the balcony marked reserved for us. I preferred the edge table, and foolishly thought he put us at the center table because we were dressed up, and actually considered it good because we wouldnt be 'forgotten' as we were literally in the middle of the balcony and on the edge of the aisle used by walkers and waiters, not way out on the edge of the balcony and furthest away (the table the other couple was seated at). Soon enough, I began to think we were being punked on one of thise hidden camera reality tv shows.
The host / boss waiter who sat us, brings menus and removes the reservation plaque. We decide our drinks and entres, wonder about specials, and wait.
We see other couples get their drinks, entres, checks, deserts. Waiters, the host, all pass by repeatedly. I stack our menues and slide them to the edge of the table. Try to make eye contact, everyone has side plates, silverware and complimentary water, interesting i think. As i notice glasses of water and house water decanters. Did they know how to speak portuguese? Did they know a magic phrase that unlocked the wonders of normal service, I'd settle for normal. We intentionally are not on our phones, engaged and looking around. I turn the menues perpendicular and slide them 1/3 off the table. The 'other couple' on the outer edge get appetizers delivered. The couple next to us, finish their entres. The host comes over, clears their plates. Goes to the newly seated table and brings them an electronic tablet menu, props on the table. Oblivious to us. I get up to take a picture, try to make eye contact so i can smile & nod. NADA. I sit down. The older couple get their apps. I feel if i say something, it will just make it worse. If we try to go somewhere else we would it would be even longer, because after 20 min, they will have to notice us, right?
I mean the host looks at tables to seat new people every few minutes, servers are delivering drinks and food all around our clear table with a stack of menus.
I decide to walk around & take pictures... be obvious. Feeling certain someone must have been by our table while i was gone more than 5 min. As i walk back i see the menus still on edge, no waters, plates, or silverware... Still.
I see a waiter walk by, look at me as I approach. Almost involuntarily i do the universal gesture for whats up with that... As i extend my arms, shrug my shoulders and point to the table. He stops in his tracks.
Looks at the table, looks at me, beelines it to the host. I walk back to the table and see them in an animated converation.
The host comes over, and offers no apology... He says, 'ready to order'. We offer none of our usual rapport.to the point we orders. Fingers crossed, wait.
Food comes in a timely manner..
We thought they were going to deliver it still with no silverware on the table...they did manage to get that delivered just before the food. Tasted great, , but very odd to plate the fish skin side up, with sauce on top of the skin. It wasnt whole fish.
Host brings blankets to us & other guests, only nice thing done.
We finish up, host bring check and then ask how much tip we would like to add????
Remember, first night in Portugal.
My husband I look at each other, 'guess they tip here'... Figuring to send a message with only 10% tip we add 5 euros... Joke on us read more