I arrived today in Santiago do Cacém planning to get some sleep, eat my trail mix for dinner, and…read morecrash early as I planned to begin the "Rota Vicentina," one of my annual epic hiking treks, tomorrow. My hotel's manager suggested this place and I tried to look it up. There are some google reviews that suggest it is basically the jewel restaurant of Santiago do Cacém. But, to my shock it wasn't even one of the listed businesses here!!!
In a previous review, I mentioned that I have always wanted to be included in the "Yelp Elite," but I just never made the time to put down reviews. Well, once again, I felt the need to comment on this place. I went in on a simple hotel recommendation- millions of travelers get those all the time. I WAS BLOWN AWAY.
First - Portuguese is a tough language and that's coming from someone who speaks French, Spanish, and Italian (and others!). But the staff spoke both English and Spanish, and I was super comfortable. Second, I was able to explain my gluten-free needs to my server and she readily explained what was OK for me and what was not. Finally, I ordered my dinner - the "mista" (mixed) plate of grilled Iberian Pork. My God it was delicious, accompanied by very crispy fries and tasty olives. I ordered the house red wine and it was so good I had 3 glasses!
And at the end, my bill was UNDER $20! Mind you, this one of the premier restaurants in Santiago do Cacém. What a find, and what sadness that nobody has reviewed it before! I hope that more walkers on the Rota Vicentina come and have a pre-hike dinner here, they won't regret it!