These tiny snails, which you will see on plants and walls all over the countryside, are practically a staple of Portuguese food, yet also almost a secret.
Russo dos Caracóis was the best of three caracóis experiences! First one in a backstreet snack bar in Campo Pequeno was salty but delicious, next one near the water in Alcântara was bland, but this was perfect.
The flavor of abalone but 5X in a tiny bit of meat you pluck or suck straight from the shell. In a perfectly seasoned herb and garlic broth, every one (and there are a lot in an order) was clean and fresh.
Don't bother with the big snails, they're tougher and not as tasty.
Toasted bread, cheap cold beer, and lively companionship keeps it all moving.
Patient, fun, and generous staff. Gave friendly language lessons, and tips on where else to go for some food and experiences that aren't on the usual tourist agenda.
Get there early, it got packed out at 630pm on a weeknight. read more