Tasca Da Maria - Espinho

I visited at lunchtime on a Saturday in November. While the rain had held off, the day did not have a pleasant feel to it. Perhaps that is why, by the time I 'd... read more I visited at lunchtime on a Saturday in November. While the rain had held off, the day did not have a pleasant feel to it. Perhaps that is why, by the time I 'd finished my meal at 1:15 p.m., no one else had come in to dine. Tripe in the style of Porto was hand written onto the menu. The half-serving at €8 was enormous. Its preparation and proportion of goodies among the white beans was average for this region of the country. It was perfectly good, but in no way outstanding. Prices reflected the fact that the restaurant faces onto the beach side promenade and attracts a lot of tourists, but they were not outlandish Everything else about the experience was above average. The dining room was very pleasant, as was the proprietor, who served me at the table. My starter of fish soup, at €2.50, exceeded my expectations by a bit.

Nice little restaurant with waterfront view in Espinho. Service was very attentive and friendly, the food was simple but of excellent quality. We were offered d... read more Nice little restaurant with waterfront view in Espinho. Service was very attentive and friendly, the food was simple but of excellent quality. We were offered different starters, which were brought to the table. From the setting an the fact that even bread is usually to be paid for in Portugal, we were absolutely certain that this applies to the starters as well (see some of the other comments). So there’s been no surprise, but the bill was still reasonable: Bread, three different starters, two mains, two desserts, coffee, 1/2 bottle of wine and one port for 50€ seems a fair deal to me. We will come back!

Very kindly service. Good suggestions about available fresh fish. Good location in front of ocean. Good ratio price-quality. Good selection of local wines. Vinh... read more Very kindly service. Good suggestions about available fresh fish. Good location in front of ocean. Good ratio price-quality. Good selection of local wines. Vinho verde must be tried with grilled fish

Located right to the sea side this restaurant offers lunch and dinners with a spectacular view. The menu contains all traditional seafood and wines of the regio... read more Located right to the sea side this restaurant offers lunch and dinners with a spectacular view. The menu contains all traditional seafood and wines of the region. However, the cook must have had a bad day: the cod was too much roasted, the potatoes accompanying old and wizened. The Arroz de Mariscos (Rice with Seafood) was based on cheap defrosted shrimps and mussels, well the portions were big. No problem, maybe we didn‘t pick a brilliant moment. However, the bill was a shock. We were charged almost double the amount we had payed in the neighbouring restaurant the evening before. Sorry, we won‘t come back here.

Had been recommended by friends to try a dish called Cataplana before leaving for our holiday so that's what we did here. While waiting the waiter brought out b... read more Had been recommended by friends to try a dish called Cataplana before leaving for our holiday so that's what we did here. While waiting the waiter brought out bread, a tuna dip with little Melba a Toast and some deep fried fish balls all very yummy. Cataplana arrived also very delicious but you need to be confident with fish as the stew comes with the whole fish including head. Nice selection of wine and drinks. Only downside was the surly waiter. Also, be aware that the snacks that appear on the table also appear on the bill this seems to be customery in Espinho