O Barco Velho - Matosinhos

We stumbled across this place on a Sunday afternoon. We were told this area (last stop on the 500 bus) has a lot of fish restaurants. It does--none are on the water though. Barco Velho is on a small street--there's no view, and the place is a bit gruff/gritty, kinda like all of Portugal. Anyway, the place had a crowd so it looked legit. The manager (I think) spoke some English, sat us down, gave us some options, showed us a sea bass for two for 27 Euro, and the fish was prepared expertly and we had a great salad, cheap drinks, and the manager came out and gave us some local fish/bean stew he said we had to try. I give this place thumbs up for a very tasty meal, friendly local atmosphere (not very touristy), and good prices. I wish O Barco Velho success.

It might seem as a local restaurant that stems away from the touristic stereotype. And it definitely does... if you like greasy salt and pepper holders, ignorant waiter and.... wait for it... seriously overpriced food and wine. Don’t get me wrong, the value for money compared to Europe mainland is excellent, but so is any other restaurant in Portugal. This one however charges you for bread, olives and a salad (consisting of half tomato and few slices of onion over a lettuce leaf) that you didn’t even order. It’s given. And it’s a freaking €5 alone!!!! The waiter forgetting your drinks almost until the end of your meal and smoking a cigarette two meters away from your table. Fish soup is a potato pure with few empty mussels inside. Bland. Closest thing that comes to mind is a baby food/puke. The only thing that saves this experience is freshness of the sardines. However, there are two restaurants right next door, who’s plates did look waaaaay better than this one. Do not recommend.

Great food, and cheap wine. What more can you want from a lunch. The sardines were delicious, potatoes, salad, all washed down with a 6 euro bottle of wine, if I return to Porto i will return here. If you happen to be getting of one of those big liners head here before the beach. The only caveat was the poor waiter was over worked,rushing around sweating ... slow down .

This family restaurant with the real family atmosphere and very tasty food. Great and friendly staff, good prices and location.

We felt we got the tourist treatment at this place we came here following a recommendation from a local, but the fish we got tasted bad and we got an indigestion after the meal as a confirmation! There may be double standards here or the place may just be plain bad for all stay away!