Tabafeira - Ovar

We found this place, which is right across the street from the Biblioteca Municipal, completely by chance. It just looked interesting, and we knew nothing about... read more We found this place, which is right across the street from the Biblioteca Municipal, completely by chance. It just looked interesting, and we knew nothing about the food it was serving. So we just ordered what sounded good on the small menu. We then pieced together what alheira is all about: a traditional method of making sausage mix that contains meats and vegetables other than pork. The process came about in the 16th century when Jews, escaping persecution by the Inquisition, devised non-pork sausages so that they didn 't come under suspicion for not hanging the traditional Portuguese sausages on their door. The chef at Tabafeira has updated this traditional peasant fare to suit contemporary diners. We loved it, and were pleased that the chef came out to see how we liked it. Nicely presented, my version contained a nest of potato sticks with a poached egg on top. At 9 Euros each, I didn 't find this outlandishly expensive at all. It 's so nice to discover a whole new cuisine!

I know Tabafeira for some time now and I came here with my wife to try their new menu. From time to time, Tabafeira change their menu and come up with new creat... read more I know Tabafeira for some time now and I came here with my wife to try their new menu. From time to time, Tabafeira change their menu and come up with new creations with their secret ingrediente: ALHEIRA! : For first timers here, I suggest the Um pouco de tudo starter, which is basically and literally a bit of everything and you 'll have the oportunity to try different alheira styles and combinations. Depending on how much you eat this one can fill that emptiness sensation you had in your stomach. The staff was always nice and helpfull explaining the dishes. Tabafeira is well situated and even when you come for dinner it 's not hard to find a free parking place. The dining room is all wood which I also love. All traight lines, simple and unprentious. In my opinion Tabafeira needs only one thing which is to improve their air extraction. Sometimes when you go there it can be too hot and/or it can smell like alheira in the air. I like returning here. They make great and tasty alheira creations.

The staff is friendly and efficient, the food is very good. I still prefer the dishes than the tasting option. The starters are amazing, I am (without any doubt... read more The staff is friendly and efficient, the food is very good. I still prefer the dishes than the tasting option. The starters are amazing, I am (without any doubt) the number one fan of their croquettes. Best place in town to try alheira. I keep coming back.

It was our first time trying Alheira. They have a unique menu with creative dishes. We tried the burger and quesadilla using alheira. It has a delicious smoky f... read more It was our first time trying Alheira. They have a unique menu with creative dishes. We tried the burger and quesadilla using alheira. It has a delicious smoky flavor. We both really enjoyed our meals.

They advertised a vegetarian when in fact had meat on it, my cousin which is vegetarian asked for the veggie strudel dish and only after eating it she realized... read more They advertised a vegetarian when in fact had meat on it, my cousin which is vegetarian asked for the veggie strudel dish and only after eating it she realized it had meat in it. What a nightmare , this is discussing and totally unacceptable.