Oficina do Sabor — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata do Recife

UPDATED REVIEW I think I have grown tired of dining at Oficina do Sabor. I wanted to dine here primarily for their commemorative plate (“Boa Lembrança”). We called ahead and asked if we needed a reservation, and were told that we did not, but when we got here, almost all of the tables had “reserved” signs on them and only 2 tables were left and where we were sat was very hot. I felt really bad for the waitstaff, because in an effort to monetize his restaurant, Chef Cesar Santos has changed their uniforms, which now look more like a Formula 1 or NASCAR uniform, featuring Coca-Cola and Natto (the Brazilian equivalent of Purdue chicken) logos all over their shirts. We started with gratinéed oysters, but the béchamel sauce was grainy as if it had broken—not pleasant. My main course, shrimp and octopus (named “tico tico” after the music by Carmen Miranda) was served barely warm, and actually cold in parts. My wife’s main course was a fish with a plantain puree. She thought the fish was forgettable and the puree was terrible. After not having luck with the appetizer or the main course, I decided not to have dessert. While the service was still very good, and the ambiance/décor continue attractive, the food quality seems to have fallen precipitously.

ORIGINAL REVIEW This is one of the top restaurants in this beautiful city (founded in 1535). They have been open for 28 years(!!!) in the same location. We came here for their 28th anniversary dinner (and for lunch too). We ate here twice in one day! For lunch, we had the privilege of eating their usual menu, which was spectacular. Dinner was divine! We were treated to a multi-course dinner which was other-worldly. Small courses of the best-prepared Northeastern Brazilian cuisine that I’ve had the pleasure of eating: the menu started out with 3 appetizers of Portuguese soup, smoked salmon with quail egg and tartlet of queijo do reino; the second course was a ramekin of mushrooms with herbs, cream and truffles (excellent!); the third course was shrimp with orzo pesto & Parmesan; the fourth course was cupim (cow hump) in beef broth with cashew nuts and mustard/Port wine sauce; the desserts were to die-for!: Callebaut Belgian chocolate 5 ways. I can’t wait to repeat this experience next year for their 29th anniversary. All these courses were accompanied by wonderful wine pairings. We also got a decorative plate as a gift—lovely! All this only cost...

I'm just an ignorant American who has a Brazilian wife. From Recife. From Olinda. Well, I'm not really ignorant. But I love good food.

I went to Olinda for the third time, but with local friends. "Let's go to lunch!" They said.

We went (unannounced) to this place - Oficina do Sabor (flavor workshop - seriously).

Beautiful, tropical interior. Open, revolving fans on the ceiling, views of the ocean, views of the beaches, views of Recife.

Brazilian restaurants typically are "overstaffed", but this one is perfect - someone to take care of every need.

The food is regional - specialties of Olinda, of northeast Brazil. No tourists here - just locals of means that appreciate good food.

A strong tradewind breezes through the outside dining area, creating a romantic ambience. Fresh squeezed juices of the finest quality - lime, pineapple, mango, etc.

A local speciality is pumpkin - a variety of dishes - mainly fish, cooked in pumpkin gourds. With curry, with lime, with rice.

We ordered steak and fish dishes. Brazilian steak is... well, I'll stop there. Heaven. Ask God his opinion. Enough said.

My dish was a local white fish with green curry sauce, potatoes, carrots, leeks. OMG - I cannot remember when I was so happy, food wise.

Thick, savory sauces - to die for. Plenty of rice. Note: if you are American, you don't know rice. Brazilians know rice. Perfection. I think I had a food orgasm when I finished. For real.

In summary: easiest 5 stars I've given outside the U.S.! If you go to Recife, Brazil go to Olinda - 20 minutes drive. You won't be disappointed. But its probably best that you have a local...

When we arrived we used the valet service, which was excellent and cheap. Once we entered we were greeted directly and after saying we had not reserved, they showed us to a table. It turns out we were lucky, because there was no table left after we had arrived; so I would advice to make a reservation at this popular place.

The waiters were very kind and competent and knew their etiquette quite well. The tables were nicely made and dispite it being busy we did not have to wait very long for anything.

The food we ordered was the shrimp-filled pumpkin. It is one of the dishes the restaurant is known for and I can understand why; the shrimp was huge and delicious and the filling was creamy and very tasty. I would recommend it to everybody who likes shrimp.

All in all a great experience, and the price is on the high side for Brazilian standards, but for a European tourist it is a regular price you pay at home...