Costa do Sal — Restaurant in Ílhavo

I was really looking forward to experiencing this place after noticing the large sign advertising the rooftop bar and restaurant - actually on a ship, which also serves as lodging. Very cool concept!

When I entered, I was asked if I was checking in. I replied that I was just hoping to have a drink if they were open. The response was, “Okay, upstairs,” in a tone that felt surprisingly curt, especially considering there were no guests seated at the time. Still, I gave the benefit of the doubt and headed up.

Once upstairs, I wasn’t sure whether to stay inside or go out to the rooftop. The same staff member asked, “Beer?” rather abruptly. Since I can’t drink beer, I asked what else was available or if there was a menu. The response felt impatient - “What do you want?” Another person nearby (the only other one in sight) suggested “gin and tonic,” which I would have happily ordered, but the staff member said, “No, I don’t make cocktails.”

I asked about wine, and he replied, “White wine,” again in a forceful, command-like tone. When I asked what kind, the answer was again, “White wine!” - this time even more aggressively. It felt uninviting, and unfortunately, I no longer felt comfortable staying.

I thanked him and left, but could hear him continuing to speak in a clearly annoyed tone as I walked away. It’s possible the bar wasn’t open or that there was some internal issue, but if that was the case, a simple explanation would have made a big difference. I approached with friendliness and curiosity, and was genuinely hoping to enjoy the space.

I share this not out of frustration, but in the hope it helps the team improve consistency in hospitality. The setting is amazing and the concept is strong, but my experience felt unnecessarily hostile. I hope this was a one-off and not reflective of the overall...

I had to join TripAdvisor just to write about our dinner experience on costa Do Sal !! Stopping from Porto to Lisbon was all last-minute and spontaneous finding towns to go to etc. and as I’m googling, this boat pops up and I look at the pictures sort of compared with the humble quaint beach town where it stays on the docks and I couldn’t believe my eyes?! it seemed so out of place. I wish we had stayed there, but there was no family rooms to fit two adults and a child as the rooms are standard boat rooms - however we did show up for a dinner and it was honestly the most magical dinner experience I’ve ever had on a vacation and I’m in my 40s and extremely well traveled !!! The boat has been recently refurbished and is absolutely gorgeous, the staff were incredible -but most of all was the sushi we had for dinner. I have spent time in Tokyo, lived in Hong Kong, London for many years and now New York for a decade - and it was right up there with the best sushi I’ve ever had !! (Just to top it all off it was at Portugal prices). If you can separate with your kids and get two different rooms next-door to each other I would say it is family friendly for older kids -but definitely for solo travelers or couples this is not to be missed!! it is completely worth your stop over for the night on the way to Lisbon or on the way to Porto- you will not be...

I had to join TripAdvisor just to write about our dinner experience on costa Do Sal !! Stopping from Porto to Lisbon was all last-minute and spontaneous finding towns to go to etc. and as I’m googling, this boat pops up and I look at the pictures sort of compared with the humble quaint beach town where it stays on the docks and I couldn’t believe my eyes?! it seemed so out of place. I wish we had stayed there, but there was no family rooms to fit two adults and a child as the rooms are standard boat rooms - however we did show up for a dinner and it was honestly the most magical dinner experience I’ve ever had on a vacation and I’m in my 40s and extremely well traveled !!! The boat has been recently refurbished and is absolutely gorgeous, the staff were incredible -but most of all was the sushi we had for dinner. I have spent time in Tokyo, lived in Hong Kong, London for many years and now New York for a decade - and it was right up there with the best sushi I’ve ever had !! (Just to top it all off it was at Portugal prices). If you can separate with your kids and get two different rooms next-door to each other I would say it is family friendly for older kids -but definitely for solo travelers or couples this is not to be missed!! it is completely worth your stop over for the night on the way to Lisbon or on the way to Porto- you will not be...