Faros Gourmet — Restaurant in Ílhavo

The grilled sardines were not fresh and were definitely either canned, frozen or bottled. These were not fresh in any way. The sardines were served with the head and tail removed and were a grey/brown inside just like when canned. This is NOT the way to serve sardines nor represent Portugal. This place is a disgrace to fresh seafood and to Portugal. The “show” of cooking the sardines on the roof tile was just that, a show for the local tourists, and im not a tourist. It was made to hide the fact that these were not fresh in any way. What a horrible experience. So not recommend this place.

Also, the server said the head and tail were removed to “help” in preparation. That was a line if i ever heard one.

Finally, it was JUST sardines, and no sides. Six measly headless canned sardines lit on fire to act as if there was some preparation. Please do not go here. Fine somewhere more local, not a tourist trap, and get a good meal at a reasonable price. I mean, 14 euro for 6 sardines from a can that cost 1 euro at Lidil or Ping Doce. I could have done the same at home and still hated it, but id be in 70 euro and thats a lot of wine i could buy instead to...

Happened to stumble upon this fine establishment on a day trip to aveiro. Had we stayed in this lovely town longer, it would have been a restaurant we would have returned to. Food (sardines, stuffed squid, prawns, mussels) was the best seafood we’ve eaten since we’ve been out in Portugal. Also had the milk pudding which was nice! The staff were lovely and cater to a variety of languages such as English, Spanish and of course Portuguese. The setting was marvellous as was right on river front. No surprise it got travellers choice on trip advisor 2021! Great value! Can’t recommend this...

It was an amazing experience! I thought i have commented earlier but seems not. The restaurant was about to be dhut down for afternoon break but wuen they saw us with 3 kids, they were super kind and stayed open! And we had the best food and warmest atmosphere ever. I still remember the taste of sardines on tile time to time, was it real? :) one of the first places i would go back in Portugal not only for taste, lovely location but also the warmth, the friendliness. Thanks all...