Restaurante Merkado — Restaurant in Óbidos

Food, in average, was OK. The entry (Prawns in Guilho) was good in terms of flavour, but the main course (Fish and Shrimp Moqueca) not so much since the accompanying rice was a bit undercooked. Service was the let down. Firstly there was no one to welcome the customers (the manager/owner seemed more interested on petting a dog), then after a while I've got assigned a table for two (since I was alone and had a reservation as such). I asked about sitting near the window, but the waiter promply declined - "it will get full and we'll need to sit 4 people there". They took a while to take my order. At precisely 1 hour after I was seated, and still eating, their manager/owner came and asked me if I had already finished. Aparently she now got interested on providing some outstanding service. Since I got her cue, I said "yes, I'm done". She promptly came with the desserts menu, to which I declined. I asked for the bill, which came as fast as a lightning bolt (really impressed how service got incredibly fast and responsive at this point). Won't return. Pretentious and unwelcoming place. The table of 4 seats (as well as other tables) was still empty...

We had dinner tonight at the Merkado - Na Lagoa and were totally surprised. The restaurant itself is cute and located close from the beach but the food was really more than usual. Out of normal incredients, the chef makes something that is pretty different but yet still very tasty. Also you get a lot on your plate so, be careful with how much you order (but they do warn you). We had the black rice which comes with prawns and pineapple and a very tasty sauce. Also the dessert was not just a simple tiramisu, but a triple layer of this Italian speciality. Also excellent. Absolutely clear, that we will be back for more this week as we want to know what the other ideas look like. I am lifting my hut for the chef. Oh actually - the prices are...

A true jewel in the Laguna of Obidos. Beautiful location close to the beach, nice interior and very down to earth and easygoing. Great spot for lunch and dinner. They serve delicious Portuguese and Brazilian food (try the shrimps with gorgonzola, pineapple, nuts and black rice - it‘s one of the many yummy dishes they serve), reasonable prices and a good wine list. We loved the Vino Verde - they are the only place in the region who serve this special brand. Owner Eliza has a big heart and made us feel soo welcomed and special, the Merkado became our favorite spot during our vacation. Thank you Eliza and your staff for our wonderful luncheons and dinners- can’t wait to come...