Restaurante 54:

We passed ‘Restaurante 54’ one evening whilst looking for a nice place for a meal. We actually went next door initially. (To the left). The door salesman was very informative, welcoming and accommodating. We informed him we were seeking a place to eat “tomorrow”. The next day, through process of elimination, we went back to the restaurant. The meals didn’t look that appetising. We then went to ‘Restaurant 54’ (next door). The door-salesman, Sam, was amazing! Absolutely incredible. The reviews were also good for this restaurant. Sam was also able to provide a table by the balcony with a sea view. The menu was filled with majority sea food dishes. If you like sea food, I’d recommend this place. We went for a bolognaise and kept it safe. Sams service, the balcony table, sea view and the food were fantastic, however the service from the restaurant staff was appalling. I felt sorry for Sam, he is a super nice guy and completely wasted. His Talent in food etiquette and manners are a breath of fresh air, you don’t find them like this anymore. The staff, when delivering food were unprofessional, obnoxious and border line rude. It took 3 people to bring out 2 plates and a pepper pot. No one checked if we were ok, if the food was ok or if we needed anything else. We finished our meal pretty quick. We had already decided we would walk through the old market town and get an ice cream hence didn’t need the dessert menu. We asked for the bill, to be told there was a minimum spend. We asked why we were not informed earlier, to be then shown the smallest signs through out the restaurant that express there is a minimum spend. You wouldn’t even notice the signs. This then meant we had to find an ATM for cash. ATMs we’re all charging. In the end I asked for the bill to be round up to the maximum spend and I would pay on card. I expressed my appreciation and my disappointment with the payment process to be almost dismissed with sarcasm, unfortunately. This made our date night experience a little disappointing. There are an abundance of places to eat in Albufiera Old Market Town, if your after a view then this is a good place. If your after good food and good service then this is not the place for you. If it wasn’t for Sam I’d rate this restaurant 2 stars, because of Sam - the Door Salesman, I’d rate this restaurant 3 stars. It is also reasonably priced. 💫