Mad — Restaurant in Alcobaça

I've been to Mad a half-dozen times in the last 2 years (it's where I take all of my out-of-town guests), and this has easily become one of my favorite restaurants in all of Portugal! The food is always delicious, ingredients fresh, and meals of very high quality. The menu and dishes are thoughtful and creative, especially relative to most of the nicer restaurants in the area.

I was compelled to write this review after seeing comments about the price (and the restaurant not accepting credit cards). To be clear, this isn't a restaurant where you go for casual or inexpensive eats, but I actually believe Mad is underpriced for the quality and artistry.

It's also really surprising to me that a couple of the reviews mention bad service. I have never experienced anything but feeling totally welcome as a guest here. There was one time where the server seemed newer and less experienced, but the staff and chefs are always friendly (and entertaining!), and they clearly take pride in...

It is a dream place overlooking Vale Furado beach, about 20 kilometers from Nazare with a unique gastronomical experience. Nazare is the place of the Big Wave which world class surfers worship. After some 20 minutes drive you start feeling you will not reach anywhere significant but when you reach your destination you are greeted with wonderful surprise. The owner chef Slavo and his kitchen wizard Fabio do miracles with food. I loved his fresh cod fish, bacalhau but the john dory fish with citrus and basmati rice and delicate vegetables were also delicious. On good weather days, you can sit outside and admire the view. The color of the water and the sky and white bubbles of the waves are amazing. It is great value for budget. Slavo is a great host. You will leave the place wishing you could...

This place definitely made me “mad” by the time we left. It’s a beautiful spot, you’re paying for the location. Although the food was okay, the slow service was some of the worst I’ve had in Europe. The waiters are very kind and it’s not their fault but I kid you not it took me 30 minutes to get the bill. From the moment I had to flag her down to when I left, after 3 attempts and almost walking out, we finally got it (cash only by the way). Apparently only the “boss” makes the bill I was told and I was not the only party who left extremely frustrated. As for the food, there are better places sorry to say, mussels were delicious but the fries had a fishy taste for some reason. Sangria was not sweet. The fried shrimp was dry. Got some great photos I just wish I didn’t...