O Brás — Restaurant in Alvaiázere

A strange building with no reception just a chap in overalls who showed me to my room. I was told to only return to the restaurant for supper at 7:30pm as it wouldn't be open before then. I was asked if I wanted pork or fish and wish I'd chosen fish as the soup was also pork and the pork I was subsequently served was with chips and salad and a bit fatty for my taste. Pudding was a flan and overly sweet. Yes portions were ridiculously large and there was a lot of waste. I was given a jug of wine and only wanted a glassful. I was grateful for the large bottle of water though as I was on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and September has been very hot.|Breakfast was poor and it was all the more frustrating for not being able to speak Portuguese but there was two toasted rolls when I would have preferred bread and no jam! The usual processed ham & cheese, one croissant and no buffet so that you could chose what to have. |The bedroom and bathroom were clean but as often the case with budget hotels, the maintenance was hit and miss with old taps and showers which flood the bathroom and furry mats around the toilet and sink which I didn't like to stand on but stemmed the shower flood! I had a balcony so I was able to wash clothes and they were dry after supper.|Unfortunately this was my most disappointing stay on the Camino but hopefully when the renovations are complete things will improve as for September they are only letting Pilgrims...

A strange building with no reception just a chap in overalls who showed me to my room. I was told to only return to the restaurant for supper at 7:30pm as it wouldn't be open before then. I was asked if I wanted pork or fish and wish I'd chosen fish as the soup was also pork and the pork I was subsequently served was with chips and salad and a bit fatty for my taste. Pudding was a flan and overly sweet. Yes portions were ridiculously large and there was a lot of waste. I was given a jug of wine and only wanted a glassful. I was grateful for the large bottle of water though as I was on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and September has been very hot.|Breakfast was poor and it was all the more frustrating for not being able to speak Portuguese but there was two toasted rolls when I would have preferred bread and no jam! The usual processed ham & cheese, one croissant and no buffet so that you could chose what to have. |The bedroom and bathroom were clean but as often the case with budget hotels, the maintenance was hit and miss with old taps and showers which flood the bathroom and furry mats around the toilet and sink which I didn't like to stand on but stemmed the shower flood! I had a balcony so I was able to wash clothes and they were dry after supper.|Unfortunately this was my most disappointing stay on the Camino but hopefully when the renovations are complete things will improve as for September they are only letting Pilgrims...

Even though this restaurant was recommended I somehow couldn't put my finger on what was missing! Lack of atmosphere or warmth and the Portuguese warm, open welcoming embrace was lacking! The owner, mr. Bras himself did pop over to say hello which was appreciated. My roasted Portuguese Cod fish with garlic, squashed local new potatoes was tasty and well presented. The Flan/Caramel pudding was okay and I've had much better. My starter was the chef's Turnip soup which was very tasty. My meal cost me €20.00 which for a village restaurant is rather steep.... To be honest, I came away feeling quite disappointed and I won't be back unfortunately... There are so many amazing local restaurants in Portugal and this one certainly left me totally deflated in terms of welcome, warmth, charm, atmosphere and service.. Apologies Mr. Bras but I've had much better Portuguese cuisine and local restaurants meals whilst I've been in central Portugal for the last 4...