Restaurante Monte Mar — Restaurant in Cascais

My mom and I went to this establishment on July 23rd this year, as she was paying me a visit. I had heard many positive things about this place and thought this might be the perfect place to round up her stay here. And mind you, the food and the waiters that attended us, an elderly gentleman and young man in his 20's, were most respectful and smiley taking care our stay was as good as possible.

Unfortunately, the way our visit started meant our stay could simply not be perfect. As we entered the restaurant, a receptionist welcomed us with a rather surprised face to see people entering the place not wearing a tuxedo and a evening gown. Note we were all but wearing a training suite or a borat bathing suite. When we enquired about whether a table was available, the receptionist stated they had to go check the reservations list in order to give us a response, which is, of course, totally fine.

However, they just went halfway, spoke to another guest, a man in his 70's, obviously looking for a table to sit down, too. After a brief chat they turned right back to us, told us all tables were booked out, but one. Leading us out to the terrace (marvellous view no doubt) and to the table in the farthest corner. The downside about the table outside was the wind that virtually swept the salt off the fish and cooled our food down in minutes.

The fact that the receptionist did not go all the way to check if all tables were booked that night is dissatisfying at a certain point, though as a human being myself I know we sometimes don't want to go all the way - nobody's perfect. However, the fact that while we were having dinner the receptionist welcomed several guests and offered any table they preferred was what actually made me feel like some second class guest, which, as someone who's worked in customer care for years, is the ONE thing people working in the people business need to look after at all times.

I was not going to make any fuss out of this, however told the receptionist they might want to work on either their lying skills or walking skills. Seriously though, had the 10 additional meters been walked, we would not have felt like some dogs placed outside.

Hence the three stars as everything following this bumpy start to our visit was exquisitely good. Please, if you take times to read these recessions, communicate them to employees as little things like these determine the verdict on a stay in your establishment.

Thank you, though we will certainly not be...

If you're looking for an unforgettable seafood experience, Restaurante Monte Mar in Cascais, Portugal, is the place to visit. Perched gracefully along the seaside, this restaurant offers stunning, unobstructed views of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. The setting alone is a treat for the senses—tranquil and picturesque, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal.

The culinary experience at Monte Mar is nothing short of exceptional. Every dish is prepared with meticulous care, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients. On the day of our visit, we had the privilege of savoring a rare delivery of exquisite prawns, recommended by Gilles Poulin as an appetizer. These prawns were so fresh that their natural sweetness and flavor stood out—a true testament to the dedication of the kitchen staff.

For the mains, the seafood curry is a standout dish, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. The Squids and Prawns Kebab is equally delightful, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Their unique side of potatoes was an unexpected highlight—a refreshing twist on traditional accompaniments that added a layer of novelty to the meal.

Dessert lovers will be delighted by their variety of decadent options. We couldn’t get enough of the mango mousse and the cheesecake, both of which were expertly crafted and provided a sweet ending to a flawless meal.

Special mention goes to Gilles Poulin, whose impeccable hospitality and warm demeanor made our experience all the more memorable. His expertise and charm truly elevate the service at Monte Mar, making every guest feel valued and cared for.

Restaurante Monte Mar seamlessly combines breathtaking scenery, exceptional seafood, and outstanding service to create an unparalleled dining experience. It’s a gem of Cascais and a destination we are already planning to revisit on our next holiday to Portugal. If you're seeking a place to indulge in fresh, flavourful seafood while soaking in stunning ocean views, look no further than Monte Mar—it’s...

Rip-off establishment to be avoided; a tourist trap.

Does it offer half-decent seafood? Yes. But look at the absolute state of the prices they charge you. An absolute and total rip off.

Then, there are the hidden charges (see receipt attached).

As two people we were charged 7 euros for bread, and a further 4.50 for water - that's 11.50 before you even start the meal. Then there is the outright deception, a further hidden charge of 1.50 euros for "Donativo Natal". We weren't informed of these charges, nor did we agree to them. It's outright unethical deception and it shows nothing but contempt for the customer.

I ordered a beer which was 6 euros. I then asked for a small beer, which was just 1 euro less (as they cynically decided to change the beer I drank to ensure it was the high cost beer for the small one I asked for; utterly disgusting behaviour).

Service was frequently slow and there were clearly many disappointed people in attendance.

Realising we entered what was effectively a tourist trap, we went with one of the cheaper group options - 65 euros for a plate of sharing seafood. This consisted of 6 prawns, 4 baby squid, a few boiled potatoes and broccoli, and a small flat fish. Was it tasty? Sort of, yes, but it is worth half that price for the quality and quantity of food received. Certainly nothing fine dining.

Does it sometimes have a nice view? Yes.

But that in no way means scamming or charging way, way, way too much for the mediocre quality of food on offer. You could go down the street just a few kilometres and pay 67% less and have higher quality food, service, and overall authentic standards.

Avoid this place at all costs. It's about time that custom stays away from establishments that quite clearly do...