SEN Estoril — Restaurant in Cascais

Wow! We tried SEN through a recommendation, (last minute) without a reservation & cannot rate it enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We walked in at 9.30pm, expecting to have to eat and leave within 1 hour (by closing time 10.30pm), however we were not rushed once and was pleasantly surprised after our main course to be told by our excellent waiter Vitor that they close at 11.30pm.

We chanced the walk in on a Monday night, which was a little under half filled with a calm but warm atmosphere.

Vitor greeted us and showed us to a window seat overlooking the sea. You can’t see the view as much as we’d hoped but that’s because it goes out to sea, as opposed to the end windows that looks at the curved lit up coast.

Vitor kindly helped with our dish selections, suggesting the crispy beef was a favourite of his and the most popular, and that the beef noodles would be a great accompaniment as opposed to the beef cheeks, as that way we can share and enjoy the experience as a whole. He really wanted to make sure that we made the most of the experience.

He was so attentive with topping up our water, and helping with soft drink selections too.

The food was really hot and fresh, the meat was of good quality and the spring roll pastry was fresh and crispy - not cheap and beige. It was really good quality ingredients. The portion sizes were perfect to share between 2, and presentation was 10/10. No finger marks on the plates either which can be a huge ick. Nice to have good quality napkins too. The table had a lazy waiter drinks and bottle holder which was nice to use so you have more table room, and the table light was up to date with touch to turn on mini lights to set the ambience. A nice touch opposed to old school candles that can smell sickly when they go out.

The other staff members were incredibly quiet when resetting tables, no clanging around or crazy spray wiping the tables as you would see in other restaurants. Everything and everyone was so calm and relaxing. This is very much needed when you’ve had a busy day and need some R&R.

Believe it or not, there was children of who we assume some of the staff there and they were incredibly well behaved and quiet, you wouldn’t even have known, yet it was lovely to see the family connection & kindness.

Vitor kindly saw us to the door and wished us a pleasant evening - honestly he is a true credit (alongside everyone else working hard) to SEN!

We didn’t use the restrooms but can only imagine they were as clean as the restaurant, which was warm and lit ambient - great decor.

Menu has lots of choice for meat, fish and vegan options - which is unheard of these days, usually it’s one of the three.

The only criticism (if anything) would be the “S” on the sign outside needs fixing along with the smaller lighting, but we only noticed as we wanted to post a photo of...

Came for lunch and was very excited. Let me start with the positives of this place. Let's start with the view. Absolutely stunning view. Also, restaurant looks very clean upon entering. The plates came in orderly fashion with great timing. Chairs have arm rests and cushions on chairs are well kept. Beautiful fish tank and ceiling with vines and leaves give the restaurant an earthy fung shei, which compliments the view. The flavors of the food has potential for sure. The restaurant has wifi and a QR code that is for the wifi and the menu. This was very clever. These are all the pros I experienced during my lunch. Now with the cons: I am currently sitting with my second course writing this review because the presentation of each plate that I've received thus far has been poor. I first had the squid salad, the plate came with a whole bunch of visible water spots in the gold plate and messy. I told my waiter that placed the food on the table and he just stood silent, no solution was suggested. Not sure if he didn't understand me but he seemed proficient in English. It did seem like my feedback made him a bit uncomfortable but besides this, servers were very friendly. I left more then 60 percent of the salad on the plate because I was turned off from it from the beggining. When a plate is made with love, you can feel it. The squid salad was mostly raw onion and 4 peice of squid, 1 peice of lemon grass and a few other items. I got my second course of salmon in clay pot and the salmon was dryyyyyy. Salmon had no sear and no coloring. The flavors were good tho but Rrrrrreally over cooked. The rice was undercooked. I am very underwhelmed. Plates are small and I left food in every course thus far. Please keep in mind, I am a heavy foodie and don't believe food should be wasted, but honestly, it was wasted with the chef's execution. Very disappointed. Now I am sitting here waiting for desert, I order the Banana tapioca. The Banana tapioca had the best presentation, very small desert, the flavors are okay, they topped with peanuts and white sesame seeds. It had huge peices of Banana in it, which could of been caramelized with sugar to level it higher and give the banana a much needed texture since they are slimy in the pudding. I do think that this restaurant has potential to have better food, I highly recommend you are open to new ideas and checking quality of food. Sear your...

Nestled along the shore, SEN stands as a hidden gem, beckoning visitors to indulge in a culinary adventure. It has a parking lot next to the entrance. As you step through the doors, you're immediately enveloped in a sense of tranquility, with the cozy and inviting interior creating a welcoming ambiance.

One of the restaurant's most alluring features is the stunning view of the ocean. Imagine dining while gazing out at the gentle waves and the horizon, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop to your meal.

The service at this Vietnamese establishment is nothing short of exceptional. The personnel are attentive, kind, and efficient, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless from start to finish. The dishes, all meticulously prepared, are bursting with flavor, satisfying both your taste buds and your appetite.

Despite its prime location, the restaurant maintains a sense of quiet and coziness, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner or a relaxing gathering with friends, Sen provides the perfect setting for a truly memorable experience.

In summary, this restaurant is a captivating oasis that combines breathtaking ocean views, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service, creating a dining experience that is sure to leave a...