Restaurante MA — Restaurant in Coimbra

I'd heard quite a bit about this place, but getting a reservation had been a bit of a challenge – until yesterday, that is.

As soon as you step in, you'll notice an air of sophistication, giving the place a somewhat formal feel. However, the interior design and choice of glassware do add a touch of visual charm.

Now, let's talk about the chopsticks situation. It's a bit unusual, to be honest. There was a particular type of chopsticks that I found quite uncomfortable to use. I inquired about alternatives, specifically wooden chopsticks, but unfortunately, they weren't an option. This turned out to be a bit disappointing, especially since this particular style proved to be a bit of a struggle. Interestingly, I wasn't alone in this experience. I noticed that other diners at nearby tables were also opting for a spoon instead.

When it comes to the food, they presented a total of 14 dishes, ranging from various sushi to rolls – each one carefully prepared. Yet, for those with a refined palate, they might not hit that 'wow' factor. Still, I have to admit, they were undeniably tasty.

Hold onto your hats for the highlight – the Kobe (Wagyu) sushi! It truly left an impression on our taste buds. Although, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the €15 price tag for just one piece. A bit on the pricey side, don't you think?

As dessert time rolled around, we were introduced to an orange-shaped mousse. It tasted good, but the sweetness level was a touch overwhelming. The presentation also seemed a bit outdated, not quite fitting in with the overall concept.

The final desserts didn't fare as well, unfortunately. The matcha macaroon was a tad dry, making it a miss for us. Then there was the Japanese-style ice cream mochi, which was an attempt at fusion with Portuguese-style egg yolks. Sadly, it didn't quite hit the mark.

On a more positive note, the service was truly exceptional, ensuring our water glasses were never empty. The main courses were satisfactory, although the desserts left something to be desired. Still, I believe it's worth giving them a chance.

To the team behind this venture, I send my best wishes – your dedication shines through. Here's hoping for...

Ma - A Hidden Gem in Coimbra

Dining at Ma is an experience of pure culinary artistry. I first visited this exceptional restaurant to celebrate my birthday, and the experience was so memorable that I had to bring my mom back for her special day. Each time, Ma has delivered an extraordinary journey of flavors that is simply unforgettable.

The ambiance at Ma is intimate and beautifully designed, providing the perfect setting to indulge in the meticulously crafted dishes. Every plate is not only visually stunning but also packed with layers of flavor, showcasing the chef’s dedication to quality ingredients and innovative techniques.

The tasting menu is a masterclass in balance and creativity. From delicate seafood to intricate bites that surprise and delight, each dish feels like a new revelation. The presentation is impeccable, and you can tell that every element has been thoughtfully placed to elevate the dining experience. The dishes are delicate yet deeply satisfying, with unexpected textures and flavors that keep you engaged from start to finish.

The service is attentive and personable, making you feel warmly welcomed and valued. The staff at Ma ensures that you not only enjoy your meal but also understand the thought and passion behind each dish.

Ma is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of food as an art form. For anyone visiting Coimbra, I can’t recommend this place enough. If you’re looking for a meal that will leave a lasting impression, make a reservation at Ma – it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

You will need a reservation in advance.

Definitely do the wine pairing, it’s worth it.

The restaurant is hard to find like a speakeasy. You will need to ring a...

As most people find long reviews boring, I'll tell you right away that this was the best sushi experience I've had so far. From the ambience, to the chef explaining every dish, to the amazing combination of textures and flavours. Everything was correctly planned.

I heard of Ma while making a research on the best restaurants in Coimbra. When trying to find out how much it would cost to dine in a such place I learned that the ideal experience at the restaurant would be the 18 moments in Bar (Omakase), which would cost 75€. So I made a reservation for Friday at 19:30 using Instagram. They called me the day before asking me if it would be possible to delay it until 20:00 or 20:30 because all reservations for Bar(Omakase) should start the experience at the same time. As I thought it made sense I accepted and rescheduled the reservations for 20:00. When we got there (at 20:15) we rung the bell and they let us in to take our seats. Although the path to the seat was a little cramped the chairs and space itself were very nice. All dishes were amazing, literally the best traditional sushi and the variations were marvelous. Many different soy sauces and other traditional Japanese products from small suppliers looked similar but had such distinct and wonderful flavours. I can't overstate how amazing the rice was and how much it influenced in the best of ways each sushi dish. I can't keep describing the full experience but the dinner was good enough that in the end of the service the whole team gathered behind the balcon and got a well deserved ovation. Final score (5/5).

Congrats for chef Tomás for letting us try their...