Restaurante Solar do Bacalhau — Restaurant in Coimbra

This Michelin Bib Gourmand is famous for its cod, specifically the loin of cod. And yet they have other fish and meat and even pizza in their menu, testament to the number of tourists they have as customers. The place is huge, with separate seating halls.

Me of course I ordered the most popular Grilled Cod Loin with potatoes and cabbage plus a soup. And with a fish dish, you can’t go wrong with a Rose wine.

First off the wine. The server was correct to recommend a small bottle rather than a house rose. It tastes crisp and refreshing.

Soup de jour was spinach soup. It was okay, not something to scream about.

But the cod. It was the thickest cut of North Atlantic cod I have ever had. I was told that the loin is sliced and salted and then refrigerated for 3 to 6 months, to let the salt slowly marinate the meat.

So no prize for the correct guess - the cod is salty but very very tender. Be careful there are fish bones in there. The dish is served drenched in olive oil and the potatoes and cabbage there help to balance the salty cod. Especially the cabbage. These were sautéed with garlic with the emphasis here that the garlic was almost raw. There are also some grilled onion rings and zucchini in the mix. So it’s an explosion of flavours as you go through the dish.

I must say the portion is quite big. People with small appetites should consider sharing a plate and then you’ll have space for dessert.

Total damage was Euro 29.75 which is quite decent, all things considered. Reservations...

Disapointing, good food but poor service and atmosphere. We wanted an outside seat but none was available so took an inside seat and was told we would be notified if a seat became free. Of course we weren't even though seats became available. In the meantime we ordered and our waiter told me i would be happier with a half bottle rather than a glass of house wine. Of course it's rather embarrassing to refuse (especially as a couple) so i went with this more expensive option. Our first course was cod pancakes, a cheap item but part of a more expensive meal, they arrived lukewarm. The mains were fine. There was a tv booming fashion tv to a room empty apart from us and another Portuguese couple. I asked the waiter to turn it off, he expressed surprise but turned it off. Our waiter then disappeared but another waiter helped out with requests for a second beer etc. At the end of the meal I asked for a bill and the second waiter found the original one. We paid by card, the waiter said i could put a tip on the card. I did not leave a tip, he explained again how to add a tip and i told him i understood but choose not to leave one. (nb, for those not familiar there is no need to leave tips in portugal resteraunts although of course you can do if you want to or if the food and service is special). The food was ok but i left the place with a bad taste...

The very best experience! More than 5 stars! Incredibly fast and friendly service. Extremely clean! Amazing food! Had forgotten to take photo of food until after enjoying it, couldn't wait to start!

Freshest bread with fantastic marinated olives to start. I had grilled salmon, hubby had pizza. Both were absolute perfection! His dessert looked more elaborate and fun, but my Almond Pie was Superbly Scrumptious, and I wish I had ordered two, 1 to take home! Tried a store bought one with total disappointment- nothing at all like my work of art at this place!

We happened to come on a Grad Party night where streets were closed and filled with celebrating Graduates- many in their long black capes, others in tutus, some in just underwear- so we nearly opted out because parking was very super far away!

So GLAD we went for it!

TOTALLY worth the walk in the rain, BEST meal to date! Would return in a flash next time we're in Coimbra!

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