Mercearia Gadanha - Estremoz — Restaurant in Estremoz

After trying for an entire week to book a table when the restaurant was not picking up the phone which is the only way, accoedingo their site and social media pages to book a table, and after leaving voice mails and emails, I managed to book a table for my birthday via FB (needless to say that the people from the restaurant had the nerve to say that they were doing an exception for me). We were a party of 6 coming from Lisbon and the reservation was for 15:00, confirmed in the morning of the same day. At 13:30 and after having already left from Lisbon the restaurant called saying whether I can make it. For 14:30 because they close at 15:00. I told them that is a birthday lunch and we have already left from Lisbon and it's not possible to be there earlier. So the restaurant cancelled our reservation. It is unbelievablly rude that a restaurant that is counting on people driving over 100 kilometres to visit them will do that to its guest on a special occasion. Needless to say that neither me nor my family and friends will be visiting again. No food will ever be enough to compensate for unapologetically...

Estremoz, Portugal, is an unlikely spot for a hip truly great restaurant in all the clutter of traditional Portuguese food. Gadanha is that place and after research and hotel recommendations we made a reservation. Being Americans we were the first ones there but ½ hour later the place was packed and bustling. We ordered a sampling of items and were so impressed and wanted to try more stuff so we went back for lunch. There were still more things we had to try so went back for dinner 2 nights later and loved every meal. The owner, Michele Marques, moved to Portugal from Brazil a decade ago and brought with her all the bright flavors and matched with her culinary skills she has a winner. The wine list is excellent and inexpensive focusing on local production. The place is well run but still has a lot of warmth that projects through her staff. This is a jewel in...

An honest assessment.

Ok, I can live with the fact I can't be seated until 12 30 even if I arrive at 12 29. Whatever.

The food just does not live up to the hype, much less price.

The tuna tartare, not cheap, is scraps thrown together in a little sauce.

The pescada is all panko and not at all delicate. The açorda tastes like bland baby food.

The shrimp with rice somehow disappointed despite the plethora of shrimp in the small bowl.

I am surprised how much of the food here is fried.

At this point, the couvert for 6 euros seems petty to complain about.

Service is at best agnostic.

A real disappointment considering lunch without dessert or cafe for two is over 100 euros with an entry level...