Cafe Mercado Restaurant — Restaurant in Figueira da Foz

I have read the owner’s response, which unfortunately contains personal insults and false accusations. This kind of language only reinforces the concerns I raised in my review about unprofessional and disrespectful treatment. I have no intention of arguing further — my review reflects my personal experience as a guest.

For readers who want to form their own judgment, I encourage you to also look at the one-star reviews here. Many of them mention the same issue I experienced: rude or disrespectful behavior. After the owner’s response, I would like to clarify – getting a napkin dirty during a meal is not “damage to the restaurant,” it’s something completely normal in any dining place. If, in the owner’s view, holding up a dirty napkin in front of all the guests is considered the right way to run a restaurant, then I truly have nothing more to add other than wishing him good luck. ‏ visited Café Mercado twice. The food is truly delicious, fresh, and well-prepared, and the brunch menu (€17.5) is good value in terms of quality and flavors. Unfortunately, my experience with the owner overshadowed everything positive about the place.

‏During my last visit, I accidentally spilled a small amount of my drink on the table. I tried to clean it with the cloth napkin provided, but the owner came over in a very rude and aggressive manner. He claimed this was the “second time” it had happened, said it took him “a whole day” to wash such a napkin, and loudly told me I should not come back to his restaurant. He even brought disposable napkins to replace the cloth one, held up the stained napkin in front of other guests, and made me feel humiliated in public.

‏He then went further, bringing up details from my previous visit in front of my friends, which made the situation even more uncomfortable. Instead of addressing a minor accident with professionalism and courtesy, his response was hostile and unnecessarily personal.

‏It’s a real shame, because the food is excellent, but the way customers are treated is just as important as what’s on the plate. After this experience, I will not be returning, and I cannot recommend this restaurant despite the quality...

There are many restaurants that do “elevated Portuguese food”, or “Portuguese with a twist” but at Cafe Mercado, you will find Portuguese food perfection. The food was stellar. It was all freshly prepared to order with care and attention. I have been living in Portugal for 6 years and tried Bacalhao a bras in several places but it always seemed to fall short. The dish has so much promise and I had hoped to one day find a well executed version that didn’t involve old oily potatoes or insufficiently purged Bacalhao. Today was the day. It was incredible. Freshly fried potatoes and Bacalhao that was firm but mildly salty. My dining partners also loved their food. Every dish was spot on. The service was flawless. There are only 12 seats so be sure to book ahead. You will not be...

This is the place to eat when dining in Figueira da Foz.

Their attention to detail and their desire to serve market fresh dishes provides patrons with what feels like a personalized and almost private meal.

Don’t let the small cafe fool you, it only creates a more enjoyable atmosphere. You’re able to watch the food be made and smell the aromas of all the dishes without being overwhelmed.

Dyllan spent the evening providing pleasant conversation with us while the magnificent French chef created amazing local dishes. They gave us an evening that we will never forget. The food was beyond great, the menu was diligently chosen, and, because we inquired, we heard some amazing stories of their travels and adventures.

Thank...