Boca Linda — Restaurant in Lisbon

To start with the pros:

friendly and attentive service well-chosen silverware and plates clean space lively and fun atmosphere

Points of improvement:

while the food is made well, the portions are not rational. For example, the arrachera plate: the large amount of meat is not proportionate to the tiny amount of beans, onions and four tortillas. Given how inexpensive onions and beans are, there's no reason for this—unless I'm supposed to ask for more food and be charged more.

as many have previously complained, there is an "optional" 5% gratuity inserted into the bill. Of course, this is a disingenuous way of pressuring the consumer into subsidising workers' wages.

The boss should know well this is not common practice in Portugal. The boss, instead of making workers pressure consumers to increase their wages, needs to simply pay their workers more — young and recent Latin American immigrants who are already vulnerable in the workplace.

finally, water. It is not legal to charge for tap water in Portugal—"Nos estabelecimentos do setor HORECA, é obrigatório manter à disposição dos clientes um recipiente com água da torneira e copos não descartáveis higienizados para consumo no local, de forma gratuita" - Lei n.º 52/2021 de 10 de agosto. To bypass this unambiguous law and charge 3,50 euros for a refillable bottle of water is truly unheard of.

In conclusion, while the food is good and the atmosphere is fun, I don't like feeling that management is finding ways to maximize profit at my expense in ways that go against both national norms...

Boca Linda delivers an exceptional and genuine Mexican dining experience that stands out in the city's diverse culinary landscape.

The menu is a thoughtful selection of Mexican classics executed with precision and passion, which I've tried on more than one occasion. I can't get enough of their ceviche or of their tacos pastor del trompo and arrachera com queso. The pescado bicolor deserves special mention – a masterful preparation that demonstrates the kitchen's technical skill while honoring traditional Mexican seafood. Save room for dessert, as the brownie de chocolate picante is a fitting end to a fantastic meal.

The restaurant has an impressive collection of mezcals and tequilas that would satisfy even the most discerning agave enthusiasts. Their margaritas are expertly crafted – balanced and potent without overwhelming the palate. Non-drinkers aren't an afterthought here, with options including Heineken 0.0 and a refreshing house-made lemonade.

The crowd is a diverse mix of locals and expatriates, creating a cosmopolitan vibe that feels authentic rather than touristy, with weekend evenings offering an especially lively atmosphere without sacrificing the ability to converse.

Finally, the staff is always friendly and helpful, making sure that we feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout the meal.

In short, whether you're craving exceptional tacos, seeking to explore genuine mexican food, or simply looking for a vibrant night out, Boca Linda delivers...

I went there yesterday (5/10/2024) with some friends, I personally find the price of a simple drink like water an absurd. You pay 3,5€ for a water bottle, and to your understanding its the exact same price for a soda which is stupid because usually in all other places water is cheaper. But that wasn't even the worst part, when I was leaving no one told me that we couldn't take the bottles with me so I took one, a few moments later someone I will say that is the boss or at least a superior of the coworkers run into me and literally took the bottle of my hands saying that I couldn't take it with me. So you are saying that I pay 3.5€ for the water and cant take the bottle with me !? Thats an absurd! After he grabbed the bottle from me he went to the restaurant again and a bit later I see him coming out with one of the employees which I assume was scolding them for letting me come out with the bottle. Just a quick note no where in the entrance or inside the restaurant was saying that I couldn't take the bottle. Besides that the food wasn't really surprising. We went there around 8pm and they were already out of...