I had high expectations when I decided to visit O Lutador during my trip to Lisbon, but unfortunately, the experience left me extremely disappointed. I’m not one to leave bad reviews lightly, but this visit was so underwhelming that I feel compelled to share my thoughts.
First of all, the service was abysmal. We arrived during a relatively quiet period, yet it took almost 15 minutes for someone to even acknowledge us. Once seated, we waited another 10 minutes just to get menus, and even then, the server seemed disinterested and inattentive. Throughout the meal, we had to practically beg for basic things like water, and when we asked for recommendations, the staff gave vague, unhelpful responses as if they couldn’t be bothered.
The food was no better. I ordered their supposed “signature” dish, which was bland, overcooked, and had an unpleasant, rubbery texture. My dining companion ordered a seafood dish that smelled off and tasted worse. When we mentioned our concerns to the server, we were met with indifference and a shrug. To top it off, the portions were ridiculously small given the price. For the amount we paid, I would have expected a lot more in terms of quality and taste.
The atmosphere wasn’t anything to write home about either. The decor felt tired and dated, and the lighting was harsh and uninviting. It was far from the cozy, authentic vibe we were hoping for. Adding to the discomfort, the place was uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to enjoy the meal.
To make matters worse, the cleanliness was questionable. The table was sticky, the floor was littered with crumbs, and the restroom was in desperate need of attention. It’s clear that cleanliness and hygiene are not priorities here.
By the end of the meal, we were so disappointed that we didn’t even bother staying for dessert. When the bill came, it was shockingly high considering the poor quality of food and service. We left feeling frustrated and regretful that we had wasted both our time and money.
Overall, O Lutador was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in Lisbon. Between the inattentive service, subpar food, and lackluster ambiance, I cannot in good conscience recommend this place to anyone. Save your money and your appetite for one of the many fantastic restaurants Lisbon has to offer — because O Lutador is definitely...
Read moreI recently visited O Lutador, and I can confidently say it was one of the worst dining experiences of my life. The service was abysmal—our waiter acted like we were inconveniencing him just by being there, and it took forever to get even a simple glass of water. When the food finally arrived, it was a complete disaster. The seafood pasta was drenched in an overwhelming, salty sauce, and the mussels tasted like they had been sitting out for hours. The dish was barely warm, making me question whether it was even cooked properly. The portions were disappointingly small for the price, and by the end of the meal, I was left both hungry and nauseous.
To make matters worse, the atmosphere was just as unappealing as the food. The outdoor seating area looked charming in the pictures, but in reality, it was plagued with wobbly tables, dirty chairs, and an endless swarm of flies. The noise from the nearby street made it impossible to have a conversation, and the so-called “authentic” ambiance was ruined by the blaring pop music playing from inside. To top it all off, the bill was outrageously high for such a disappointing experience. I wouldn’t recommend this place to my worst enemy—avoid it at all costs unless you enjoy throwing your money away for bad food and...
Read moreThis was the worst experience I have ever dealt with. The way the waiter treated us was disgusting. He was clearly racist. Me and my aunt came here to eat after we were recommended O Lutador for authentic Portuguese food and experience.
The waiter took a long time to get our order, but then came over and we ordered soups and clams. The clams were overly salty, but that is not even the issue. After he took our initial order he never once came back to check on us. The waiter went to every table around us checking on them, smiling with them, and being attentive.
We weren't able to order dinner because he never came back to check on us not even to ask if we needed water. After an hour and a half we got up and thats when he rushed over to try and give the bill. When we mentioned that he never came back over to check on us, he stated, "Oh I was waiting for you to call me over." in a rude tone. We should not have to call you over especially if your checking on all the other tables around us.
We paid in cash, he came back with little change on purpose and slapped it down on the table.
Very disappointed, I do not recommend ESPECIALLY if you are a minority. They will treat you very...
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