Tucked away on a side street, Taberna Albricoque offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle, enveloping you in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The intimate setting, coupled with an extensive wine list, sets the stage for a truly special dining experience. But it's the exceptional food, particularly the killer ribeye and fantastic oxtail stew, that truly elevates this local gem. Let's start with the ribeye. If you're a steak aficionado, prepare to be impressed. This wasn't just a good ribeye; it was a masterclass in beef. The tenderness was unparalleled, practically melting in your mouth. The juiciness was evident in every bite, a testament to the quality of the cut and the expert cooking. And the flavor? A rich, beefy depth that spoke of proper aging and careful preparation. It was simply a perfect ribeye, a dish that demands to be savored. Equally impressive was the fantastic oxtail stew. This wasn't your average stew; it was a deeply flavorful and comforting masterpiece. The oxtail was incredibly tender, falling off the bone with the slightest touch. The rich, savory broth was infused with layers of flavor, hinting at slow cooking and a careful selection of herbs and spices. It was hearty, satisfying, and a true testament to the power of slow-cooked comfort food. Beyond the food and wine, the service at Taberna Albricoque is attentive and professional, adding to the overall sense of refinement. The staff is clearly passionate about creating a memorable dining experience for every guest. If you're looking for a local restaurant that combines an intimate atmosphere with culinary excellence, Taberna Albricoque is a must-visit. From the killer ribeye to the fantastic oxtail stew and the impressive wine list, every detail is carefully considered. Prepare for a dining experience that's both elegant and...
Read moreFood is absolutely amazing, that alone basically trumps the downsides. That being said, the menu is EXPENSIVE, im talking 20€ for a starter, and while im at it, what in the world makes you think charging 3.40€ for a plate of olive oil to dip your bread is acceptable? That one made us laugh actually. Moving on, the menu is confusing as hell with no english translation and some of the menu options aren’t even known by some of the waiters when asked. The atmosphere is pretty bad, the place is mostly made from stone so noise just resonates and becomes pretty loud at a third capacity, can only imagine when its full and the space could also definitely use some standardization of the illumination, a warmer tone, its a bit all over the place and doesn’t really add to the ambience. For reference we had the following: bread with the carrot paste (it was great), the olive oil tasting plate (embarrassing), tártaro de carapau (surprise of the night, it was unique and VERY tasty, specially mixed with the bread, its a must), the octopus with sweet potato (delicious and very fatty, in a gluttony kind of way, also a must, it’s the house’s best seller after all), the rib-eye (meh), and the bacalhau à gomes de sá (also a meh, tasty but nothing special, but damn the bacalhau had the perfect consistency). For desert we had the Alfarroba cake with the fig ice cream (the cake was perfect, not dry as expected, the ice cream, however, was nothing special honestly. It also wouldve been appreciated to have the cake heated up ever so slightly to contrast with the ice cream.
Summary: The place is definitely worth a visit, unfortunately these small things really take away from what could be something truly unique. Thankfully it’s a...
Read moreDecent food, Underwhelming Experience
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Taberna Albricoque, and my overall impression was a bit underwhelming. The restaurant had a nice ambiance, but my expectations were not met, both in terms of the food and the service.
Let's start with the service. While it wasn't bad by any means, it was merely average. The staff was polite, but there was nothing particularly memorable about their service. I expected a bit more attentiveness and warmth, especially considering the reputation of the restaurant. The wine was a great recommendation and they have opened a great bottle just to serve me 2 glasses.
Now, onto the food. I had heard great things about the cuisine here, but sadly, it didn't live up to the hype. The dishes were okay, but they lacked the wow factor I was anticipating. The flavours were somewhat bland, and I found myself wishing for more creativity and distinctiveness in the menu. My favourites were the canja and the desert.
In summary, Taberna Albricoque was a decent dining experience, but it left me feeling like there was untapped potential, especially being this expensive. I expected more in terms of both the food and service, given the restaurant's reputation. While it's not a place I would actively discourage, I believe there are better options in town for those seeking a truly exceptional...
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