Vamos ao Algarve - Restaurants and Fado — Restaurant in Lisbon

Pros: Terrace and inside sitting Was one of few places working on Sunday, during holidays and late in the evening White sangria was big and nice Live music was charming, it really made the atmosphere The waiter was friendly and nice

Cons: Looking at how they are trying to gain attention from any passing people, it seems to be a tourist trap - not really scam, but a place only for naive tourists Very high prices - 5€ for coke, for example The quality of food is mediocre - not that bad, but… Bruschettas were too simple and dry, ok to eat, but after so many places I visited past weeks (France, Spain, etc), it was surprising to find “mmm okay” tapas in the capital of Portugal. COD croquettes were cold and dry, as they were not freshly made, but frozen and then slightly heated, but not enough. The waiter said in Portugal they make tapas cold, but I don’t believe croquettes should be cold, seems like a tourist scam. It was impossible to move through the restaurant during the show, because it was in the middle of the corridor, which made going to the toilet or exiting the dining hall not possible. It was strange and probably a scam, when we asked for tap water, but the waiter said “You knooow, I can bring it, but the building is 100+ years old and the pipes are bad”, so we had to pay for bottled water, which was not bottled - same tap water, but in a bottle (which was reusable and we couldn’t take it with ourselves) Many people here have been saying through years that the restaurant used this scam again and again: Oops, it seems there is no connection, we can’t accept card payments, strange, it is the first time this happens” - but from the comments I understood it happens every time and people have to go to the ATM to withdraw money with a 2€ commission. We payed with cash and the waiter looked at us with an extremely surprised face. I didn’t get it, but after reading other reviews I understand why - no one brings cash and they were surprised we wouldn’t go to the ATM. There were no pilpil prawns. And I won’t be sorry for mentioning it, I was disappointed they don’t have them.

In conclusion, this place is neither good, nor bad. It is ok to go there, but high prices and the machinations with the “today not working” card terminal smells not...

We went for dinner hoping to enjoy a live fado show. The waiter, who seemed to be the owner and was very friendly, informed us there would be a great group performing, and that the show was completely free. It sounded perfect, so we decided to stay.

However, as soon as we sat down, they brought a glass bottle of water (which we hadn’t requested). A few minutes later, they served us a small wooden board with a tiny piece of cheese (about the size of a mini Babybel) and two croquettes, as well as another board with some black olives, a drizzle of olive oil, and two tiny balls of butter. We never ordered any of this, and when the waiter set it on the table, he mentioned it was “from the house,” so we assumed it was complimentary.

The staff was friendly, and the live fado was spectacular. The singer even emphasized that the performance was free.

When it came time to order, we chose a glass of house wine (10 €), a “muxama” tuna toast (12.40 €), and a vegetable lasagna (18.50 €), which tasted like it came straight from a supermarket freezer. Based on my calculations, the bill should have been around 40.90 €, including charges for bread and cutlery. I estimated a total of around 46.90 €.

However, when we asked for the bill, we were surprised to see a total of 66.40 €. We were overcharged by an additional 25.50 € for all the items we hadn’t ordered but were told were “from the house.”

I find it quite unfair to be charged for items we did not request and were presented as compliments. I understand that the live show could justify a higher cost, but it would be more honest to inform customers so they can decide whether to stay or not.

I’ve attached a photo of the bill. The items marked in red are the only things we actually ordered.

I recommend being cautious if you choose to dine here, as they may serve and charge for items you never requested.

Breakdown of extra charges: • Water (not requested): 3.50 € • Two croquettes (not requested): 6 € • Mini cheese (not requested): 6 € • Olive and olive oil board (not requested): 6.50 € • Olive oil bread and butter (not...

My husband and I were invited by a staff member to have dinner and enjoy a Fado show.

The prices were absurdly high for what we were served. Beware, it’s not mentioned upfront, but hidden at the bottom of the menu: on Fado nights, there’s a minimum charge of €20 per person.

First, the couvert: it was supposed to include olives, butter, and olive oil. Let me tell you, no country would ever bother invading that plate seeing the ridiculous amount of olive oil they served us. It felt like we were given the leftovers from another table.

Then came the bruschetta: it was okay, but still overpriced for what was essentially dry bread with tomatoes and sardines.

As for the Pastel de Bacalhau: it wasn’t on the menu, but the waiter offered it to us, and we decided to give it a try. I wish we hadn’t. It came with the worst goat cheese I’ve ever tasted in my life. The croquette was just passable.

At this point, we didn’t want to order anything else, but we had to hit the €40 minimum for the two of us. So, we opted for a tea and a cocktail.

What can I say? Paying €4 for a tiny cup of Lipton tea felt like daylight robbery.

The only positive thing was the Fado show. Bravo to the group. What an amazing...