A Dismal Experience at Forte Novo - Steer Clear

I recently dined at Forte Novo and was subjected to what can only be described as the nadir of restaurant service. This was not just a letdown; it was an ordeal. The service was a masterclass in negligence, with a team consisting of one server and one bus boy who seemed entirely unprepared for even a moderately busy evening.

The failure began from the moment we were seated - at a table that hadn’t been cleaned. It took an agonizing 30 minutes just to receive menus, followed by another half-hour wait to place our drink orders, and yet another interminable 30 minutes for those drinks to arrive. When we inquired about ordering food, it felt as though we were imposing on the staff, who appeared both rushed and out of their depth, signaling a clear lack of training in both food service and hospitality principles. Every customer request seemed to be received as an inconvenience, further exacerbating the discomfort of our visit.

Adding insult to injury was the ambiance - or lack thereof. The absence of music coupled with a location that, while proximate to the sea, offered views marred by unsightly wire fencing and overgrown shrubs. Such mismanagement of what could be an enviable location only deepened our disappointment.

And then there was the food: overcooked, dry, and devoid of flavor, solidifying our resolve never to return. My advice to anyone considering a visit to Forte Novo is simple: avoid it at all costs. Opting for McDonald’s instead would not just be a better choice; it would be an upgrade. Don’t waste your time or money at this establishment.