Pizzaria da Praia — Restaurant in Lourinhã

I share our bad experience to try to help the establishment that has a good reputation:

Last 10/11/23, low season, I discovered the pizzeria via the internet. I had researched and saw the good reviews. I visited the pizzeria's website and there was (and as of this publication date, there is not) any mention of the reservation policy or references to payment methods. After traveling 40 minutes to get to the place, arriving there (around 7:00 PM) the attendant informed us that without reservations it would not be possible to accommodate us, and only after 8:00 PM when reservations would run out could she try to accommodate us (group of 4 people). Even after informing her about the lack of information on the website, our long trip, and the fact that the pizzeria was not completely full, the attendant informed, respectfully but uncompromisingly, that “it was not possible to do anything” and she would call after 7:30 PM to get us settled. So we waited in front of the pizzeria outside until 8:00 PM. During this period, we noticed that several tables were unoccupied (it was dark and we didn't care for a sea view). From eight o'clock onwards, a greater number of customers began to arrive and at that moment, when trying again to speak with the attendant, we saw the small notice saying the place dies not accept credit cards (only MB). This way, we decided to leave and look for another place without further discussions. Interestingly, another attendant was interacting with customers doing satisfaction surveys. He avoided contact with us. The receptionist in question actually called me, but it was 8:45PM and we were already having dinner at another establishment.

So I leave the record here. We recognize and respect policies in force that are necessary for proper functioning and respect. However, as it is a place of wide visitation by tourists and “bypassers”, it is important that limitations are clear at least on the company website and that the staff is better prepared to deal with this situation, respecting the local policy, but at the same time, more committed to serving potential customers and unexpected situations. There were countless different ways to get around the situation without violating company policy or other customers' reservations.

I hope I have contributed. To readers, I recommend that you always call beforehand to find out about the reservation policy and payment methods, even if the website does not have this...

Main point, you need a reservation to come here. If you come without it, be prepared to wait.

Food: We ate the pão de alho com queijo, was good, not superb. Had to much oil for us. Pizzas were good! Good portions also. They have individual and familiar sizes. Deserts for us are the main star... They were very tasty!

Service: Good, quick and efficient. At the end, you pay at the counter. Waiter was super friendly, the only waitress that was a little more frowny was the one at the entrance and the day was still beginning (we got there at 12h30)

Atmosphere: You have a beautiful view to the sea, if you sit near the windows or outside. Yes they have outside seatings and also covered, but it can get windy. We stayed indoor and loved it. Although you cannot take pictures and film anything other than your food (which is acceptable, given the privacy of others).

Conclusion: Overall we liked it! But apart from the deserts and the view, nothing else really stood out. A good restaurant, with the correct value for...

Unfortunately we arrived over a bank holiday weekend and it was very busy everywhere. We tried to get a booking on the first night and we’re told it would be 90 minutes wait. We left our phone number, however, by the time they phoned we had decided they would probably be closed before food arrived (the restaurant did phone back).

The next day we went at lunch time to book for another evening. We were told they could only do Wednesday @ 6.30pm.

When we arrived the restaurant was half full and stayed that way the whole time we were at the restaurant.

The food is good (not excellent), however, it is a pizzeria and the staff there act like you are privileged to be dining there. Not really the atmosphere I want to have when I go for dinner.

We had a diavola pizza and salad. The pizza was really good, however salad needed work. A few leaves, radish, onion and olive oil wasn’t the type of salad I’ve had with pizza in Italy.

Disappointing.

Also, they don’t take international credit cards. Lucky...