Balagan Ericeira — Restaurant in Mafra

Restaurant Review: Balagan

Located just a stone's throw from the beach, Balagan offers an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of coastal elegance and culinary excellence. As you walk in, the relaxed, beachside ambiance immediately sets the tone for a delightful meal. The decor, with its chic nautical touches and airy, open layout, creates a perfect setting for both casual dining and special occasions.

The menu at Balagan is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, masterfully crafted into dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. My meal began with the seafood platter, a generous assortment of the freshest oysters, shrimp, and crab, beautifully presented and accompanied by a trio of delectable sauces. Each bite was a reminder of the ocean's bounty, perfectly enhanced by subtle, complementary flavors.

For the main course, I chose the grilled swordfish, which was cooked to perfection with a delightful char on the outside and tender, juicy flesh within. The accompanying roasted vegetables and a delicate lemon-butter sauce elevated the dish to new heights, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on the palate.

Balagan's service is exemplary. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, striking the perfect balance between being available when needed and allowing diners to enjoy their meal in peace. Our server's recommendations were spot-on, and her enthusiasm for the menu was infectious, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Dessert was a highlight of the evening. The key lime pie was a revelation – creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a buttery graham cracker crust. Paired with a refreshing mint tea, it provided a delightful conclusion to an outstanding meal.

Balagan also impresses with its thoughtful approach to sustainability. The restaurant's commitment to using local and organic ingredients, coupled with its eco-friendly practices, is commendable and adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the dining experience.

In summary, Balagan is a coastal gem that offers a perfect blend of inviting ambiance, superb cuisine, and impeccable service. Whether you're looking to enjoy a relaxed meal after a day at the beach or celebrate a special occasion, Balagan is the ideal choice. I wholeheartedly recommend it and eagerly anticipate...

Yalla!

As the first sunny days appear on the Portuguese western coastline, locals and tourist flock to the beaches and their fancy and not-so-fancy beachside bars and restaurants. But as diversified Portugal’s´ gastronomy might be, as monotonous are the menus in most; French fries, codfish fritters, fried squid and soggy burgers.

So we were positively surprised when we walked into Balagan, a unique Eastern Mediterranean restaurant on Ericeira´s Praia do Sul beach. Housed in the iconic Edificio Virtual, everything you see, touch and eat or drink is very well thought over, it seems.

Some would argue Balagan should be mentioned in that little red guide from a French tire factory that orders us “to make a detour to find exceptional cuisine”, and I couldn´t argue that for a minute.

Others would wisely stay quiet, and keep this hidden gem for themselves, making sure Balagan stays like what it is. For us, we drove the 314 kilometers from Porto to Ericeira, just to have a generous portion of Húmus à Bulhão Pato; Balagan´s take on a Portuguese classic; silky and smooth hummus topped with shrimp, cilantro, and warm pita bread on the side. For good measure, some spicy olives and popcorn falafal was placed on out table, next to the seafood ceviche with balagan´s twist; passionfruit and arak leche de tigre, beautiful balanced seafood. Waiter Tiago suggested us some wines, and brought small samples of each of them, so we could easier decide. What a gesture, and we settled for a chilled Monóligo Avesso 2023. Kudos for André also, what a professional. I can tell; I work in the industry myself.

For dessert another twist on a classic, a dounut with baklava. We finished our dinner with a refreshing Hibiscus Paloma, made of tequila, hibiscus, lime & grapefruit tonic water.

But it not only Tiago and André who shine; there are many others in the dining room and kitchen, who – so thoughtfully – are mentioned on the menu. After all; it is all of them making Balagan what it is; a place anyone would love to have around the corner of where he lives. Including us; it would save us after all another 314 kilometers back home.

Here, in Balagan you can, and should, lick your fingers, laugh out loud, and if you´re lucky, watch the...

BEST RESTAURANT IN ERICEIRA!

Really amazing experience in this hidden gem.

Ate there with some great company, a vegan and a vegeterian friend and we have spent a perfect evening at Balagan. We all found perfect options for dinner - no reservation was needed and the stuff was brilliant as well. Super fast, friendly, explained different dishes. We literally ordered the whole menu and everything was really good, fresh ingredients, great taste, on point, fair prices and great value for money. Also the stuff is super-duper friendly and gives great advice for your stay in and around Ericeira.

Beautiful in- and exterior.

Starters and aperatif were extremely good too. Had the best food here during my two week trip in Portugal.

Still main factor to enjoy this evening so much were the girl&guy with whom i spent the dinner with and i would still HIGHLY recommend Balagan! Especially if you are veg. or vegan this is the best option in town.

Thank you very much.

/Update: for my last evening we decided to go there for a second time directly the next day. Maybe you should make a reservation because this place finally gets the attention they deserve and there is a limited capacity in tables. Again we had a great evening and Christina, Jane and all the stuff are so amazing. I can't find the right words to discribe but this is maybe one of the 3 best places i have been to in my life. Thank you very much and all the very...