COSTA FRIA — Restaurant in Mafra

I would recommend this restaurant as a place to try if you’re around Ericeira. However, if I had to go again, I would ask the staff for recommendations from the menu because I think we were a bit hit and miss with the combination we chose (not that any of the dishes weren’t good - they were all good, but three of them were very samey).

Highlights: -Opens early for dinner so great for families with small children who have an early bed time! We ate at 7pm and were out by 8:30pm. -The pre-starter dishes that go with the homemade bread are a must try. We got the creamy roe with bread, and it was 10/10🤤😋 -There’s a sea view from the restaurant -good service, and the pre-starters and starters came very fast. Of course the main meat dishes take longer but as the first dishes come so fast, you won’t be hungry

Suggestions: -In addition to the roe, we ordered 2 starting sharing dishes (corn and scallops) and a main meat dish (lamb shank). All were good and would’ve been fine on their own, but all came with a heavy garlic/scallion based sauce so they tasted incredibly similar. I would say there should not be more than 2 dishes on a menu that had the same flavour profile (and particularly garlic and scallions as they are very strong flavours). The lamb shank in port wine sauce, for instance, really did not need the scallions and/or garlic.

If I went again, I would definitely still get the roe and bread, but choose entirely different starters (the roasted eggplant and shiso peppers I saw on other tables looked great) and even a different main. I’m Chinese so I can appreciate garlic and scallions (both of which feature in a lot of our cuisine), but there is a limit… and more flavour varieties on a menu would be appreciated…or even letting the flavour of the core materials (eg scallops or lamb in our case) shine more by not dousing them in...

THE MOST UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE I had in years !

The place is super small with almost no space between tables. The decor is cold with stainless steel tables that make you feel that you are in a school dinner. All that stainless steel plus the loud music makes horrible acoustics that make it almost imposible to speak to the person seating next to you. On top of that the bathroom is minuscule, with no changing table for a baby, with a broken toilet and very questionable higiene, that you can clearly notice even though the toilet is black. The food is mediocre, all pre- cooked nothing fresh (which is what you expect from a seafood place) and most things including the bread have a burnt taste.

But the worst of all is the rudeness of the chef who I think is also the owner.

We went there with our 4 months baby, believing that it was a family place. However, when I saw that there was no changing table and absolutely no space in the bathroom to change the baby I proceeded to set a chair in a corner to change him. In that moment the chef approached me, and with a very questionable attitude asked me if I could please change the baby in the street. He literally said “could you please take the baby outside” . To this I responded “Are you f*ing kidding me?” I have no words for how uncomfortable I felt.

The only thing nice was a woman waiter, that spent the entire lunch trying to make up for the terrible attitude of her boss.

I don’t recommend going to that place ever, but if you have kids, know that this is not a place that welcomes them.

Also it’s...

Costa Fira: A Culinary Gem with Breathtaking Views

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Nestled atop a scenic cliff with a panoramic view of the azure sea, Costa Fira not only tantalizes the taste buds but also enchants the eyes. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the stunning natural backdrop.

Cuisine: The menu at Costa Fira is a delightful journey through gourmet excellence. Each dish is crafted with the freshest local ingredients, showcasing a beautiful blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist. The Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon-Butter Sauce is a standout, offering a perfect balance of flavors that simply dance on the palate.

Ambiance: The decor is elegant yet understated, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The real showstopper is the outdoor terrace, where diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Service: The service at Costa Fira is impeccable. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about their offerings, adding to the overall exceptional dining experience.

Overall: Costa Fira is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. Perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening out, it offers an unforgettable dining experience. With its combination of exquisite food, stunning views, and impeccable service, Costa Fira is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable...