Charkoal — Restaurant in Oeiras

In the relentless pursuit of the perfect culinary experience, we sometimes find ourselves delightfully surprised by the hidden gems we uncover. Charkoal at the Oeiras Marina is one such jewel, where the soothing whispers of wind-kissed sails blend harmoniously with the enticing aromas of coffee and heavenly desserts. This unpretentious eatery graciously takes center stage in this gastronomic review, a well-deserved accolade for the true virtuoso of our dining adventure.

Nestled along the marina's edge, Charkoal is a spot where time slips into a lull, making way for the rhythmic sounds of ropes tugging on boats and seagulls singing in the distance. One cannot help but feel the embrace of the sun, the salt air filling one's lungs, and the warmth of the Portuguese people. The environment beckons you to surrender your senses, as the promise of a satisfying meal waits patiently on the horizon.

On this particular occasion, my merry band of gourmands and I had set out to indulge in the post-dinner delights offered by Charkoal. The day's labor had been long, and we eagerly sought solace in caffeine and sugar. Our orders consisted of a Cappuccino (€2.80), Cha Verde tea (€2.00), Cafe com Leite (€5,00), Bolo Humido de Choco (Chocolate cake, €6,00), and Mil Polhas de Frutos Vermelhos com Nata Fresca (Puff Pastry Red fruits cake with fresh cream, €6,50).

Each sip of the cappuccino was an enchanting dance of smooth, full-bodied espresso and velvety foam – the perfect blend of liquid temptation. The Cha Verde tea was a subtle and soothing elixir, its leaves imparting whispers of rejuvenation into each fragrant sip. The Cafe com Leite – a comfort, a beacon of the familiar – was executed with expertise, making this classic combination of coffee and milk a most welcome companion.

Our desserts were no less seductive. The Bolo Humido de Choco was a sultry siren of a chocolate cake, rich and indulgent, yet beautifully balanced with moist tenderness. We surrendered willingly to its sweet embrace. The Mil Polhas de Frutos Vermelhos com Nata Fresca was an ethereal masterpiece – layers of delicate puff pastry interwoven with luscious red fruits and clouds of fresh cream. This symphony of textures and flavors harmonized exquisitely, leaving us in a blissful state of satisfaction.

Throughout our stay, the staff at Charkoal welcomed us with open arms and smiling faces. It was a service so amiable, so sincere, that we couldn't help but feel that we were not only patrons of the establishment but friends being received in a warm, familial home. The atmosphere was a great vibe, one that captured the true essence of Portugal's unique blend of charm, tradition, and innovation.

In the end, it is the unassuming nature of Charkoal at the Oeiras Marina that truly sets it apart – a place where the pleasures of life converge, unpretentious and delightful, basking in the glow of the sun and the laughter of patrons. To stumble upon Charkoal is to discover a treasure, hidden in plain sight, that dazzles and enchants, making one grateful for the serendipitous hand of fate that led them there. So, on behalf of Charkoal, I say: obrigado, and...

Unfortunately I can't give 0 stars... The place is a rip off. We are a couple, we share a starter, we share a main, we share a desert and we asked for 2 irish coffee ( 7 euros each!!!) . The bill was 70.50 euros.... The food is average, good, not excepcional. Presentation is average. We asked for a carpaccio it came with loads of salad and onions on top, not a lot of meat. Service not a 5 star, more like a 3 star.... the loo is poor.... we had a fish stewer withouth fish cuttlery ( just normal cuttlery)... but they charged for a 5 star service. I have asked the manager about the 14 euros for 2 irish coffee and he said they are a little dear as I could expect.... common paying 70,5 euro for one starter, one main, one desert, one wine and 2 irish coffee is a steal in Portugal and in many other countries... I reccomend not going there..... In the end it is anyone's choice. I regret wasting my...

A horrible and overpriced experience. The staff is friendly, the ambience is nice, and I'm sure other meals may be amazing, but mine was detestable. Don't order Octopus.

The entreés are overpriced, but that's common in the industry. I didn't order anything worth mentioning, just bread and stuff. Main course: Octopus with green sauce, turnip greens/sprouts and roasted potatoes. The 2 octopus tentacles were extremely tough and chewy, if it had a green sauce it was invisible, the turnip greens/sprouts were fibrous and almost raw, and the 2 small roasted potatoes were good, the only salvageable part of the meal. Price-quality: horrendous. Dessert: Mousse Trilogy. It was tasty and averagely presented. Again, overpriced, but...