Restaurante João Brandão — Restaurant in Oliveira do Hospital

The Comedy of Errors at Restaurante João Brandão

Ah, Restaurante João Brandão, where dining is not just a meal but an adventure filled with plot twists and turns, reminiscent of a Shakespearean comedy, minus the amusing repartee.

Let’s set the stage: My lovely girlfriend and I decided to grace this fine establishment with our presence on a whim. A same-day reservation was no issue, they assured us a charming outside patio table. But upon arrival, our waiter, seemingly inspired by a higher calling or perhaps a personal vendetta against patio seating, decided that we were more suited for the indoor experience. The patio table we could clearly see with a “reserved” sign? Yeah, that was probably ours, but who can argue with destiny, right? We considered making a dramatic exit but decided to stick around, you know, for the love of the theater.

After a brief period of confusion worthy of a farce, a lovely lady swooped in and heroically reinstated our patio privileges. We sat, delighted with the speed of the standard appetizers – olives, cured meat, and butter with herbs – perhaps the only thing that arrived quickly that night.

Now, onto Act Two: The Waiting Game. Twenty minutes in, I had to beckon for a menu myself. Fifteen more minutes passed before we could order, during which my first two choices of main dishes turned out to be mythical creatures – talked about but never seen. When we finally did order, we settled in for a wait so long it could have been a mini-series. One hour and twenty-five minutes later, our food arrived, by which time our bottle of wine was but a distant memory. The food, much like the plot at this point, was lukewarm and uninspired, as if it had been waiting backstage for its cue.

Speaking of wine, I ordered another glass that must have taken a detour through Narnia because it never arrived. Twenty minutes later, I took matters into my own hands and ventured to the bar. The bartender, possibly feeling pity or maybe just really into heavy pours, topped off my glass.

Dessert was another highlight. Or should I say, the second-choice dessert, because, of course, our first pick was unavailable. Seeing our shared cutlery, we engaged in a romantic “Lady and the Tramp” style feeding session, a delightful touch to our theatrical evening.

The grand finale was waiting for the check, a 30-minute cliffhanger that left us contemplating the ethics of dine and dash. When we finally approached the staff to pay, they seemed almost surprised, as if the notion of actually charging for this experience was a new concept.

In conclusion, Restaurante João Brandão, your service deserves a standing ovation for its comedic value. Two star for the laughs, and we will be exploring other dining adventures in neighboring...

A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Set in a picturesque location, the surroundings alone make the visit worthwhile. The atmosphere is peaceful and charming, with beautiful views that add so much to the overall experience.

The food is delicious, made with care and full of flavor. You can tell they use good-quality ingredients, and the menu offers something for everyone.

The service was warm and attentive without being overbearing — just the way it should be. Friendly staff made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.

But above all, it’s the stunning setting and area that steal the show. Whether you're here for a relaxed lunch or a romantic dinner, this place offers a wonderful escape from the everyday. Highly...

Great food, but expensive. They have a daily menu with starter, main, and dessert for a total of 20€ and it is worth it - good portions and tasty food. However if you order outside of the menu then the prices are on...