Pé na Água Restaurante & Beach Bar — Restaurant in Porto Santo

consistency and quality in dining, it is with a heavy heart that I pen this review. The restaurant, my beloved gastronomical retreat for the past 8 years, has now transformed into an almost unrecognizable entity under the new management.

The previous Italian owners had artfully curated a perfect blend of welcoming service and mouthwatering food, turning every visit into a joyful dining experience. It was a place where the food did not merely satisfy your hunger but nurtured your soul, where you could bask in the warm hospitality while gazing at the incredible views.

Regrettably, my recent visit was a jarring contrast to the high standards that the restaurant had formerly set. We were seated promptly, but it took a painfully long 30 minutes for our waiter to bring the menu. One cannot help but question the service ethic of the new management. Wasn't the restaurant supposed to be a place where customers are treated with a sense of urgency and genuine care?

Our disappointment did not stop there. The food, previously a highlight, was shockingly mediocre. It seemed as though the new management is unaware of the culinary secrets that once made their dishes unique and memorable. The flavors were flat, uninspiring, and left an aftertaste of disenchantment. The culinary magic that had once sparked joy in our hearts was absent.

I sincerely hope that this review serves as a wake-up call to the new management. Running a restaurant involves more than just managing the books; it involves upholding the culinary legacy and service standards set by the previous owners. This establishment, once a beacon of exceptional cuisine, is currently a shadow of its former glory.

In its current state, the only saving grace is the incredible view, but a splendid panorama cannot compensate for the appalling service and disappointing food. I long for the days when the taste of the food was as breathtaking as the view. I miss the former restaurant that once brought joy to my dining experiences.

To the management, I implore you to take these words to heart. Reinstate the glorious past of this restaurant. Bring back the zeal and passion of the old days. Your loyal patrons yearn for the exquisite flavors and warm service that once were. Till then, with a heavy heart, I must reconsider...

We visited the place at the end of September – first off-season, when it was quiet, and later during the weekend, when we had some unpleasant experiences. Pros: The location is very nice – with parking, spacious tables, sunbeds, and umbrellas on the beach. The atmosphere is comfortable and well-maintained. Food off-season was tasty – especially the fish soup (though the portion size and price don’t really match). The mojito was great – fresh and not overly sweet. The bartenders created a lively vibe, and the evening turned into a real party.

Cons: On busy days, the service is chaotic. We waited ~15 minutes for menus and ended up checking them online. The waitress didn’t understand English, and our order got lost – only the beer was recorded in the system. We received the wrong dishes, and the correct ones arrived after almost 1.5 hours of waiting. The fish in the main course was so overcooked it was literally impossible to chew. Despite being promised a complimentary drink, the full bill included everything we ordered.

Overall impression: The place has great potential, a beautiful setting, and a nice atmosphere, but service on busy days leaves a lot to be desired. If you visit during a quieter time, it’s worth it. Otherwise – bring plenty...

We come since 9 years to Porto Santo. In the beginning we visited quite often the Restaurant Pé na Àgua. We realised over time that the restaurant is going down with service and quality but up with the prices. This time we tried it also and we wanted a fish. There was no fish available, except a 1.6 kg fish, which is too much for 2 persons. They also offered 2 packs of vacuumed fish pieces, which we did not like. We also wanted a white wine Grainha, which was not available. We only had a Bolo do Caco and 2 beers and made a reservation in another restaurant. We asked for the bill and got a handwritten paper with no name of the restaurant, no date no IVA..... We were a year ago in the Baiana restaurant, which belongs to the same owner, and it was also not a good dinner. And I am polite when I say not a “good dinner”. We come twice a year from Madeira to Porto Santo, but these restaurants will never be on...