Adega São Nicolau — Restaurant in Porto

We were so excited to arrive in Porto, having been utterly captivated by its beauty in less than 24 hours. Our enthusiasm, however, was quickly dampened by a deeply disappointing experience at your restaurant.

From the start, we were met with a server whose terrible attitude was shocking and entirely undeserved. As paying customers who contribute to her salary, we expected basic courtesy at the very least. I don’t usually write negative reviews, but this situation warrants it.

The restaurant itself has a lovely ambiance, but our experience was tainted by a lady server with a ponytail, a nose piercing, and a tattoo on her arm. From the moment she approached our table, she was rude. She dismissed our orders by saying they were out of stock and responded to a simple question about available dishes with an eye roll. She then suggested garlic prawns that tasted as salty as seawater.

Her rudeness extended further when we ordered rosé wine. I have never encountered such disrespect in all my travels through Europe. The server’s behavior was inexplicably hostile and condescending, especially towards us as Asian customers, while she was notably pleasant to white patrons. She even slammed a bottle of water and the receipt on our table.

Management, please address this. If this server is unhappy in her job, she should not be working in customer service. It is imperative that your staff understand and practice the principles of diversity and respect. This server’s conduct not only ruined our meal but also tainted our view of an otherwise...

This restaurant is a tourist trap masquerading as a local hidden gem. There is nothing hidden about it, and it is no gem. The food: we ordered the octopus salad which was decent but nothing special, the garlic shrimp which was well prepared (but can use some garlic), and the veal steak which was an abomination. I didn’t think it was possible for veal tough be tough, chewy and in-cuttable. But they did it! It was marbled with silver skin, sliced the wrong direction, undercooked (I like bloody meat), and was served with a knife about as sharp as a rusty spoon. The real showstopper of the night was the service. The female employee was an exception as she was excellent. Every other employee was entitled, rude and inattentive. From having to wait 10 minutes to see a server, to an added 10 minute penalty I received for the crime of asking for a wine list, to curt comments they made to us and other guests…if I want someone to treat me like crap and make me feel bad, I have plenty of exgirlfriends I can call. The real poke in the eye came at the end…when I couldn’t get the waiter’s attention (again) but wanted to pay the bill while standing up after my wife and child already left, I walked up to the host area to pay. Their credit card machine doesn’t give you the option to tip…it defaults to 18% tip. We have been in this country for two weeks, eaten at countless restaurants and never had anyone even ask for a tip let alone force me to choose the option to override their automatically assessed one. Skip...

An Unforgettable Dining Experience: Exceptional Food and Impeccable Service

Our visit to this remarkable establishment left us thoroughly impressed with both the culinary delights and the top-notch service we received. Although we hadn't made a reservation and had to wait for approximately 30 minutes, the wait was made enjoyable as we indulged in one of their delightful local wines. Seated by the stairs, we were treated to a breathtaking view that enhanced the overall ambiance.

The wait turned out to be well worth it, as the food surpassed all expectations. The chicken cooked in red wine that we ordered was nothing short of exceptional, bursting with rich flavors that tantalized our taste buds. My wife's choice of sea bass was equally delightful, perfectly prepared and presented.

The staff's recommendation for wine proved to be excellent, further enhancing our dining experience. The selection perfectly complemented our meals, and we greatly appreciated the expertise and thoughtfulness of the staff. Throughout our meal, the service remained friendly and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was met with utmost care.

Without a doubt, we wholeheartedly recommend this establishment. The outstanding food, paired with the exceptional service, left a lasting impression on us. If you're in search of a dining experience that goes above and beyond, this place should be at the top...