BOSCO Porto — Restaurant in Porto

We visited this place after finding it through an online platform that didn’t allow reservations in advance. I had reached out via email beforehand but never received a reply. When we arrived, ten minutes before opening time at 7 PM, we were told, quite abruptly, that they were fully booked. Still, we had to wait, and even once the kitchen had opened, we had to go ask again without any explanation, only to finally be seated in a nearly empty restaurant.

Luckily, a kind young man eventually took our order, and the server who brought the food was also very friendly. However, some staff members really shouldn’t be in hospitality. One woman in particular, wearing a high ponytail and layered necklaces, made us feel incredibly uncomfortable. She looked at us like we didn’t belong there. I don’t know her name, but her attitude alone was enough to ruin the atmosphere.

The food itself was delicious, especially in terms of flavor, but overpriced for the portions you get. We ended up leaving the table earlier than planned.

Fortunately, the bar next door was a real highlight. Great vibes, stunning views, friendly atmosphere and solid music — highly recommended.

We were genuinely excited for this evening but left feeling like we weren’t valued as guests. Disappointing experience overall, though at least it ended on...

ILLEGALLY DETAINED: DENIED MY RIGHT TO LEAVE BOSCO PORTO – MANAGER PULLED A MAGIC TRICK!

I had an outrageous and unacceptable experience at Bosco Porto. I was literally prevented from leaving the establishment by a security guard because I was holding a beer bottle. When I confronted the manager, she confidently misquoted Decree-Law No. 50/2013, claiming I couldn’t take my evil, glass-encased beverage outside.

And then... she vanished.

After making this ridiculous claim, she pulled a full-on Houdini and disappeared into the kitchen, never to return. I waited 15 minutes like a fool, standing outside the kitchen door, hoping she would come back and realize her mistake. She never did. I eventually left without speaking to her again, feeling completely ignored.

Let’s set the record straight:

Decree-Law No. 50/2013, Article 6 restricts the sale of alcohol at certain hours (midnight to 8 AM).

NOWHERE in this law does it say I can’t leave a bar with a beer at 5 PM.

Holding someone inside a bar based on made-up rules? That’s a crime, not a policy.

Bosco Porto enforces arbitrary, made-up rules and holds customers hostage over beer bottles.

If you care about your rights, avoid this place like they avoid customers'...

First off, yes — the food is good. A bit overpriced, but quality-wise, no complaints. The decor and ambiance are also pleasant. That’s where the positives end.

The service? Absolutely horrendous.

I don’t know if they have something against tourists or if the staff is just generally miserable, but I’ve never been spoken to by a waitress with such outright hostility. Every time she came to our table, it was with an attitude — “So, you finally know what you want?” Excuse me? Is a simple “hello” or even basic politeness too much to ask?

It took 20 minutes and two reminders to get a glass of wine. The other waiter was slightly less unpleasant, but the same grumpy, couldn’t-be-bothered waitress hovered around, doing the bare minimum with a face like thunder. She clearly didn’t want to be there — and made sure we didn’t want to be either.

We walked out after the first course. Still waiting on the mojito that never showed up. Not that we wanted to stick around any longer.

This was hands down the worst experience we’ve ever had with restaurant staff. Rude, arrogant, and completely unprofessional. Shame, because the kitchen deserves better front-of-house. But with service like this....