Brasão Coliseu — Restaurant in Porto

It was our last meal in Porto and we had such high hopes. The place had been recommended by multiple people. The online reviews were generally good. Ran into someone we knew as they were leaving and they told us our meal would be great. All signs were pointing to a great last meal.

Things started out poorly. We went to one location and they told us we could get a table in 45 minutes at 8:15. We were ok with that and waiting, but after a little while they come out to tell us we misunderstood and that the table was at a different location. Ok, language barrier. So we hopped in an Uber to get to the other location (except our friends with a baby who had to walk due to the lack of baby seats in Ubers). We get to the other location and wait (this will not be the last time waiting comes up in this review). We're there at 8, so expecting to wait for our 8:15 reservation. What we were not expecting was to wait until almost 8:45.

Food started out ok with the bread & spread, the olives & capers, and the third table starter which was some sort of chip & spicy mayo. I wasn't a fan of the third thing but other people at my table were. I liked the olives and bread. So far, so good.

Next came our ordered appetizers. Some cod fritters that were actually pretty delicious, a "bloomin'" onion that was decent, but not as good as one from Outback Steakhouse, and a prawn fritter. The prawn fritter was not good. It was like they combined prawn paste with tapioca (or some other chewy filler) to created a disturbing textured fritter.

We also got a Françesinha for the table to share (they're so rich, how could you eat a whole one by yourself without instantly falling into a food coma?) It was fine but not my favorite one I had in town.

The mains arrived. I got a steak sandwich medium rare. I was expecting the sandwich to be more that a piece of meat between to slices of bread. No sauce, no other ingredients, no nothing. Ok, maybe the meat stands up on its own? Mmm, no. The meat was fine, but not amazing. Also it was not medium rare, it was VERY rare, verging on blue rare.

Ok, maybe they cook steak less in Porto? Well...my friend ordered the Portugese style steak also medium rare but it came medium well, at best, so no. Also, the steak is supposed to come with salad and chips. Two friends asked for all salad instead of chips and salad, but instead of getting a larger salad , they just got the normal sized salad. When this was mentioned to the server, they said they would fix it. The second salads arrived much, much later. If you mess up an order, you should be fixing it sooner rather than later.

Everyone agreed that the mains were sub-par, but we decided to finish up with a lemon meringue pie and an order of the citrus ice creams. Both desserts were delicious. The pie had good lemon tartness and an interesting combination of textures (it was a crunchy meringue), and the ice creams were really delicious, especially the tangerine.

We asked for the bill and waited. And waited. And waited. Asked again for the bill and waited some more. Finally the bill arrived, but we now need to actually pay so we waited. And waited. Maybe we're supposed to go up to the bar to pay? Nope! When we tried that we were told that someone would come to our table in a second. We waited some more. Finally, they came and we paid.

We thought our disappointment with the restaurant ended there, but the following morning there were some upset stomachs that were almost certainly related to dinner.

I will add a note: The other location we originally tried to go to was actually the location we were recommended to and it has better overall reviews, so maybe give that one...

During my trip to Portugal, this experience was without a doubt one of the absolute highlights — something I will remember for years to come and wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a warm and well-organized environment that instantly made me feel comfortable and valued. The staff were exceptionally polite, attentive, and eager to help at every stage, ensuring that every detail was taken care of smoothly and effortlessly.

What impressed me the most was how everything seemed to operate like precise clockwork. There was a natural flow to the service — no waiting around, no confusion — just seamless coordination that made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. The atmosphere itself was inviting, combining professionalism with genuine friendliness, which added an extra layer of charm to the visit.

And then there was the food — absolutely delicious! Every dish was prepared with care, beautifully presented, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. It truly was value for money: refined in taste yet still hearty and satisfying.

During my trip to Portugal, this experience was without a doubt one of the absolute highlights — something I will remember for years to come and wholeheartedly recommend to anyone visiting. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a warm and well-organized environment that instantly made me feel comfortable and valued. The staff were exceptionally polite, attentive, and πρόθυμος (eager to help) at every stage, ensuring that every detail was taken care of smoothly and effortlessly.

What impressed me the most was how everything seemed to operate like precise clockwork. There was a natural flow to the service — no waiting around, no confusion — just seamless coordination that made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. The atmosphere itself was inviting, combining professionalism with genuine friendliness, which added an extra layer of charm to the visit.

And then there was the food — absolutely delicious! Every dish was prepared with care, beautifully presented, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. It truly was value for money: refined in taste yet still hearty and satisfying. Even the beer was splendid — crisp, refreshing, and the perfect complement to the meal.

Overall, this was not just a meal or an activity — it was a perfectly orchestrated moment of my Portugal trip, blending quality, hospitality, and attention to detail in the best...

I am seldom moved to write reviews, but our experience at this place was so phenomenal that I can't help but share the good news.

My visit was marked by outstanding service and phenomenal food that stood tall in my dining experiences. The food, let me tell you, was second to none. From the first bite to the last, it was a journey of flavors and textures that would leave any gourmand sated and delighted. Every dish we ordered was meticulously prepared, displaying a high level of culinary expertise and passion.

But where the place truly excels, beyond its cuisine, is its service. More specifically, our server, Bravlio. Bravlio is a testament to what it means to be a waiter in a top-notch establishment. He elevated our dining experience from great to unforgettable with his professional demeanor, profound knowledge of the menu, and his uncanny ability to anticipate our needs before we even voiced them.

His attention to detail, from ensuring our glasses were never empty to his brilliant food recommendations, was nothing short of impressive. It's not every day that you find someone like Bravlio, who not only takes pride in his job but also goes the extra mile to ensure every guest leaves with a smile. We felt valued and well-cared for, which made our evening all the more special.

All of this combined to create an atmosphere that was warm, inviting, and filled with positive energy. A big shout-out to Bravlio and the team behind the scenes for truly raising the bar when it comes to dining experiences. We look forward to our next visit!

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable meal served with a side of unparalleled service, look no further. This place, with its delightful cuisine and phenomenal staff, particularly Bravlio, will surpass all your expectations. I can guarantee you will leave with your palate satisfied and your heart full.

In short, this is not just a place to dine, but an...