Chama — Restaurant in Porto

Anticipation can make or break a dining experience. Expect too much, anything can bring disappointment. Expect too little, you'll lack excitement. I was pleased to know very little before going, just that my partner had booked a great restaurant that was highly recommended.

Upon arrival, the short line of people waiting to enter (we were all there ahead of the opening of the doors) gave me hope that tonight is be good. It was hot, the street was narrow, and the entrance inviting. We each entered and sat, my partner in a chair that I hoped was more comfortable than my bench. I quickly forgot the discomfort as I looked around and was enamored with the space. A great environment, quickly supplemented by a vivacious server, Anna, who made it clear she was going to have a good time with all of us.

The menu was without choice. Everything was at the whim of the chef, and nothing was regrettable, except it seemed the food wouldn't stop coming and we couldn't stop eating it. I thought I'd gain 30 lbs.!

We began with a plate of beet hummus, olives, and herbed butter, along with a basket of bread, both soft and hard. All good, but the hummus was the star. The second course was a phyllo dough filled with jam and cheese, topped with toasted almonds. Nobody left even a crumb behind.

Our third course was a tuna tartare on crustini. It had a wonderful back end with a bite. This one I could have repeated without guilt, often.

Fourth course, a poultry sausage in a light phyllo wrap. The seasonings were perfect, yet indescribable. It was just so good. And we were so full. But we weren't finished.

Course number five. A tureen of cod fish, multiple cheese, and flavor that forbid abbreviation of consumption. We were going to take the long road home, just to walk it off, but that was okay.

Our next course was pork ribs cooked to perfection on a bed of mashed sweet potato, accompanied with a mushroom and cabbage side. We just couldn't finish all of them, because, yes, more to follow.

Finally, the dessert course. The one I always regret because it's my weak spot. This was no exception, well worth every calorie consumed. The sorbet was crisp and fresh, a berry flavor, overshadowed by the most amazing chocolate cake with fudge sauce.

While I only had the welcome cocktail, which was wonderful, others had drinks. The only complaint was too much egg foam, making for a smaller drink than anticipated.

So, amazing food, service, and presentation, proper explanation of each course, what could be better? Our table neighbors, with whom we had great interaction throughout the evening, and connected for the future. Without them, it would have been a great meal. With them, an amazing experience. (Lou, you were right!)

Reservations are mandatory, and must be made well in advance. No Amex, but cards are accepted.

Don't come to Porto and...

My first taste of Veal and Rose Sangria - what a lunch!

The best restaurant in Porto by far!!! This is absolutely the place to visit if you like a bit of theatre with your dining experience. You must book! We saw so many people turned away and on a Saturday lunch, the next available booking was the following Friday evening. We managed to get a cancellation so be sure to email even if they’re full and they’ll slot you in if anyone cancels.

We spent near to 4 hours having lunch here and loved every minute of entire experience. The people, the camaraderie that was created, the food and drink and everything down to the haphazard toilet signage was exciting and welcoming. Joao was an explosion of energy and warmth from the moment we walked in the door. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate, quick meal for 2 this isn’t the place for you. Everything on the menu is served as a surprise, although at separate tables you are served in groups so that there are no sneak peaks as to what to expect next on your next course. The food was great and I enjoyed everything that we were served despite being slightly fussy with meat and seafood. The cocktail menu was amazing, the drink service was slightly slow but was quickly rectified up by Joao when he realised that we still didn’t have our drinks he gave us 2 glasses of wine each on the house. We, along with the rest of the restaurant, were given several shots of his grandmother’s homemade spirit infused with Chilli and honey. The bottle was passed around from table to table to whoever fancied another shot. Often joined by Joao!

Joao commanded the attention of the small restaurant of 35 diners allowing the perfect amount of theatre and shared experience without feeling stifled and still being able to enjoy a relaxed dinner with my boyfriend. After the main course, my boyfriend and a few others still wanted more and were bought out extra plates of food until they were happy to move on to desert. Don’t let this make you believe there isn’t ample food on the menu, I’m a big eater and was more than full by the time desert came.

As Londoners we struggle to go for a meal for 2 with drinks for under £100 so were consistently shocked that our meals were hitting around the €60 mark in most restaurants. Chama is slightly more expensive but hugely worth the value and if you’re a fan of tasting menus in European cities still probably one of the cheapest you’ll find! We hit €130 which included 15 courses between us, 4 cocktails, 4 glasses of wine, 4 shots and a huge jug of sangria (which I’m confident had a whole bottle of rose in it!) It was amazing value!

An amazing spot, which hopefully won’t lose its charm with time. I’d recommend booking with no plans for after, you want to be able to enjoy the whole experience and I wouldn’t have wanted...

5 course meal that emphasises SLOW cooking. Service is inconsistent between diner groups. As a solo diner, I was seated at the bar next to a pair of friends. At first, the server that guided me to the seat was friendly but as the night progressed, it gets progressively harder to get any server attention except when they are serving food.

For my 7PM reservation: 6.45PM - Arrived 6.53PM - served bread and spreads 6.58PM - explained about “surprise menu” and given the drinks menu. Asked for recommendation with the food. She offered white wine. 7.05PM - couple next to me arrived 7.31PM - served tuna tartare (very yummy) 7.44PM - served this pork & tuna meatball - like starter (interesting, I like the flavour) 8.08PM - served clams (nothing special, not particularly delicious) 8.30PM - served codfish with pumpkin purée (can get at any other Portuguese restaurant) 8:55PM - served braised beef cheeks (super tender, but not flavourful nor fragrant enough) 9:38PM - served dessert - lemon mouse (10mins after I asked for it, and it wasn’t great)

From the timeline, they seem to serve food at 20-40mins intervals. Very inconsistent and for most part of the evening, it was spent waiting for food to arrive. Yes 5 courses, but manageable serving sizes (even for ladies).

I really don’t understand the great ratings and reviews. Will not recommend for solo dinners. They seem to thrive off group energy. For solo dinners, they pay you no attention and it was hard to get their attention. The difference was striking to me as they kept making conversation with the loud girls next to me and when explaining dishes, the servers always want to do it for the group of 3 at the bar but the whole time, they only make eye contact with the 2 girls and chit chat with them. This felt rude and off-putting. Even asking for a small dish for the clam shells was challenging. Either the server’s English proficiency is lacking, or she simply could not care less to help.

At checkout, the server asked for feedback but it only seemed procedural. I commented that food is good but was much slower than expected. She only replied that it’s a 2-hour dinner. (lol I got surprised when I saw the timestamp of my photos)…

Also, the bar seat is a bad idea as your hair and clothes will stink of the kitchen smells / torches...