A Hidden Gem in Porto: Encaixados Restaurant
We had the pleasure of dining at Encaixados during my recent trip to Porto, and I can't praise this family restaurant enough! From the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for a truly memorable dining experience.
The food at Encaixados is a delight. Their mastery of flavors is evident in every dish. The mushrooms cooked in Port were an exquisite start to the meal - bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. I would love to try to make them at home. In addition, the stewing with truffle mashed potatoes was an absolute masterpiece. It's not just Portuguese cuisine; it's Portuguese cuisine with a contemporary twist that elevates each dish to a whole new level.
The staff at Encaixados truly is amazing. They are not only friendly but they work tirelessly, while taking the time to engage in a friendly chat.
The ambiance of the restaurant is enchanting. The hanging crates from the ceiling and the cozy nook for group dining add a charming touch that enhances the overall experience. It's evident that every detail has been carefully thought out to create a space that is both stylish and comfortable.
Lastly, let's not forget the music! I would love to know the playlist details - is it available on Spotify? Could you please send it to me?
In summary, Encaixados is a true hidden gem in Porto. The culinary journey they offer is nothing short of remarkable, combining traditional Portuguese recipes with a modern twist. The welcoming staff, cozy ambiance, and fantastic music selection create an unforgettable dining atmosphere. I can't wait to return on my next visit to Porto!
Thank you, Encaixados, for a dining experience that exceeded all...
Read moreI question all 5 star reviews of this place. What a horrible experience.
Service was embarrassingly slow—we suspect they lost our ticket order, so we ended up waiting over an hour for our entrees while other tables seated after us got theirs. We arrived at 10 pm. By the time we started eating, it was 11:45 pm, 15 minutes before closing.
My wife ordered the octopus, which was fishy and smothered in oil (I get it. EVOO with seafood in Portugal is canon, but places with a tad more thought and finesse add a salsa verde or some form of acid). The mortal sin was the stench of the octopus.
My steak was tough with silver skin and arrived without fries. When I asked the server about the side, they said it would come shortly. We knew something was remiss when the manager brought the chef out and pointed at our table, lecturing the chef in Portuguese for the next 15 minutes as they returned to the open kitchen and began cooking my fries. Someone in the kitchen likely turned off the fryer oil/tossed it, and didn’t have any hot oil on hand.
What’s worse is that when the fries arrived, they were soggy and looked as though they were cooked in cold oil. I flagged our server and asked if this was normal. He said it was the potato supplier and apologized. I said if the dish was subpar, why send it out? Blaming the potato supplier instead of owning up to their mistake(s) of forgetting our dish and then trying to rush it was incredibly disappointing.
For a €73 meal at a casual establishment, this was an awful experience. Spend your...
Read moreI’m someone who truly appreciates good restaurants, and this one is absolutely exceptional!
FOOD: The food here is top class, with incredible attention to detail in every dish. I highly recommend the Steak with Queijo da Serra (Serra Cheese) and the Duck Magret with Porto Wine Sauce. Both dishes are exceptionally delicious, boasting a premium taste that is hard to find elsewhere. My friends had the Cod with Cornbread and mentioned that it was excellent as well. As for drinks, we enjoyed the White Sangria, which was delightful. The Porto Wine served after the meal was also a perfect finish. Next time, I’ll definitely try a Red Wine to complement the meal. For dessert, I would suggest trying the Crème Brûlée and the Portuguese Biscuit Cake; both were great!
SERVICE: The service was superb. Everyone was friendly, positive, and very relaxed, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Miss Beatriz, our server, did an excellent job, ensuring that we had everything we needed and felt well taken care of.
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was, in my opinion, the best part of the experience. The environment was quiet and peaceful, allowing us to have a conversation without any loud disturbances. It was a wonderfully cozzy and relaxed setting where we could comfortably hear each other. The only suggestion I have is to add a fan or air conditioning, although the fresh air from outside was quite refreshing.
Overall, this was a 10/10 experience, and we will definitely be back.
Highly...
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