O Fado — Restaurant in Porto

We had a wonderful evening here, with great food and exceptional Fado.

We were incredibly lucky to get in as the restaurant had a cancellation, so do book in advance if you intend to go.

The ambience is inviting and cosy, the tables immaculately laid with proper linen, porcelain and glasses. The service was friendly, warm, attentive … impeccable!

The food was some of the best I’ve had in Portugal, with the fish (I had sole, as did two of my companions) cooked to perfection, with al dente vegetables on the side. The fourth person had the black pork - also exquisite.

When the fado started the lights were turned down and there was no movement in the room from the waiters to distract us. They had made it clear that there would be no service during the performances, which increased the pleasure. The musicians were brilliant, and the singers (the woman in particular) was mesmerising.

After the first performance our main course plates were cleared and we ordered 2 desserts to share among us - the lime mouse and the pine nut tart. Both were exceptional. The wine was one we know well, and if I had one less-than-glowing comment to make it would be that the price of the wine was jacked up by more than x5 which seemed excessive. However the final bill for the evening was extremely reasonable considering the quality of both food and music.

An absolute ‘must do’ when visiting...

Reply to the owner's comment: Hello, I am not surprised at your reply as when I complained about the wait time for our food-nearly 1 hour from when we sat down-I was told it wasn't as long as I had led myself to believe! Gaslighting at its finest. You guys clearly don't take criticism well. Regarding prices, they're not on your website (which is entirely in Portuguese). I should have researched it better but we came on the recommendation of a local guide; I learned my lesson to be more discerning after that. But you're right, we should have left when we saw the ridiculous prices but we were hungry, it was quite late and I don't mind paying over the odds if it's worth it (spolier alert: it was not worth it). There were only 4 musicians on the night we visited, not 6. They played 5 songs before we were finally allowed to leave. I had no idea we had to remain completely still and silent during the performance, where I'm from music is to be enjoyed, not endured. It was an interesting experience but not one I'd like to replicate.

Regards, Sarah.

Extremely overpriced by Portuguese standards. The food was not bad but we ate in better restaurants for far less on our trip. The music was fine but you dare not make a sound or leave during the performance which I found a bit...

We didn't expect to get a seat at this restaurant since you need to book way ahead of time but we are so glad we decided to stop by on a whim because it was so much fun! A party didn't show up for their 9:30 PM reservation so we were able to take two of their seats. The atmosphere is very jovial, warm and caring. From the host to the waiters to the singers, I felt we were welcomed in as friends. This is definitely the place to get some good Fado music with dinner in Porto.

This is the first restaurant I ever visited where the entertainment and the food perfectly matched: musicians are passionate and the food were very delicious. Do not skip the polvo (octopus) lagareiro; it's so soft, you can slice the tentacles with your fork!

Just a note to future guests: If you visit, please read the room and act accordingly. The musicians perform in 10-15 minute increments, then go on a break so the diners can eat. Lights will dim and this is a sign that performers are about to go on and would like your attention. The other couple next to us talking out loud during the performances were the worst. The rest of the customers at this small restaurant definitely noticed them and it kind of ruined our experience towards the end...