Ostras & Coisas — Restaurant in Porto

Ok...let me start with this, if you are looking to spend money then this is the place for you. If you are looking for excellent service for a nice place to eat, then don't stop here. This is a typical money grabbing tourist trap.

Me and my partner decided to stop by after a friend's recommendation just to have some oysters, I mean it just seemed fitting as we are on our honeymoon and as the name says it seemed like the place to be for oysters.

When we walked in it seemed busy and we didn't want to impose on the staff. We made it very clear that we had just eaten dinner and just wanted to sit down for some oysters and wine. We would skip the table service and sit at the bar if it was easier for them. The waiter told us there was no room at the bar, but said she would make us a table, for which we were very grateful.... That was until we realized we were sitting in a circus. We spent the next half hour listening to the waiters laughing at us that we only ordered oysters and that we would have a "very expensive bill". I continued because I didn't understand the conversation and ordered another round, not because I wanted to, but because I was uncomfortable. I thought that by doing so I might help calm the situation, but instead it got worse. The second round of oysters came out less clean and then I was poured a worse second glass of wine. Having class and culture, I decided to be the bigger person and not make a scene...also because I was with my partner.

Then it was time to ask for the bill, they mocked us by saying they wouldn't bring the bill and that I was really expensive. They proceeded to charge us table service for the first time while I have been I Porto I saw this...

At this point I had enough and decided not to leave a tip and not to come back the next day for the planned dinner and I told the waiter how disgusted and disappointed I was with the service. She told me they had a long 11 hour day, but that should not be an excuse. If you are...

I had previously dined at Ostras & Coisas and had a fantastic experience, which is why I was eager to return. However, this time, I found myself somewhat disenchanted—not with the food, which remains excellent, but with the overall dining experience, particularly the shift to a QR code menu.

After a long day of walking around Porto, my phone battery was low, and I was trying to conserve it. I had to awkwardly borrow my neighbour's cellphone. Unfortunately, the restaurant now only offers an online menu, and when I asked for a paper one, I was told they no longer have them, citing environmental reasons. While I appreciate sustainability efforts, this feels like an unnecessary change. A well-made, reusable paper menu has minimal impact compared to the ongoing energy use required for digital access.

Beyond that, I find that a physical menu is part of the restaurant experience—it adds to the aesthetics and makes ordering more enjoyable. The digital menu itself wasn’t particularly user-friendly either—it felt clunky and less intuitive. Furthermore scanning a QR code on my phone, navigating a clunky digital menu, and ordering from a screen instead of a thoughtfully crafted menu cheapens the experience.

That being said, the food was still great, and the service was friendly, so I can’t fault the staff. However, I do think Ostras & Coisas should reconsider this approach. Offering a small number of paper menus for those who prefer them would strike a better balance between sustainability and customer experience.

Still a good spot for seafood, but the shift to an all-digital menu takes away some...

We visited about 2 weeks ago on our trip in Porto and while searching the best seafood restaurants, this one came up. We were given a table upstairs and then happily ordered some dishes.

We got the prawns which were delicious and sangria, but that was where the deliciousness ended. We also ordered the John Dory which was sooooo disappointing. What we received was a plate of fried fish bones, head, tail etc and only about 1 mouthful each of actual fish fillet for €28. We didn't complain or question at the time as we weren't sure if this was the standard in Porto, in hindsight I wish we had said something.

Continuing our dinner, the customers next to us had asked their waitress about the clams they had received (the tables are quite close to each other). The waitress stormed off and then returned arguing with the customer about the dish. This immediately changed the atmosphere of the restaurant and it was just so unpleasant. It was also very off putting to see the how the staff reacted especially in a high-quality restaurant like this where your expectations are higher. Our waiter however was lovely.

Lastly, my husband ended up sick that night, which we can only assume was the food. He had tried a bit of the John Dory tail - which is generally a part of the fish we don't eat.

Overall, what was the most expensive dinner of our whole 2 weeks in Portugal was also one of the most disappointing.

We are definitely people who look and base our decisions on reviews, and therefore I felt I needed to share our experience for others who are also basing their...