Restaurante Nortada — Restaurant in Sintra

Haven for Seafood Lovers Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other when you step foot into Nortada Restaurant in the picturesque town of Sintra, Portugal. This charming establishment not only boasts a warm and inviting ambiance but also serves up a delightful array of culinary masterpieces that will leave you craving for more.

Our visit to Nortada was nothing short of exceptional. As seafood enthusiasts, we were delighted to discover that the restaurant's forte lies in crafting dishes featuring the freshest catches of the day. The octopus, which we eagerly indulged in, was an absolute highlight. Tender and succulent, each bite revealed a harmonious blend of flavors. It was expertly cooked to perfection, striking a delicate balance between tenderness and a slight char on the surface.

Another standout from our dining experience was the clams. Words cannot do justice to the exceptional taste and texture of this dish. The clams were incredibly fresh and brimming with the essence of the sea. The broth they were cooked in was infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, elevating the overall flavor profile. Each spoonful was a delightful explosion of flavors, leaving us longing for more.

To complement our meal, we had the pleasure of indulging in an epic Portuguese wine. The restaurant's extensive wine list features an impressive selection of local vintages, and the attentive staff helped us choose a bottle that perfectly complemented our seafood feast. The wine's subtle undertones of fruit and earthiness added a layer of complexity to our dining experience, making it truly unforgettable.

Apart from the outstanding culinary offerings, the service at Nortada was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their craft. From the moment we stepped in, we felt welcomed and well taken care of. They were happy to provide recommendations, explain the dishes in detail, and ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of perfection.

In terms of ambiance, Nortada strikes a perfect balance between elegance and a relaxed coastal vibe. The tastefully decorated interiors exude a cozy charm, and the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery only add to the overall enchantment. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two or a memorable gathering with friends and family, Nortada provides the ideal setting.

In conclusion, Nortada Restaurant in Sintra, Portugal, is an absolute gem for seafood enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. With its exceptional octopus, unforgettable clams, and an extensive selection of Portuguese wines, this establishment promises a culinary adventure that will exceed all...

Even though I visited this place in October last year, I still salivate when just thinking about the experience. I am a very picky guest but there was simply nothing I could complain about in this case. Even though I was not staying close to it in my 2nd week, it was worth for me to take an Uber and travel there for 10 km for my last dinner on my holiday.

You can pick to sit either outside to enjoy the view of the sea, beach and fresh air, or inside in very cosy environment. All of the waiters I encountered there were incredibly professional, nice, explained and suggested the best options, spoke several languages. Nothing was an issue for them and they did not look down on me for a second for only being there on my own and choosing cheaper meals from the menu. They just wanted me to be a satisfied customer. The restaurants got sometimes incredibly busy but they still managed to take care of everybody. It was a dream come true to watch them work.

The meals I had twice were a fish stew (Arroz Peixe) which I always had half of the portion but it was still 3 full plates which I was barely able to finish. Then I fell in love with one of the best dessert I ever tasted - Tarte Maca (apple pie) which was made with condensed milk, nuts and cinnamon. It cannot be expressed how delicious this dessert was and how lovely the presentation was. Once I also tried both of the soups from menu which were also nice, but on my 3rd visit I went back to my favourite Arroz Peixe. I also had my first and only glass of red port wine there which was lovely. But there are so many meal options on the menu which I would happily try one day.

I cannot stop thinking of this place till I die I think. Please visit it if you are at least little bit close by, you will not regret for a single second. Believe me, I am the type of tourist who makes a thorough research before deciding to visit any restaurant and who has vast experience when it comes to dining. I can hardly think of any place from my travels which would tick off all the boxes of perfection as this one. All the best to amazing restaurant crew, keep it...

For some reason, our private tour guide decided to book our lunch for a Sintra area day trip at this “Michelin” starred restaurant. Usually avoiding Michelin stars places like the plague, we agreed because the guide was such a nice guy. As expected, they may all look good on Gordon Ramsey shows but realistically, you usually pay for fancy plating and small quantities of protein.

Waiting over 15 minutes even with our guide’s reservation, the place is always packed but we finally got seated. Given the amount of newly found year round tourism, they offer a cheap version of seafood dishes and the Michelin star versions which include higher quality fish like halibut for 50 to 75 euros each.

The affordable dishes feature lower quality fish like sea bass, bream and cod. Everyone seemed to suggest a fish dish called shrimp masquera so we ordered that and for some reason I thought cod in a puff pastry sounded appealing. The shrimp were large but overdone and rubbery which is unacceptable for a “Michelin” star and the chef would’ve been voted off if this was Master Chef. The sauce was supposed to be coconut curry or something exotic but had little flavor. The rice added no extra dimensions.

The puff pastry was so thick, oily and carbohydrate filled and the fish inside it was ok but very small and nothing special. It didn’t even look appetizing. The food did come out within a reasonable timeframe once ordered and the servers are neither friendly or enthusiastic about any of the food which is the opposite of most servers we encountered in Lisbon and Porto

Summarizing, if you don’t normally think the Michelin stars are worth triple the price you won’t enjoy this meal and what we had was overpriced for lunch by Portuguese’ standards. The view and the drive to get there is...