3 Pipos — Restaurant in Tondela

I visited Tres Pipos because of its Michelin star status. However, I was underwhelmed. Meat Croquettes to start, well presented dish. However, the croquettes on their own were just devoid of any real flavour. Only when eaten with the grain mustard did it liven the taste buds. However, my dish of Pig Cheeks was lovely. Deep flavour, tender, melt in the mouth. Served with baby roasted potatoes, it was delicious. One of my friends had a starter of what tasted like pickled eggs in batter or panko breadcrumbs. It was difficult to determine which. The vinegar within was too strong. It was, therefore, a dish which was half eaten. Someone else had sardines, again good presentation but little flavour. Another had a soup, nothing special about it, that any grandmother in that village wouldn't have made day to day. In reality, many dishes just underperformed and lacked a special quality and, therefore, a justified higher price. Having eaten at other Michelin restaurants - where not only presentation but flavour is king, this was disappointing. The meal was good and ok, and if this was not badged and therefore priced higher as a Michelin restaurant, i would have been happy. But did it live up to Michelin star quality? Not for me. Aside from one or two dishes, Pig Cheeks and fried Octopus (very well cooked), it was pretty ordinary. After posting it's obvious that 3 or 4 years ago, good reviews and high recommendations prevailed. Since then a lot of " great place, good service but food not up to the hype " type reviews. Has it changed owners/chefs - is that the reason in the fall off of flavour and quality? Clearly, the owner needs to respond to people and do something about the food, or maybe it's a place that thinks it's the best, when clearly it has...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at 3 Pipos Restaurante, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was inviting and warm, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal.

Ambiance: The restaurant’s decor is a beautiful blend of rustic and modern elements, with subtle touches that make it unique. The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Food: The food was absolutely delicious. Every dish we tried was prepared to perfection, showcasing the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was impeccable. Highlights included the goatling, pork rojões, and the traditional “Abade de Priscos” pudding for dessert12.

Service: The service was top-notch. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made excellent recommendations and ensured that we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Overall, 3 Pipos Restaurante exceeded our expectations in every way. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic dining...

A spectacular finding, which successfully represents the best of the regional food from "Beira Alta." This place is worth a visit, wherever you are in Portugal. Here you'll find a perfect balance between modern and more typical/regional decoration, which is the ideal setup for a splendid and sumptuous meal.

The food is cooked to perfection and from the heart, taking you back to your mom and grandmother's cooking. The list of wines to pair your food with is overwhelming, with excellent service and wine knowledge to support it.

The desserts are out of this world! The "Queijo da Serra" pudding is entirely mind-blowing.

I am guilty of having committed the gluttony sin at this restaurant, for which I will not ask for...