Ferruccio Ristorante — Restaurant in Vila do Conde

Let’s be clear: this was the worst “Italian pasta” experience of my life — and yes, the place actually wrote Italian pasta in big letters on the wall, just in case anyone still had doubts.

I only went in because it was Sunday, most places were closed, and it was close to my hotel. The menu looked harmless enough. After a week of excellent Portuguese food, I thought: why not a simple plate of pasta? Big mistake.

I ordered Penne all’Arrabbiata. Ten minutes later, the plate arrives with a sprig of basil on top, looking good enough. First bite: pasta so overcooked it could have been baby food — and zero chili. Second bite? Same disaster.

I call the waiter, explain politely that the pasta is inedible. He offers to redo it. Fair enough. Three minutes later (yes, three minutes which I find suspicious), he’s back with a “new” plate. This time the penne should be practically raw. The waiter himself admits he doesn’t know if it’s better and suggests maybe it’s the pasta itself. 🤨 Translation: “there might be an issue with this pasta.”

I try again, only to discover the overcook feeling is the same and sauce isn’t just bland — it has chunks of ham or whatever in it. Ham. In an Arrabbiata. At that point, I wondered if I was being pranked. When I pointed it out, the waiter proudly confirmed: yes, bacon.

That was it. I told him this isn’t how Arrabbiata works anywhere on Earth, paid the bill (no discount or whatever), and walked out before they tried to serve me carbonara with chorizo.

To anyone looking for an Italian restaurant: avoid this place at all costs. And if the chef is reading this: buy durum wheat pasta, Google “Arrabbiata recipe,” and just follow instructions like a normal human. That alone would put you light-years ahead of your current...

We chose this place based on previous reviews/pictures. We were sorely disappointed. Food was underwhelming. Shrimp overcooked to the point of tasting like rubber, sauces had absolutely no flavor. No bread with your pasta. Service was impersonal. The waiter seemed put out by having to serve us. Not sure if it was an off night or what, but we were sad to have wasted money on...

Visitei este local por 3 vezes.Cozinha italiana de grande qualidade.Das varias refeições aqui tomadas,entre o risoto all fungi,a pizza e o esparguete Tacinho (grande qualidade),todos eles merecem nota alta.Em nenhum momento fiquei desiludido.Provada como sobremesa a Panacota com frutos silvestres ( uma delícia).O Lambrusco é simplesmente excelente,para quem aprecia um vinho gaseificado e leve de alcool,bom em dias quentes.A sala é simples e confortavel com bonita vista para a praceta.Não tem televisão,o que para mim é uma vantagem.Parque de estacionamento mesmo ao lado.O atendimento é competente e muito simpático.Excelente relação qualidade/preço.Está na minha lista dos melhores restaurantes italianos.Recomendo vivamente. Na ultima visita efetuada o restaurante tinha mudado de nome e de decoração…agora chama-se Ferruccio…o acolhimento não foi o mesmo,a música era pior…a comida também não deslumbrou e já não têm o delicioso Lambrusco.Talvez tenha sido a mudança que não me agradou,a sala ficou sombria e sem graça.Oxalá se renovem para melhor,para já não...