Golden Catch — Restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia

I didn't really want to write a review, but thought I'd save some others from the experience. I had the unfortunate experience of dining at Golden Catch in July, and I must say it was a complete disappointment from start to finish. Our concierge recommended them and we were truly looking forward to it. However, I wouldn't even give this place one star if I could, but at least the view is at least nice.

First and foremost, the service was abysmal. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, it took an eternity for our orders to be taken, and even longer for the food to arrive. It felt like the staff was more interested in chatting amongst themselves than attending to the few customers they had. Working in the restaurant industry myself, things can happen - people mis their shifts, call in sick, and the infinite other possibilities...

Moving onto the food, when it finally did arrive (in the wrong order) it was a disaster. I ordered the risotto and my wife ordered the Cod, and I have to say a few of the worst dishes I've ever had. The risotto was not even cooked and crunchy like popcorn kernels - inedible. The cod on the other hand looked delicious, but upon first bit - it seemed like they spilled the salt container on it.

When the server (our second server who was the manager) checked on us - asked if everything was enjoyable, I had to break the news by showing her the full plate of risotto. Her response, "it's AlDente". To add insult to injury, the staff's attitude was shockingly rude with dismissive shrugs and eye rolls. They continued to fight about how it was cooked right and after a few moments of awkwardness, she'd left with the dish.

It was clear we'd wanted to leave immediately so that we could go get some food someplace else. We waited another 30 minutes to get our plates cleared and then another 30 to get the bill. Before getting the bill she brought out some port wine to apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciated the gesture - but drinking on an empty stomach wasn't ideal.

The visit to Golden Catch was a complete disaster. The excruciatingly slow service, the inedible risotto, salty fish and the rude staff make this restaurant a place I would strongly advise anyone to avoid at all costs. Save your time, your money, and your taste buds by dining elsewhere. I'd recommend taking a stroll up there just to get the view, possibly even a glass of wine - but other than that - hopefully don't make the same...

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THE OWNER

I come here with my friend and sit in the terrace (there’s more than 8 people sitting around)

The girl says that, because it’s “raining” I have to order inside, then come outside

So that’s what I do, I go inside and ask for a bottle of wine (22€), and also asked for the menu (we were starving)

So the blonde girl tells me that if I want to eat, I have to eat inside

I ask her “why”? Everyone is outside, I wanna eat outside

But she insists, she says no

So I say, whatever I’ll take the bottle and won’t eat

So I decide to send a video of MYSELF to my boyfriend just explaining him how stupid this is

Afterwards, the girls says she’s sorry and I tell her it’s not her fault. But I don’t see logical that I can’t eat outside when terrace is open.:

She tells me the reason is because there’s a TINTY SPOT, between the door and terrace so the rain can make the food wet? 😅😂

Anyways, she tells me that I recorded her on video and that she is working and can demand me?

So I show her the video I took OF MYSELF, where no one else is on the video

Anyway, I was planning on spending the bottle (22€) and food, so order would be perfectly over 60€

However, I decided to just leave and not even take the bottle…

I have my business, and if I were the owner I’d have let the client order the food and eat it! The terrace is open, right? So why can’t I order food?

Anyway, as a business owner I wouldn’t allow this in my place and thanks to that, I spent 0€ at your place

Thanks so much and will NEVER...

We had a wonderful experience at WOW—delicious seafood, outstanding service, and incredibly comfortable seating that was perfect for our family of four.

Friends recommended we visit WOW, so we made the journey across the bridge from Porto, stroller in tow. With no specific restaurant in mind, I was drawn to the inviting turquoise ambiance at Roots and Vines. Traveling with a toddler and a baby, we prioritized comfortable and private seating over everything else, and the staff was more than accommodating, giving us a table we loved despite not having a reservation.

It happened to be their shellfish festival, so we chose from the special menu. The seafood was exceptionally fresh and delicious. I started with the razor clam appetizer and then had the prawn curry. I hadn’t expected much from a “curry” in a western setting, but it was surprisingly flavorful and even had a nice spice to it! Overall, the meal and experience were fantastic.

The only small downside was the bathroom. The white marble floors quickly became dirty when wet, which seemed out of place in such an otherwise luxurious setting. Regular cleaning would definitely help maintain the high standard of...