CARAMBOLA — Restaurant in São Tomé

This experience was a mixed bag and frustrating as it was eventually delicious. It's a relatively central location and, at least when I visited on Saturday evening at 7:30pm, while there were a few other diners, it was not difficult to get a table and no reservation was needed. The outside decking space is tasteful, with an open view through to the kitchen. My main complaint was the excessive wait for food to be served - as mentioned, it was far from busy when I went, and after I ordered just before 7:45pm, my food did not arrive until just after 9:00pm. Around 8:30pm I asked whether there was a problem with my order and was assured it was just coming. I'm not expecting a fast-food turnaround for orders, but over an hour and a quarter for a relatively simple plate of grilled fish is just silly - watching the kitchen, and given the three employees working there, there were not many dishes coming out of it, so it seems like efficiency and professionalism is a problem. When the food finally arrived, I can't really complain - it was tasty and the portion was extremely generous. Given the size of the fish, I'd probably have appreciated a few more pieces of plantain, but that's not really an issue. To be honest, however, the wait for the food ruined my enjoyment. I took a desert, the cocao mousse, and must say that it was really excellent, with the nibs on top, so at least the meal finished on a positive note. I'm glad I tried this restaurant but won't be returning since I think there are places of equal quality which offer an easier dining...

A family place that allows you to have a good taste of the traditional STP food, cooked with love and kindly served by José Carlos. He is a nice, attentive and smilly host. A good professional that will provide great recommendations according to your taste. Both José and Tia Elsa (the owner) are two very sympathetic locals, with an open attitude and available for a nice chat. They will receive you with a warm smile and open arms. You will feel like at home. We had a good laugh around the typical "leve, leve" attitude of the STP people.

At Carambola you can find simple, light and freshly cooked dishes. We had a squid salad as starter (amazing spicy sauce..and I usually do not like spicy food😅), followed by a grilled octopus and grilled "peixe azeite" with fried banana, rice and vegetables on the side. And a passion fruit mousse (made by Ria Elsa). It hitted the spot! The dressing on the octopus is indescribably tasty. I could have a entire octopus to myself. The food is really amazing!

You can expect a modern like ambience, typical background music and attentive staff. All great! We intend to return there before leaving the island. 😀

Highly...

As it seems to be the rule this days, the power was down at the time I went to dinner. But the staff is very nice and we manage to find a solution,👍. When the dinner was ready I manage to ask for candles, and had a very nice candle light dinner by myself. At the end, I had a very nice conversation with the owner Elsa, (please correct me if the name is not correct) and found out, she was several years in my home town in Portugal. So, I recommend, and if I have enough time I will go there again. Sorry for not posting photos, but it was...