Caravela Restaurant — Restaurant in Fall River

At 10:30 am, I received a text...Holiday Luncheon is in Fall River at Caravela. Parking was limited and I parked about a block away near Kennedy park...worth it...and here is why...I was warmly greeted by the hostess who ushered me to my party. I was seated. My party had already ordered their drinks ( wine, waters, and maybe a lemonade). The server came with a water for me and quickly brought me an unsweetened iced tea. Then we ordered. Everyone ordered a cup of Kale soup ($4), a steak sandwich with fries ($11). Now pro tip from one of my party: extra peppers, extra gravy, and extra garlic. The gravy makes the sandwich over the top. So another pro-tip...a small is huge...a large....you better come hungry because it's a monster!!!! I enjoyed the sandwich as the soft bread soaked up the "gravy" (au jus/juice sauce). The peppers brought a little heat. We sat and chatted. The wait staff did not rush and so friendly. Next we ordered espresso and the house dessert. The house dessert is called Caravela. It is condensed milk cream pudding, Maria cookies, and fresh whipped cream. SOOOO GOOOD....It was simple yet complex. I got to the restaurant at 1 and left at 3. Such a great afternoon. My bill with tip...

I've dined here a more than two handful of times - prices are fair and the portion sizes have always been the same (large and plentiful). Although there's usually a wait, the staff are friendly and very quick on their feet! Until recently, I've never left this establishment hungry.

Over the last few years (during my last 2-3 visits), I've seen the quality and flavor of the food has most certainly seen better days in my opinion. The menu selection is limited and my most recent experience a few days ago, has finally put the the final nail in the coffin for me. Out of a table of 9, all patrons that dined with me, everyone left their meal on the table. The consensus was: Meat (chicken and steak) was tough and dry, potatoes were hard and flavorless. Very little options for seafood! Only positive feedback we all agreed on was, the waitress was very friendly and attentive. It's so disappointing and a shame that a city favorite has lost its touch after so many years! Hopefully they get it together before other customers lose...

Almost everyone and every plate that you see pass you by, as well as the "call ahead and pick up/take out" customers have ordered their famous Portuguese steak sandwich with Portuguese style french fries. Extra sauce on the side... Just in case you didn't get enough and you want to dip your French fries in it.

It's not original, but it's perfectly delicious! Fall River has a very large Portuguese community that dates back from the 1800's Industrial Revolution Era. There are a handful of Portuguese restaurants in Fall River and pretty much all of them serve similar quality food, with similar pricing.

The Caravela restaurant is one of them and it stands up to the pride and tradition of Fall River's Portuguese community! Like most of the Fall River Portuguese restaurant pricing, it's a little bit High for what you would expect for a sandwich... However the quantity is huge and the quality is perfect. You get what you pay for! I definitely recommend this restaurant you will not be...