Oporto

alanw5

Nice food, grumpy and impolite service. 3rd May 2009

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Sorry to start on a bad note with this establishment.
However, we decided to go for a "brunch" at about 1.30pm on Sunday 3rd May. The place wasn't crowded - with a few people inside and a few people sitting outside. We seated ourselves (as nobody else bothered to) and the waiter attended fairly promptly with his "pad". Trouble was, there was no sign of any menu - so perhaps we were meant to make our decision on the one by the door. I politely asked to see a menu and the waiter grabbed one from a nearby chair and sort of dropped it on the table - that's what it seemed like. He came back five minutes or so later - which was fine - and took the orders for 2 of their Oporto Special All Day Breakfast. "No coffee" he said abruptly. "We have no coffee today".
So we asked for tea instead. "Yes!",
No hint of "can I get you something else", or "we won't charge for it".
Off he went. The order arrived - absolutely fine - a good large portion of breakfast and quality ingredients, nicely cooked. Lovely freshly sqeezed orange juice.
All I am complaining about is the attitude of the waiter (who I think was the manager too). He was abrupt and impolite. We only "overheard" in a later conversation with another customer who had come in for a take away coffee, that the coffee machine had broken down. He hadn't bothered to explain that to us.
£15 nowadays is over the odds for a brunch (x2) - there's better value and certainly better manners elsewhere. I do wish The Walpole had been open!.
The bill stated "Service not included" - that was so true! Shan't go back there again.

Sarah_W

A taste of Portugal in the London suburbs 27th May 2008

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Situated halfway between Ealing Broadway and South Ealing, on a small parade of shops, is this family run Portuguese restaurant, which we particularly like to visit in summer. The Mediterranean flavours and the strong emphasis on seafood seem especially suited to warm weather – indeed there are quite a few tables on the pavement outside to take advantage of this, and the restaurant is thankfully a little set back from the main road.

Service here is laid-back (OK, occasionally slow!) and friendly. The staff know many of their regular customers well, it seems, and are always ready for a chat. The décor is simple, almost more like a café than a restaurant, and indeed breakfast and other light meals are served during the day – check out the pastries if you have a sweet tooth.

Starters include batatas picantes (spicy potatoes much like the Spanish papatas bravas), squid rings, grilled sardines, prawns etc. We usually get a couple to share, tapas style, but portions are large, so one between two, or two or three between four, is plenty. For a main course I usually choose seafood, and particularly like the monkfish kebabs, with large chunks of moist fish alternating with peppers and onions. But there are meat dishes too, several of which come with a spicy chilli and garlic sauce that is a speciality here – Chris has enjoyed the calves liver on more than one occasion. Vegetarian choices are limited but there are a few risotto-like dishes that would fit the bill. Prices are reasonable, with most starters under £5 and most mains under £10. To accompany our meal we nearly always choose the Vinho Verde, as its freshness and hint of a sparkle is perfect with this cuisine.