Restaurante Cozinha Do Mar

We stumbled into this restaurant quite by accident. It was a very pleasant surprise. There are several restaurant along narrow Avenida São Pedro in Monte Estoril and we were checking out the menus in the windows of each one. We caught the eye of the waiter at Cozinha do Mar
who stepped out and encouraged us, after explaining the prato do dia, to see for ourselves. Inside was clean and classic Portuguese with a seafaring theme. We were early for lunch and got a good look around. The kitchen was open to view which is something I love to see, the prep areas and the ability to see your food being cooked. The deal was hard to pass up and our almoço (lunch) consisted of the entire ‘covert’ line up of bread, cheese and (very good) olives to start. An entire bottle (as opposed to a glass) of tasty white wine was opened and we toasted our good luck thus far. For the main dish we both ordered the robalo (sea bass). It came whole to the table and we asked if it could be escalado (halved) for easier eating. Instead, the owner/chef himself brought out a rolling table and deftly carved up and de-boned both fishes for us (see picture). Yes, we could have done it ourselves but sometimes it’s nice to have an expert at hand. The fish and typical side dishes, broccoli and boiled potatoes, were delicious, perfectly cooked and presented. The restaurant had filled up with locals by this time, obviously with many regulars who knew the owner and staff, giving the place a lively feel. For sobramesa, dessert, we had many choices but went with a safe one. The crème brule was very good and the bica espresso afterward topped off an excellent meal and a great find. All for 11 € each, a little more than the typical Portuguese lunch, but the place itself and quality of the food was certainly worth it. Nós vamos voltar – we will return.

Primeira visita e fiquei surpreendido. Restaurante de costumes sólidos e pessoal atencioso. Vou voltar para comer peixe ao sal (pelo que vi, servido pelo dono do estabelecimento). Destaco também a sobremesa, mousse de amendoim que adoçou a boca no final. Ponto menos positivo é o vinho da casa ser o Terras de Xisto que não acompanha o feeling geral do restaurante - ter algo mais típico ou dedicado seria ideal ou mesmo uma colheita semi privada. Voltarei certamente para provar mais um peixe grelhado.

Um restaurante típico com comida tradicional e cuja especialidade são as famosas pataniscas de camarão. A simpatia dos empregados combina com o estilo casual do restaurante.

SIMPLESMENTE INCRÍVEL! Comida como a da nossa avó aqui mesmo perto de casa. É tudo feito ao momento e com um sabor divinal! Pasteis de bacalhau ou filetes de pescada com arroz de tomate e umas gambas fritas ao alhinho são alguns dos meus pratos favoritos. Recomendo, recomendo, recomendo!