A stunning disappointment. This was our second visit but we will not return. My starter was a goat cheese and grilled veggie salad. Way too much goat cheese - just overpowered the salad. But maybe some people like that. I left half of the cheese. None of the food was exceptional, but the main - monk fish and risotto was horrible. For a restaurant that sells itself as the best fish in the city... they should be embarrassed. The fish itself was flavourless, and the risotto only tasted of pepper. I tried to eat it as i was hungry, but I just couldn't. I absolutely love fish and never leave it uneaten - but it was just so bad. And here is where the restaurant really failed. I couldn't catch anyone's eye, and no one came to check on us. The restaurant wasn't overly busy as it was early, but it was clear our server's heart was not in his job. When someone finally came to clear our plates, I told them it was tasteless and they took it away. Two minutes later our server came by with an offer of another main. But by then, my partner had finished his meal (he had the same, didnt like it, but ate it anyway... hunger won out) and I said it really didnt make sense to order more now that he was finished. They brought our dessert - mediocre at best. - and the bill. Nothing removed, no comment from anyone in the restaurant. Everything about this experience was poor. The server whose attitude screamed “I am better than this place”, the food which was worse than mediocre, and the complete indifference with which my concerns were addressed. What a shame. Perhaps visiting at Summerlicious was part of the issue - but if so, the restaurant either needs to get out of the Summerlicious program or up its game. Not worth your visit.
Anastasiia
A little disappointed by the service. We did not know that they were doing summerlicious and were offered 2 menus at the entrance. No one informed us that the whole table had to opt for either a la carte or summerlicious, so me and my husband took some time to select the dishes (he wanted to do summerlicious and I came specifically to try sardines and octopus, which were not on summerlicious menu). When we were ordering, server said we could only order from one menu, which was really surprising . When I asked why we could not order from different menus, there was no answer, so I did not understand why this small request could not be accommodated. I offered to have split bills with my husband, if it was a technical issue, but the server insisted that we had to do one menu only. My husband was so disappointed that he decided not to have the main course. It was indeed a very simple request and it's sad that the restaurant staff did not bother to help us in any way or offer an alternative. Food was good and fresh, despite the sardines, which were absolutely tasteless. Octopus was perfectly cooked but a bit salty. I enjoyed a glass of perfect and bright green wine. The list of Portuguese wines on the menu is impressive. Restaurant decor is beautiful also. What really makes this experience a disappointing one is the service. Does not make us want to come back.
Paul
We keep returning back to the great service and excellent food. The staff are always welcoming and very helpful to explain the flavour profile of the fish on offer. We also love the extensive selection of Portuguese wines. This allows a great match to the food. Mains were octopus, various fish and capon. Each dish was excellent. I had the octopus and it was so tender and flavourful. Definitely fresh and well prepared. This restaurant is definitely recommended.
Melanie Tamilia
Amazing seafood, great atmosphere, excellent service!
Masa S
We hosted a dinner party for 20+ people at Chiado and reserved the wine cellar room downstairs. All the guests couldn't stop complimenting on the quality of the food, wine pairings and how attentive our waiters were. Close your eyes, you might actually think you are in Lisbon... Couldn't have gone any better! Chiado has been and always will be one of the best, consistent restaurants in Toronto for us. Thank you Albino and team Chiado!
Rafiq Qutub
Wonderful seafood and great service. It's an absolute gem in the City!
Naman Agarwal
Not super vegetarian friendly (more of a seafood place), but truly appreciate them having a couple of options on the menu.
To start with, the service was excellent and the bread was fresh.
I tried the vegetarian risotto. I am used to more flavorful food, so even though it was prepared/presented well I wasn't a big fan. I also thought that the portion was on the smaller side. ( Tip for all restaurants: vegetarians need more volume, always)
My partner loved their mussels and the chef's special cod.
Sonia Tavares
The fish and seafood were delectable!!
Greg A
Intimidating vibe, but delicious food
We visited wanting a nice fish meal, something we wouldn’t ordinarily have. We were quickly walked through the labyrinth of the restaurant to our seat. It felt quite dark in our corner of the restaurant.
While our server was friendly and offered recommendations, he was very slow to take our order to the point where it was getting ridiculous. It was probably around 20-25 minutes before our order was taken.
We weren’t expecting much after that, but the food we had was sublime. The seabass was cooked deliciously, and the cod was divine. Both came with well-considered sides, and you could tell a lot of thought had been put into the dish and presentation, which we appreciated.
We opted not to stay for dessert but I’m sure it would have been great. However, the whole atmosphere of the restaurant put us off slightly. Walking through, it felt like we were strangers and had ended up somewhere we weren’t meant to - everyone looked at us as we did, and it felt like the sort of place where the owner’s friends came too and not very many other people.
It’s clearly a popular place and the food speaks for itself, but I’m not sure I’d rush back as I didn’t feel the most comfortable overall.
ming fraser
Great food and service Must try their sardines and whole fish.
Nice vibe, love the artwork, great service, wine list is very strong, love Portuguese wine selection. You get amazing wines for the price and the food was awesome.
Martin Goldstein
Amazing.
travelingwithjuanest juan esteban reynoso
Excelente seafood experience, accompanied of a great service and atmosphere.
Graham
This was our second time to visit Chiado. It exceeded our expectations: the food and service were top notch. Nobody does seafood like Chiado! The staff go above and beyond to make sure you are very well attended to. We highly recommend this wonderful restaurant and we will definitely be back! Thank you Chiado!
Rick
From start to finish this place never disappoints. Food is really well put together with great flavours and the service is impeccable, super attentive never an empty glass on the table. Perfect for any occasion
A stunning disappointment. This was our second visit but we will not return. My starter was a goat cheese and grilled veggie salad. Way too much goat cheese - just overpowered the salad. But maybe some people like that. I left half of the cheese. None of the food was exceptional, but the main - monk fish and risotto was horrible. For a restaurant that sells itself as the best fish in the city... they should be embarrassed. The fish itself was flavourless, and the risotto only tasted of pepper. I tried to eat it as i was hungry, but I just couldn't. I absolutely love fish and never leave it uneaten - but it was just so bad. And here is where the restaurant really failed. I couldn't catch anyone's eye, and no one came to check on us. The restaurant wasn't overly busy as it was early, but it was clear our server's heart was not in his job. When someone finally came to clear our plates, I told them it was tasteless and they took it away. Two minutes later our server came by with an offer of another main. But by then, my partner had finished his meal (he had the same, didnt like it, but ate it anyway... hunger won out) and I said it really didnt make sense to order more now that he was finished. They brought our dessert - mediocre at best. - and the bill. Nothing removed, no comment from anyone in the restaurant. Everything about this experience was poor. The server whose attitude screamed “I am better than this place”, the food which was worse than mediocre, and the complete indifference with which my concerns were addressed. What a shame. Perhaps visiting at Summerlicious was part of the issue - but if so, the restaurant either needs to get out of the Summerlicious program or up its game. Not worth your visit.
A little disappointed by the service. We did not know that they were doing summerlicious and were offered 2 menus at the entrance. No one informed us that the whole table had to opt for either a la carte or summerlicious, so me and my husband took some time to select the dishes (he wanted to do summerlicious and I came specifically to try sardines and octopus, which were not on summerlicious menu). When we were ordering, server said we could only order from one menu, which was really surprising . When I asked why we could not order from different menus, there was no answer, so I did not understand why this small request could not be accommodated. I offered to have split bills with my husband, if it was a technical issue, but the server insisted that we had to do one menu only. My husband was so disappointed that he decided not to have the main course. It was indeed a very simple request and it's sad that the restaurant staff did not bother to help us in any way or offer an alternative. Food was good and fresh, despite the sardines, which were absolutely tasteless. Octopus was perfectly cooked but a bit salty. I enjoyed a glass of perfect and bright green wine. The list of Portuguese wines on the menu is impressive. Restaurant decor is beautiful also. What really makes this experience a disappointing one is the service. Does not make us want to come back.
We keep returning back to the great service and excellent food. The staff are always welcoming and very helpful to explain the flavour profile of the fish on offer. We also love the extensive selection of Portuguese wines. This allows a great match to the food. Mains were octopus, various fish and capon. Each dish was excellent. I had the octopus and it was so tender and flavourful. Definitely fresh and well prepared. This restaurant is definitely recommended.
Amazing seafood, great atmosphere, excellent service!
We hosted a dinner party for 20+ people at Chiado and reserved the wine cellar room downstairs. All the guests couldn't stop complimenting on the quality of the food, wine pairings and how attentive our waiters were. Close your eyes, you might actually think you are in Lisbon... Couldn't have gone any better! Chiado has been and always will be one of the best, consistent restaurants in Toronto for us. Thank you Albino and team Chiado!
Wonderful seafood and great service. It's an absolute gem in the City!
Not super vegetarian friendly (more of a seafood place), but truly appreciate them having a couple of options on the menu.
To start with, the service was excellent and the bread was fresh.
I tried the vegetarian risotto. I am used to more flavorful food, so even though it was prepared/presented well I wasn't a big fan. I also thought that the portion was on the smaller side. ( Tip for all restaurants: vegetarians need more volume, always)
My partner loved their mussels and the chef's special cod.
The fish and seafood were delectable!!
Intimidating vibe, but delicious food
We visited wanting a nice fish meal, something we wouldn’t ordinarily have. We were quickly walked through the labyrinth of the restaurant to our seat. It felt quite dark in our corner of the restaurant.
While our server was friendly and offered recommendations, he was very slow to take our order to the point where it was getting ridiculous. It was probably around 20-25 minutes before our order was taken.
We weren’t expecting much after that, but the food we had was sublime. The seabass was cooked deliciously, and the cod was divine. Both came with well-considered sides, and you could tell a lot of thought had been put into the dish and presentation, which we appreciated.
We opted not to stay for dessert but I’m sure it would have been great. However, the whole atmosphere of the restaurant put us off slightly. Walking through, it felt like we were strangers and had ended up somewhere we weren’t meant to - everyone looked at us as we did, and it felt like the sort of place where the owner’s friends came too and not very many other people.
It’s clearly a popular place and the food speaks for itself, but I’m not sure I’d rush back as I didn’t feel the most comfortable overall.
Great food and service
Must try their sardines and whole fish.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice vibe, love the artwork, great service, wine list is very strong, love Portuguese wine selection. You get amazing wines for the price and the food was awesome.
Amazing.
Excelente seafood experience, accompanied of a great service and atmosphere.
This was our second time to visit Chiado. It exceeded our expectations: the food and service were top notch. Nobody does seafood like Chiado! The staff go above and beyond to make sure you are very well attended to. We highly recommend this wonderful restaurant and we will definitely be back! Thank you Chiado!
From start to finish this place never disappoints. Food is really well put together with great flavours and the service is impeccable, super attentive never an empty glass on the table. Perfect for any occasion
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