Zé Manel dos Ossos (Ze Manel dos Ossos)

Homemade and abundant Portuguese food. One of those restaurants that if you like typical, unpretentious and honest places, you have to save. Located in an alley, it is an old house and adapted as a restaurant. They attended us even though they were about to close and of course, with a smile and wonderful kindness. There were dishes that were already sold out by the hour but we ordered soup, 3 types of grilled fish with their accompaniments and rice with beans and grilled chops that were simply perfect. The half portions are enough for more than one. We didn't get to the desserts but if we return to Coimbra we will definitely repeat. We have left our small works of art there as souvenirs and hope to see them again. ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sopa de Día

Best place we have eaten on our vacation. We went early, and they served us right away. We ordered two half portions, house wine and desserts, all spectacular. The place is very peculiar but charming. The waiter served us very quickly and advised us not to order too much. Very cheap. We recommend this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was delicious and we were served with great care by Rui! Thank you very much and see you next time :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fabulous rice, beans and wild boar. You have to order a half portion otherwise you won't be able to finish it. Excellent prices

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Exceeded expectations. Not only the best meal I've had in Portugal (and I'm Portuguese) but one of the best ever. The bones and old goat are exceptional

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We arrived at 7:15 pm and there were already at least 10 people in front of us.

We ordered the wild boar feijoada, which was very tasty, but a little salty. The house wine was good too. I didn't really like the bean rice, although the belly was very tasty. The dessert, made from eggs, was delicious. The price is affordable, we paid €38 for two dishes (half a portion, but incredibly large), a bottle of wine and dessert. I recommend visiting, but I don't think it's worth waiting more than an hour to eat. The environment is authentic. Very good service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vomitado Ovos Moles Com Amêndoa, Feijoada de Javali

Simply spectacular, the best restaurant I have ever been to by far. Mandatory stop in Coimbra yes or yes.
You have to go at least 30-45 minutes before opening time, because there is no reservation and the queue gets in very quickly. There are 2 turns, so if the first one is unlucky, all you have to do is wait.
When they say half a portion, it's as if they were saying two portions, because they are huge! But huge!! Two half portions and one of their own smoked chorizo... And we had everything left over, being 3 of us eager to eat.
Recommended: Wild boar and Barriginhas freijolada. Wow, tremendous!!
If I can I will repeat for sure.
Ah! They don't have to pay by card, but €30 for dinner and drinks is enough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious meat and super welcoming staff.
Best place to eat in Coimbra

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A mandatory stop in Coimbra!
I came back here and left the 5* again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Arroz Feijão Malandro, Vomitado Ovos Moles Com Amêndoa, Ossinhos de Porco, Dose de Ossos

Ze Manel is a "small" restaurant located in an alley and yet, given the success and the queue before opening, it is a classic in Coimbra. So yes, reservations are not possible so you have to be there at least 30 minutes before to be sure of having a table. But it's definitely worth it. It’s real traditional cuisine, absolutely delicious. The cooks prepare the meals right next to us which gives a very friendly atmosphere. And what about the boss! Manel welcomes you with his good humor and kindness. Throughout the evening he sets the mood with his humor. Thanks to him for this wonderful moment.
Last advice, be careful the quantities are very generous!!! If you come as a group of 2, you can take a “half dose” which will be more than enough for both people!
I highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Charming bar due to its particularity. Good price and large quantities. Typical Portuguese food without seeking excellence. Good quality and best price ratio. But go early or you won't be able to eat. 6 tables

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

THE BEST PLACE IN PORTUGAL. We have taken a trip to several cities in Portugal for a week and, although we have eaten amazingly in practically every place, we definitely stayed with Ze Manuel. The place is small and hot, also very limited in capacity, you have to go very soon as soon as it opens. Buuut, the service and speed is unbeatable, the place has a lot of charm decorated with drawings of gratitude that people make on the tablecloths, very cheap and abundant quantities. But if there is something that stands out, it is the food. Buenisima falls short, we ordered typical bones (ossos) from there and wild boar feijoada, all 10. As we already read in another review, the worst thing about this place is that we don't know when we will return....

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The wait is worth it!!!
We ate very well, the dishes are traditional and abundant, the waiter advises you on the dishes and the size of the portions.
The dining room is quite original, with many improvised thank you notes, and you leave full and happy for the attention received!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It's simply divine! It's really Michelin star level for taverns. It doesn't get any better than this. Go, wait as long as you have to wait, and enjoy the dance that your taste buds will do. You won't regret it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mousse de Chocolate Caseira, Vomitado Ovos Moles Com Amêndoa, Feijoada de Javali, Costelinha Com Arroz Feijão

Zé Manel dos Ossos is my homeland, my history, more than Vascos da Gama or Dons Sebastião. Resist, make a difference. Receive, pamper and socialize. Don't write my name on a mug. Allow me to write and hang the writing on the wall. Fortunately, it is tight, inviting us to make our way. If you're used to douradinhos, supermarket burgers, prozis and fast food chains, take the usual photo, but don't go in, don't waste my time by standing in line so you can give up. Here you eat food made from different parts of animals, soup made with fresh vegetables, the result of decades of labor and wisdom. As the cooks don't appear in the media or have Michelin stars, the price is scandalously low.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mousse de Chocolate Caseira, Vomitado Ovos Moles Com Amêndoa, Feijoada de Javali, Costelinha Com Arroz Feijão, Mouse de Chocolate, Dose de Ossos, Lombo de Javali