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Welcome to Olhinhos do polvo
Olhinhos do polvo, located in the heart of Matosinhos, Portugal, is a must-visit for octopus lovers. Known for its delectable and tender grilled octopus, this charming eatery offers an authentic dining experience infused with warmth and hospitality. Diners rave about the flavorful octopus rice, expertly seasoned and complemented by exquisite desserts like crème brûlée. The owner, Mario, is praised for his friendly service, making guests feel like family. With reasonable prices and a cozy atmosphere, Olhinhos do polvo is the perfect stop for a satisfying meal that celebrates the rich flavors of Portugal's coastal cuisine. Reservations are recommended!
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About
Olhinhos do polvo
Welcome to the charming culinary haven known as Olhinhos do Polvo, nestled in the heart of Matosinhos, Portugal. This delightful eatery specializes exclusively in octopus dishes, earning rave reviews from locals and travelers alike. Located at R. Conde Sao Salvador 21, 4550-000 Matosinhos, the restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an authentic experience.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be embraced by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests have lauded the friendly service, which feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a family home. The owner, Mario, is known for his hospitality, ensuring that every visitor feels appreciated and well taken care of. The review from Naomi Jung captures it beautifully, stating it’s the "BEST polvo I’ve had in Porto," and indeed, the accolades for the tender and flavorful grilled octopus are well-deserved.
The menu is a tribute to octopus, presenting it in various captivating forms. The octopus rice is particularly notable, delivering a savory punch that leaves diners wanting more. As Jin Park artfully describes, the price is surprisingly tempting for a menu that encompasses an appetizer, a bottle of wine, your choice of roasted or fried octopus, a dessert, and an espresso—all for just €12. It's value like this that makes Olhinhos do Polvo a standout in the bustling food scene of Porto.
The culinary experience at Olhinhos do Polvo is not just about the food; it’s an infusion of flavors that resonates with every guest. Philip Joy highlights the "fresh fish," and the grilled octopus stands as a testament to the meticulous preparation and seasoning that enhances each dish. The sweet dessert options, including a delightful crème brûlée, round off the meal beautifully and are universally praised for their delectable sweetness.
For those considering a visit, it’s wise to make a reservation, as this hidden gem can fill up quickly with both locals and those in the know. Additionally, be prepared to pay in cash, as credit card services may pose challenges for travelers. This small inconvenience is a minor detail in a dining experience that is sure to captivate your palate.
Olhinhos do Polvo promises more than just a meal; it offers a gastronomic journey that celebrates the richness of Portuguese seafood. Whether you're a die-hard octopus enthusiast or a curious newcomer, prepare to leave with a heart full of warmth and a satisfied stomach. Don’t just take our word for it; visit and discover the magic of octopus done right.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ BEST polvo i’ve had in porto! You’ll need to make a reservation. The octopus was really soft, rice was not too salty and great taste, and dessert was sweet! The owner and staff were very friendly! The ambiance was warm and welcoming, and the place was clean. Highly recommended place. ( i wasn’t able to pay with the credit card i made from US. So it’s better to bring some cash if you travel from outside of porto! ) ”
“ very delicious and warm atmosphere! really nice price for good food! thank you a lot ”
“ Amazing spot for fresh fish! The grilled octopus is delicious! The service will have you feeling like you're part of the family. You'll be glad you ate here! ”
“ It was really great!! As I came to Matoshinhos as a solo traveler, it was not easy to find a place where I could have a nice meal.. and some of the places I checked through tripadvisor was either having a rest time or have too many people. Then, miraculously, I read someone writing about this place which happened to be near my hostel so I thought I would give a try. And,, I loved it!!! It is only octapus place... which means,, you can have octapus menu only. But don't get disappointed. First, the price is really tempting. Having appetizer, a whole bottle of wine, the main meal which is octopus rice and roasted octopus, fried octopus (or.. I forgot..I love the roasted octopus so much that I just had that one twice) and... not only that.. a dessert and a cup of espresso.. it was only 12 euro (2017. September) ... And.. the food was.. GREAT!! Even if I read some bloggers saying that it was great,,, I didn't expect much.. since I am not a real big fan of octapus or squid.. But it was GREAT.... it was one of the softest ... yet a full of flavor octapus I have ever had and the rice which was seasoned.. (I don't know how it was seasoned) tasted great. The wine offered tasted quite good.. went well with the dish.. and the dessert as well as the coffee .. was great!!!! And.. the owner... we couldn't communicate well verballysince he didn't speak English and I couldn't speak Portuguese but he checked while I was having food whether I can eat it well.. or properly.. and checked whether I enjoyed the food or not. So,, if you are a single traveler.. like me who is introverted.. but want to have some decent food... with reasonable price... I strongly recommend this place!!! ”
“ Oh my Gosh! This was a great meal!! If you like octopus, or if you’re game to try octopus, I recommend this place when in Porto / Matosinhos, Portugal. The appetizer was incredible. (Obviously good, since I ate it all! ) I had octopus rice with roasted octopus serve in a metal heating plate. Followed by crème brûlée and an espresso. The entire meal, appetizer, bottle of wine, entrée, and dessert was $15 euros! The Owner, Mario, attended me. He was extremely friendly. We spoke in mix of Portuguese and Spanish. He understands enough English as well. Eu já estive cá. = I’ve been here. You should be here!! ”
“ Stopped in after a morning walk up the coast. Simple price structure but amazing food! Prices include a starter, bottle of house red or white wine, main, dessert and a coffee. Comfortable, family feel and very friendly host. Recommend the octopus and be ready to potentially wait if you don't have a reservation, as it does get busy during lunch. Though we had no problems on a Friday lunch time. ”
“ Extremely friendly owner, and one of the best octopus rice out there! Had to wait half an hour but they had a comfy sofa to wait on and it was definitely worth the wait:) The appetiser was very good - small bread perfectly toasted and cheese mix a great symphony of textures and taste. They ran out of soufflé (too popular!), but gave us three set dessert instead of just two — fruit, almond pie and creme brûlée. Fruit was very juicy, almond pie had a very good consistency and creme brûlée was smooth and milky. Incredibly good value! ”
“ A wonderful rustic seafood experience. There is a flat price of €17.50 per person for a fish dish - we had one fried octopus and one roast octupus (both with octopus rice), plus a bottle of wine, plus a starter, plus 2 puddings. The octopus was the highlight. All delicious, and for a good price. Definitely worth a visit. It was very busy as soon as it opened at 7.30pm so booking is advisable. ”