O Fado

I was at Fado last week, as a Portuguese in London I want to advise people to stay clear.

It´s very expensive, the food is not that good and the staff are average. After a meal for 14 people they wanted a tip of extravagant amount, which they didn´t deserve or work for it.

Not once did they come to the table and ask if everything was ok, they didn´t wish the birthday boy happy birthday or offer a complementary anything.

I am not use to this kind of service from Portuguese restaurants.

I was not the only Portuguese at the table, there were 11 of us and the consensus was that we would not return to Fado again.

Please go south of the river if you want good Portuguese food and good service.
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Jose Queiros
2 Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Sunday, December 04, 2011

Took my dad to O Fado restaurant this evening as he is only in London for one night and as he is Portuguese I wanted to take him somewhere as authentic as possible. I was worried after reading mixed reviews, but turns out I made the right choice. The food was lovely and the prices were reasonable considering it is in Knightsbridge. There was live Fado music/ singing and the decor was very traditional. The family who own the restaurant were friendly and welcoming and made a genuine effort with all customers in the resraurant. Overall, I was impressed and will definitely return.
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Jacqui
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, July 15, 2011

Found 'O Fado' whilst looking for Portugese restaurants in London and decided to give it a go. The restaurant looked inviting and the menu reasonably priced. The food was dreadful. ' Squid fried Portugese style' was an oily mess served on top of wilted iceberg lettuce with an overpowering taste of chilli powder whilst the sardines were encrusted with salt and barely cooked. The main course of Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (Salt cod, potatoes,eggs & onions) had the bare minimum of cod and was predominently potatoes swimming in oil. Needless to say we did not order dessert or coffee but the bill still managed to come in at in excess of £90 for two although this did include two very overpriced gin and tonics. I particularly dislike restaurants who place items on the table (in this case olives & bread) even before they have handed you the menu and then make an additional charge for these items, in this case £5.00. The service was fine but should have been as it was added to the bill at 12.5%.

The overall impression I have of this restaurant is one of very little effort and a blatant attempt to relieve you of as much cash as possible but in a covert way. Not very nice.
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3 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Sunday, March 07, 2010