Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas

Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas – Colares, Portugal

Monica Tindall

Those who appreciate breathtaking views, the freshest seafood and incredible local wines should make a reservation at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas. Located in the picturesque coastal town of Azenhas do Mar in Colares, Portugal, it sits on majestic cliffs with every table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The village is composed of traditional whitewashed houses and a natural saltwater swimming pool carved into the rocks. Housed in a restored old watermill, the restaurant is accessible via a scenic path parallel to a stream leading to the sea.

The restaurant takes immense pride in its gastronomy, showcasing the finest local ingredients, many straight from the sea below, and a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring exceptional national grape varieties. The relaxed atmosphere and incredible coastal views make Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas a highly sought-after destination. Take note: reservations are highly recommended.

Menu

The menu at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas features fresh seafood. One notable highlight is the Percebes, also known as Barnacles (EUR 15/ 300gm). These rare and exotic delicacies, reminiscent of something from the Lord of the Rings saga, pose a challenge to harvest due to their growth in rocky oceanfronts with crashing waves. With a taste that mirrors the essence of the sea, they are prized for their elegant flavour and texture, providing a light chew with a hint of sweetness. To enjoy them, gently twist off the claw-like end and gently pull out the flesh.

Another local speciality is the Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, Clams “a Bulhão Pato.” These clams are accompanied by a wonderfully aromatic combination of lemon, coriander, garlic, and olive oil, resulting in a sauce that is worth indulging in despite the extra bread calories required to savour every drop. This dish is a classic Portuguese recipe named after the 19th-century poet Raimundo António de Bulhão Pato.

As the perfect complement to fresh seafood, Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas offers an extensive wine selection. One notable recommendation is the Quinta de San Michel, Malvarinto de Janas, IG Lisboa, Sintra 2018 (EUR 45). This wine embodies the taste of the Atlantic and showcases the unique complexity of Janas wines. With a blend of Malvasia and Arinto grapes, this wine offers aromas of lime, lemon, grapefruit, apple, mint, seaweed, and subtle balsamic notes. Its pale yellow colour with greenish hues reflects its elegance and balance. Many of the notes in the nose continue in the mouth, leading to a satisfying and persistent finish. This wine exemplifies the region’s unique microclimate, resulting in complex wines that exude freshness, fragrance, and a pleasant texture, with the potential for evolution.

A good portion of the menu at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas is dedicated to seasonal and daily catches. We very much enjoyed a whole Robalo, Stone Bass (EUR 70/kg), a magnificent deep-sea fish, which was presented fresh for approval before cooking. This impressive fish is grilled and initially presented on a platter before being skillfully deboned and served on individual plates. The experience of witnessing the vast ocean from which the fish was caught, coupled with the taste of the sea in the accompanying wine, creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas Review

A table at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas is a chance to appreciate the stunning coastal beauty of the region, accompanied by exceptional seafood and regional wines.

Reasons to visit Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas: unforgettable views, incredibly fresh seafood, excellent local wine list perfect for pairing with the views and cuisine.

Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas
Restaurante Piscinas, Lugar das, 2705-098 Colares – Link to Google Map
+351 21 928 0739
azenhasdomar.com

Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas Opening Hours
Daily 12:30 pm – 10: 30 pm

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