One substantial benefit of our fruitless journey to Praia Adraga yesterday (see here) was to discover a reasonable restaurant in Sintra. Restaurante O Apeadeiro was recommended to us by our very friendly and helpful taxi driver who took us Praia Adraga and back. As soon as we got into the taxi he did warn us that ours might be a wasted journey due to the recent damage wrought by the sea. We decided we would take a look anyway. I think the taxi driver, who originally came from the Vinho Verde region in Northern Portugal, found the sight of the foaming sea fascinating too as he also took photos.
On our way back we asked him if he could recommend a decent restaurant in Sintra. Reassuringly he dismissed all of the establishments in the centre as tourist traps. Instead he suggested O Apeadeiro, which is close to the station. We got to the restaurant just after 1pm and it was almost full mainly with locals – many enjoying the €15 menu – thick, creamy vegetable soup followed by a pork dish, dessert and coffee.
Not wanting a big meal we didn't go for the menu instead Carole chose Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish with rice) and I opted for the Sole Meunier (€15). Both were fine but not as good as we would have had a Praia Adraga, although they would probably have been more expensive.
On the wine list I spotted the Vinho Verde from Palacio da Brejoeira for €25.
This is easily the most expensive Vinho Verde made, we had never
previously got round to trying it and very reasonably priced for a restaurant. No vintage was listed but it turned out to be the 2008 (12.5% alc) and very good it was too. Naturally there was some bottle evolution – buttery, nutty, full flavoured with refreshing lemony acidity. One of the best Vinho Verdes we have ever drunk.
At the end we were offered a glass of Tawny Port – just to ensure that we could doze on the train back to Lisbon! So O Apeadeiro is good value with reasonable cooking and definitely friendly service ideal if you want lunch in Sintra.
4 comments:
I am going to Sintra next week, and I will try this restaurant. I will be in Lisbon for a full week.
Larry. If you are in Sintra this is a restaurant worth trying but not one for a special journey.
I was going to Sintra to have a look around at the architecture. I will be in Lisbon for week and thought I'd make the journey.
Larry. Certainly worth going to Sintra. Jim
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