A Toca do Júlio em Sintra

07/02/2025: We walked in for a late lunch on a rainy day, the place was quiet packed but they still had 3-4 free tables. We were shown to the table next to the walk-through to the toilets and the entrance. Felt we were put on the worst table they had and no one showed up for the other tables during our time. They do have the nicer looking area with blue tiles, ad then next to that there is a sparsely decorated cafetaria like space and that is were we were. We ordered a local cheese and cold cut platter which was really good and after that we both had the Confit cod with sauteed vegetables. The dish was really good and a nice take on the classic Portuguese dish. However, a few hours later I got nauseous and had some severe vomiting. Since the only thing I ate that day was the lunch...fish based, there was no other option then the food poisoning came from this place. The next day when I was feeling a bit better but still not eating, I emailed the restaurant aas an FYI and they could do a check of their kitchen/ingredients. I was a bit surprised by their reply as it stated: 'As both dishes were prepared with fresh ingredients at the same time, from the same fish, we could admit that it's not the reason. Assuming my lunch partner is ok.' We all know each piece of fish is different so I could easily had poisoning from the fish or any of the eggs used in the dish. Anyway, I would have expected a different reply (not looking for compensation for the food poisoning) but at least take it seriously and not to dismiss my food poisoning like that. I am clearly never coming back to this place

20/01/2025: Our guest house recommended this restaurant which was nearby. We had a wonderful dinner. The food was excellent; the service very attentive. Not sure what the comments were about the decor - it is nicely decorated. We had the duck with the chestnut sauce (a lovely compliment to it and most unexpected - I am not a huge fan of chestnuts but this was really nice); my husband had the sea bass which was also very tasty. I tried a local rose wine (my first rose here) and it was very nice too. Definitely recommend this restaurant for dinner.