O Batel is a very good and friendly restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine by the beach in Sesimbra. Good food, warm atmosphere and pleasant service.

Although I found the cuisine at the Four Points Sesimbra to be more than adequate, going to Portugal and making do with hotel restaurants without discovering the typical restaurants, especially by the sea, is a crime.

In low season not all restaurants are open due to the low number of tourists, but I relied on excellent reviews to make a reservation at O Batel…but with a little trepidation: the last time I relied on online reviews to choose a restaurant it was Solar Dos Bicos in Lisbon and it was a disaster.

You will find all the articles about this trip to Portugal at the bottom of the page.

Restaurant concept

Quite simply, it’s a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, and I stress the term because to present it as a Portuguese speciality restaurant would be a little misleading.

The setting

It is a small restaurant with a simple and warm decoration.

It comprises two rooms, the first of which is an enclosed, covered terrace.

I presume it must open up or even be uncovered in the summer months.

The second, more ordinary and smaller, is inside.

The menu

As I said, its inspiration is more Mediterranean and even Spanish than Portuguese. It’s quite short, which is usually a guarantee of fresh produce and dishes that are truly made to order.

The dinner

I arrive a little early and take the opportunity to stroll around and enjoy the view in front of the restaurant.

The welcome is friendly and smiling, and I’m seated at my table in the first room.

They immediately bring me bread, oil and olives.

I place my order and ask about the size of the appetizers. I’m close to ordering a large and small appetizer before the main course but the look on the waitress’ face makes me think that’s a bad idea. Too bad for the ceviche, which was tempting.

I’ll start with the Galician-style octopus.

The cooking is impeccable, it’s good and tastes great. However, I regret that the chilli was so discreet: with onions and chilli, I was expecting something a bit punchier.

Finally good but perhaps a little light.

Then I’ll have rice with octopus.

This time the quantities are serious.

Served with Iberian ham and smoked pepper aioli.

It’s a real treat, the rice is perfectly cooked, as is the octopus. It’s a little spicy and the ham adds a pleasant smoky flavor.

For dessert, I’ll have the apple pie with mascarpone and hazelnut butter crumble.

It will also turn out to be good.

Once I’ve finished eating, I’m somewhat left out in my corner and it will be a struggle to first get a coffee (accompanied by a Moscatel) and then the bill.

Leaving that aside, it was a very good meal in a very pleasant setting, with very pleasant service.

Atmosphere

Friendly, pleasant 80s/90s music in the background.

The service

Smiling, friendly, helpful. Perfect except for the wait at the end.

Bottom line

Very good food, pleasant atmosphere, I do not regret at all this meal at O Batel. 50 euros for three courses, mineral water, wine, coffee and digestif is very good.

Articles about this trip to Portugal

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