Dining at Praca Prazeres is a bit like going on a blind date with someone who looks great on paper but leaves you puzzled by the end of the night. The food? Genuinely good. The ambiance? Well, that’s where things get interesting—appealing to some, though it may leave others pondering.
Let’s start with the positives, which, thankfully, are on your plate. The Chicken Scotch Egg was a delightful surprise—crispy, flavorful, and comforting in that way only a well-made scotch egg can be. It’s the kind of dish that makes you sigh with relief, knowing that the kitchen knows its stuff.
The Crispy Potato Chips were another highlight—light, golden, and so satisfying you’ll want to make them your new snack obsession.
The Mushroom Orzo followed, and it was a hit too. Creamy, earthy, with just the right amount of indulgence to make you feel like you’re treating yourself without veering into food coma territory. This dish could easily become a favorite for anyone who enjoys the cozy embrace of carbs and mushrooms. If orzo could hug you, this one would.
And then there was the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Rich, gooey, and unapologetically sweet—everything you want in a dessert that leaves you feeling like you’ve just won a small, sugary lottery. It’s the kind of dessert that could make you forget your troubles, even if only for a few blissful minutes.
Now, as much as the food shone, the vibe, I’m afraid, was more of a dim flicker. The black curtains were just plain weird. They were off-putting, to say the least. They didn’t absorb light and seemed to suck the energy right out of the room.
We couldn’t quite understand the purpose of the blackboard with a menu being carted around. It was awkward, cumbersome, and felt like watching a waitress perform in a low-budget improv show where the props are too big for the stage. It’s as if someone thought, “Let’s make this place mysterious,” but ended up with something closer to “Let’s make this place slightly creepy.” A printed menu, would be so much more dignified.
Curiosity got the better of us and we requested to visit the upstairs bar area. Upstairs was a different story—literally, a day-night difference. The bar area had a distinctly ‘gambling den’ aura, complete with dim lighting and a slightly weird feel that made me wonder if we’d stumbled into the wrong place altogether.
The ambiance was something that can only be described as ‘Poker Night at the Den of Dubious Intentions.’ It had a vibe that might appeal to those looking to lay low after a heist. Dimly lit, shadowy corners—it was all very film noir, minus the trench coats.
In the end, while the food at Praca Prazeres hits the mark, the overall experience could use a bit of sprucing up. Nevertheless, the service at Praca Prazeres deserves a shout-out. The staff was attentive and friendly, managing to add a warm touch to the evening.
The Goan or Indian palate might appreciate the flavours on offer, but in a world where Saturday night is all about escaping the weeks drudgery, a restaurant has to be more than just its dishes. So, while the food is fine, maybe Praca Prazeres can ditch the black curtains, retire the traveling blackboard, and serve a bit of “vibe” at least on a weekend.
Honest Reviews 