While Doris and I were visiting St Petersburg on a mini staycation we didn’t quite know where to go for dinner. There are so many multinational restaurants to choose from one being better than the next. So, we did our usual research and asked some locals then read a few reviews. The one that stood out was Fado Portuguese Restaurant as it was recommended by several of the locals.
From the moment that we entered, we were engulfed with the rich aroma that is unmistakably Portuguese cuisine. We arrived around 7:20 for our 7:30 reservation and were promptly greeted and seated. While walking to the table you can feel the vibrant atmosphere created by the festive patrons.
Once we reached our table the first thing that I noticed was that all of the tables were meticulously set and ready for service. Upon being seated our waiter Bruno presented us with the menus and in classic fashion Doris first, then myself, proper service is not dead. He reviewed the beer and wine list with us and then gave us a few minutes to decide what we would like to drink. I noticed on the menu that they had a soda imported from Portugal called Sumol. Doris had the passion fruit, and I had the pineapple, which Bruno said was his favorite. Both were very good and not overly sweet. If you are not in the mood for alcohol, I really suggest you try one of the many flavors of Sumol. We skipped the appetizers because we had a larger than usual lunch, however, on our next visit we are without a doubt going to try the Camarão Alhinho that are the Garlic shrimp appetizer, or the Chouriço a Bombeiro which are Portuguese sausage flambéed tableside. Both appetizers came highly recommended to us.
For our entrees, Doris ordered the Mar e Terra which is grilled steak topped with lobster tails served with mashed potatoes & vegetables. I ordered the Camarão à Chef which is shrimp that are sautéed in the Chef’s Special Portuguese Sauce served with white rice and French fries.
My shrimp were quite large and many more than I expected. Which is always a happy surprise. The flavors were incredible so much so that Doris took my sauce and poured it onto her mashed potatoes and vegetables. Every shrimp was tender and packed with flavor. Doris’ steak was cooked spot on to temperature, and the three halves of lobster tail were cooked to perfection. The portion size again was much more than we expected. The star was a beautiful cut and again the lobster melted in your mouth.
For dessert, Bruno rolled over a dessert cart and went over each dessert with us. He told us which were his personal favorites. He explained to us the chef had added a new dessert a pineapple mousse. He had not personally tried it so he could not recommend it, very noble. Since everything was so good, we decided to go with the new pineapple mousse. Our bet was right, just like the entire meal it was excellent. Please keep it on the menu, it’s cool and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness while being a light-as-a-feather dessert. The restaurant was very lively, at least for four of the groups that were celebrating birthdays. They have a beautiful function room for private events and a full-service bar that is absolutely beautiful. There is plenty of seating and a nice-sized parking lot so parking is not an issue. A major plus in St. Pete. This is truly a neighborhood gem, when in St. Pete for business or pleasure you should make it a point to visit Fado.
