mark Sep 22,2006

One of my top three Toronto dining experiences of all time. Excellent service, incredible menu, and a perfect dining atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Also a great spot for celebrity spotting if that's your thing. Clive Owen was at the table next to us at our last visit, and apparently Cameron Diaz was there the previous week.

NC Sep 18,2006

Chiado totally turned me (and my Portuguese SO) on to the blood sausage. I have had it in lots of stews (particularly octopus) and hated it; but when grilled to the point where the skin blisters, it is amazing.

It is $8 for maybe a quarter serving each of blood sausage and linguica at Chiado. Pick the stuff up at the market for a fraction of the cost and throw it on a hot BBQ; delish.

et Sep 18,2006

If you haven't got the message yet - Chiado, Chiado, Chiado!
Do order the fresh fish of the day, but also order a serving (to share) of the Pata Negra Prosciutto (from their bar menu - which is separate from their dining menu). IMHO the best 'ham' available anywhere in North America (it also goes well with the Luis Pato sparkler that is available by the glass).

NovoCuisine Sep 17,2006

It's worth the money; great food, service, and atmosphere.

It is the only place I've been to that successfully dialed Portuguese cuisine up a notch. There is a reason it is constantly preached.

estufarian Aug 21,2006

Agree on the piri-piri shrimp!
In general avoid the more 'traditional' Portuguese dishes and concentrate on the more 'nouvelle' styles - albeit using traditional ingredients.

I find the traditional courses are very 'heavy' - in contrast to the newer styles. Hearty food (maybe perfect in winter) rather than elegant. In fairness, this means I haven't ordered them for a few years now, so this could have changed. I theorize that the occasional disappointed review of Chiado relates to the menu choice (and sometimes a little chauvinism on the part of the servers, although the latter has not been at all in evidence on recent visits). And by all means order fish (simply prepared) - I still think Chiado has the best fish in town.
And one item I always order now is the Prosciutto pata negra on the bar menu. Double the price of all other bar items, but a taste that's unavailable anywhere else in T.O. (or North America?) to my knowledge. And it goes perfectly with a glass of the Luis Pato Baga Sparkler (also a rarity in Toronto).

hampark Aug 20,2006

You have to try the Fish. They do whole grilled fish excellently. I remember having an octopus appetizers that was very good. For a main, I'd suggest going for a daily special (of which there usually are several) not something on the menu. I got the impression that they keep the menu pretty basic and add specials to keep it fresh (literally).

fed Aug 20,2006

depends which menu you're ordering from. If it's the bar menu, definitely the piri piri shrimp, and also the chourico selection. If you can spare the cash I would also try out their prosciutto. Marinated sardines, octopus salad, etc etc everything's well done.

If ordering from the main menu, I would definitely order a whole fish. What they have depends on what got flown in from the Açores (literally). I am a fan of the Dourada and Boca Negra.

Sometimes it seems that you have to let them know ahead of time that you want to order from the bar menu...I'm not really sure what the requirements are.

TorontoJo Jul 26,2006

if you really want to check out Chiado, sit at the wine bar and order from their bar/tapas menu. You can have a great meal of small plates and a glass of lovely Portuguese wine for $40 - $50.

Anonymous Mar 15,2005

Recommended by friend from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Food excellent, prices are steep. Some of the BEST Portuguese red wine outside of Portugal.

Anonymous Mar 13,2005

The food was below average, uninteresting, and overpriced. The waiters were unhelpful and the place lacked character.