It's not the best start when you enter a restaurant, after making a reservation, only to be escorted to your table and find it already occupied.
With the restaurant packed to capacity, my dinner date and I were then relegated to another table. For me, that’s a deal-breaker at a restaurant – along with shoddy service. I made my discontent known to the floor manager, who then found me a table that was more to my liking.
I have to compliment him on being attentive enough to return to the table with an apology for the undue delay and a goodwill gesture of complimentary drinks.
There are many refreshing cocktails on offer.
Having visited Beira Alta several times – my most memorable dining experience being at the Ballito franchise – I was au fait with several of the
dishes.
I skipped the starters, as my main meal – Dina’s calamari and prawn combo – was sufficient to satisfy my hankering for seafood. It’s accompanied by the usual offerings of chips, rice or vegetables.This meal didn’t disappoint. The rice, mixed with black beans, soaked up the
delicious sauce, with just the right amount of heat. And it was bursting with flavours.
My friend, a vegetarian, chose to have the vegetable curry stir-fry from the scant options. It was seasoned well, served with an abundance of vegetables. And you could taste the wonderful coconut curry sauce, which carried the dish.
You can’t go wrong in ordering seafood here. However, there are plenty of red meat and chicken options.
The Portuguese sardines is a popular dish at Beira Alta.
Also, there are a variety of dessert options, which we were disappointed with. As far as venues go, the restaurant is spacious and the waiters attentive.
Will I go back? Yes. But not to appease my sweet tooth!
Beira Alta Restaurant is at Shop No 63 Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways. Call 011 511 1307 or email: [email protected]