Chiado: The Summerlicious Experience 2024

Progressive Portuguese sounds like a recipe for success.

Summerlicious’ blurb about Chiado is the following:

The critically acclaimed Chiado Restaurant is a beautiful blend of old-world charm and timeless elegance. Chef Albino Silva’s progressive, modern Portuguese cuisine has been praised for its bold flavours and creative presentations that, along with an extensive wine list, including one of the best selections of Portuguese wines in Canada, and attentive service, will indulge you in the ultimate dining experience.

I was looking for a restaurant with a good selection of fish and Chiado fits the bill nicely. This is a Portuguese dining experience after all.

$75 Dinner (Plus taxes and gratuity)

Appetizer

• Lobster & Shrimp Bisque (saffron, cognac)
• Watercress, Spinach, Arugula (pickled beets, pear, walnuts, lemon vinaigrette, vegetarian)
• Goat Cheese (toasted over eggplant, quince jam, field mushrooms, champagne vinaigrette)
• Grilled Sardines (chickpea puree, onion confit, salsa verde)
• Ceviche of Salmon (avocado, pineapple, cucumber, passion fruit vinaigrette)
• Roasted Quail (boneless, fried cassava, creamy exotic mushrooms sauce, vegetarian)

Main Dish

• Seared Tuna Steak (anchovy, black olive, capers salsa)
• Pan Seared Fillet of Fluke (vegetables, fennel, orange, cilantro)
• Grilled Fillet of Atlantic Salmon (crusted with fresh herbs, plum chutney)
• Risotto of Monkfish (saffron, fresh tomato, fresh herbs)
• Roasted Breast of Capon (crusted with fresh herbs, garlic with piri-piri)
• Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb (red douro wine, rosemary sauce)
• Risotto of Seasonal Vegetables (vegetarian)

Dessert

• Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart
• Lemon Cake (rose sabayon)
• Creme Caramel Flan (citrus infused, blackcurrant coulis)
• Molotof (meringue of eggwhites, creme anglaise)

I ordered the following:

• Lobster & Shrimp Bisque (saffron, cognac)
• Seared Tuna Steak (anchovy, black olive, capers salsa)
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart

My guest ordered:

• Lobster & Shrimp Bisque (saffron, cognac)
• Pan Seared Fillet of Fluke (vegetables, fennel, orange, cilantro)
• Molotof (meringue of eggwhites, creme anglaise)

Located a little past Ossington Ave and College St. this Portuguese delivers on the ambiance and food.

Since this was the first day of Summerlicious I expected it to be packed but it was not so. An early reservation might have explained why the place was relatively empty but this is no problem for me. Easier to talk and enjoy the atmosphere.

The air conditioning was cranked up a bit much for my tastes given this relatively humid day. A few drops started on the way in to the restaurant but no downpour at least. Parking was surprisingly available very close to the entrance only after doing a couple rounds around the block attempting to find parking. A few loonies in the Green P machine is worth it given the slight walk into the establishment.

Lighting and ambiance was very nice. The walls are adorned by paintings giving it pleasant atmosphere. The fact we were easily seated with a pick of anywhere in the restaurant was a great touch.

A glass of white wine went well with the fish as I suspected. I can’t remember the brand off the top of my head but it was good. Those wine glasses with the restaurant name etched on them was an interesting touch.

The portions were generous and extremely filling. The fish was excellent as I hoped for and plated beautifully.

I can’t complain here. The price is on the higher side of the spectrum and is worth it. The food, service and ambiance were superb.

Definitely recommended to anyone who is looking for some quality fish dishes.

Watercress, Spinach, Arugula (pickled beets, pear, walnuts, lemon vinaigrette, vegetarian)

Seared Tuna Steak (anchovy, black olive, capers salsa)

Lobster & Shrimp Bisque (saffron, cognac)

Pan Seared Fillet of Fluke (vegetables, fennel, orange, cilantro)