Seemor
Contrabando Almada
R. Cap. Leitão 29A, 2800-135 Almada, Portugal
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1596 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired spot with lively vibes and big portions, but service inconsistencies, pricing disputes, and loudness mean experiences vary widely.
Restaurant Summary
A buzzy Almada hangout where groups pile in for ribs, fajitas, and cocktails, Contrabando leans loud and lively. Servers are often warm and upbeat, though coordination slips when it is packed. One diner summed it up: "Fun spot with tasty plates, but delays and noise can test your patience." Expect a high-energy room with close tables and music that ramps up on busy nights. The cooking is Mexican-inspired with local touches rather than strict tradition. Think crowd-pleasing flavors over purist recipes: fajita trios with all the fixings, BBQ boards, quesadillas, and the occasional twist like octopus tacos. Portions are usually generous, but there are reports of shrinkage and the odd cold plate. Pricing feels mid-to-high for Almada, and extras like filtered water charges can push the bill. Families do come—and many feel welcome—with easy wins like quesadillas, burgers, fries, and simple tacos. That said, it is a noisy environment at peak times and service can slow, so early dinners or off-peak visits are best. Vegan diners should double-check options as accommodations have been inconsistent.
At a Glance
- Lively atmosphere with generous portions and popular cocktails
- Mexican-inspired comfort dishes suit groups and casual nights
- Service delays and coordination issues at peak times
- Pricing confusion and water charges frustrate diners
- Large groups report seating disputes and rushed table turns
What Sets It Apart
- octopus_tacos_local_twist
- cocktail_focus
- neighborhood_bustle
What People Love
- Feel-good vibe when service hits stride
- Ribs and BBQ plates with bold flavor
- Octopus tacos as a local twist
- Margaritas when made promptly
- Big-group energy on weekends
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or disorganized when busy; expect waits for mains and cocktails
- Promotions and discounts have exclusions; confirm before ordering
- Filtered water is billed; ask pricing upfront
- Noise levels are high with music and crowds
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (elevated low-activity accounts, templated responses, marketing-like language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€30-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Go for Quesadilha Gringa (€12.90) plus a shared dessert (€4.50-7.90) for value
- If ordering fajitas (€28 listed), confirm sides and spiciness level
Perfect For
- Casual dinners with friends
- Cocktail-led nights with shared plates
- Easygoing date where lively is welcome
- Neighborhood meetups before crossing the river
Location Insights
Area: Central Almada near shops and transit; casual local crowd with weekend bustle.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets and adequate lighting; typical urban foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to shopping streets and the river-facing ridge; convenient for meetups before heading to Cacilhas.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 19:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 19:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 19:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 19:00–00:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 19:00–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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