REVIEW: Arola Restaurant – Gourmet Tapas in Sintra

Set on Penha Longa Spa & Golf Resort, a Sintra 5 star Resort 20 km out of Lisbon (map), Sergi Arola’s creation is a trendy deluxe restaurant and tapas bar. On a light colour ambience with views over the Resort greens, the chef from the former 2 Michelin Stars Madrid’s La Broche gives Lisbon the opportunity to enjoy his creations.

The atmosphere is informal and somewhat chill-out minimalist. Different sets of white, blue and violet colours combine to create different spaces – a long bar facing the open kitchen, a room with different ambiences and a terrace with views over the golf course. At week-ends nights are filled with life music or a DJ.

As a Ferran Adriá disciple, gastronomy here could not be less that a true experience to the senses. The Atlantic Cuisine is responsibility of to the chef Pedro Baroso, in charge of the kitchen. You can expect the freshest fish from the Market as well as the famous Arola’s Patatas Bravas. Arola’s concept is to offer small portions to share, finishing with an “almost meal” – meaning a small meal.

We chose a degustation menu (€39). Inevitably, it all starts with Catalan bread – with garlic, tomato, olive oil and salt. Small plates of pure delicacies then invaded the table – sardines in passion fruit vinaigrette, Scallop carpacio with coffee and Yuzu vinaigrette and Steak tartar with soy sauce infusion were followed by Arola’s Patatas Bravas and Green pee pure with Iberian ham. Little palate games that combine in perfection. After a Black rice with squid noodles it all ends with a sweet moment. You have a wide wine selection on display as well as a full cocktail menu.

Penha Longa Hotel, Estrada Lagoa Azul, Sintra
Tel: 21 924 9011 (reservation recommended)
Opened: Everyday for lunch and from Wednesday to Sunday for dinner too – kitchen closes at mid-night
Average price: €50