Vasco's Portuguese Charcoal Grill

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Went with my partner after someone gave us a deal from the internet for a 7 course degustation. Food was excellent with a wide variety. Went again a week later and ordered off the menu and was just as satisfied. Great food, well presented and well within budget. Will definitely be dining here again.

Nov 28, 2011 

4.3 Below Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  2     

We came here because we got a deal from Living Social. The food was "OK", but the staff treated us like second class citizens. We won't be returning.

Oct 04, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

We decided to try Vascos after buying a special deal for a 7 course tasting menu. I was a little apprehensive after reading some poor reviews. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The food was flavoursome. The variety great. All dishes were served quickly by lovely staff. There was a lively atmosphere yet it was still possible to have a conversation without leaving with ringing ears. Overall, I was very impressed and will definitely return to sample more of the menu.

Sep 04, 2011 

4 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  1     

Saying it was disappointing is too kind. I kept walking past the window and its always full, so when I was given a special deal, I thought I'd check it out.
Two of us went and got the 7 course degustation meal plus sangria. Surprisingly it was a set menu and there was no choice.

Here is what we got: 2 fried croquettes (s'posed to be chicken and manchego) filled with tasteless creamy mash and one splinter of chicken. 2 small chargrilled squid and chorizo skewers with dressing (covered in lemony parsley oil). 1 fried arancini ball with sauce. 2 fried zucchini puffs with tart creamy sauce. 4 prawns in cream sauce, 1/2 chicken in piri piri sauce. 1small bowl of casseroled carrot with a tablespoon (total) flakes of goat, topped with fried potatoes. 1 side plate of green salad drowned in oil. 1 small jug sangria.

Overall, far too greasy! no flavours were subtle or blended together. Voucher said it was $132 value but it wasn't even worth half that.

Aug 16, 2011 

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  3     

We went for dinner and I was unimpressed. The only positive thing I have to say is the wall mural is nice. They need a resaurant manager. Everything was slow and unorganised. Food was lukewarm and tasteless. We were there for lunch 6 months ago and it was great, what happened?

Feb 03, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

We've been here twice and found the food good on the first occasion. We ordered the banquet the last time, which was very ordinary and everything was draped in the same sauce and there wasn't a lot for our table of 6. However, the service was good and we were particularly thankful that they looked after my husband's credit card which he left behind.

Apr 08, 2010 

3.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  3      Service  1      Value  4     

Not a real portuguese restaurant. There are no main dishes of bacalhao (cod fish).
Food was average and overpriced. Probably the worst service I've seen in Canberra. The mains took 1.5 h to make it to our table. Lots of excuses from the staff and an inappropriate comment from the staff saying the food was worth the wait.

Feb 07, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

We were a group of 6 adults and six children and there was something for everyone at this busy, buzzy place. The food was very good from the mixed entrees to the mains. We all had something different (I had the chicken with lemon) and everyone enjoyed their meals which were well cooked, nicely presented and very generous, although some were a bit on the spicy side for the kids. The service was friendly and efficient and glasses were filled, orders delivered with a smile. Great for families and not too expensive. Worth a visit.

Sep 14, 2009 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

We found this place warm and friendly. The food was great and plentiful. The sauce on the signature dish was very tasty. Other people dining appeared relaxed and appeared to be enjoying their meals in a not too noisy environment.

Feb 23, 2009 

6.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     

I very much enjoyed my salmon but my dining companions had mixed reviews. Steaks were generally agreed to be the best option. Not much for vegetarians! Good place for a group, probably slightly overpriced. Service could be improved.

Jan 30, 2009