Is there anything more delicious than freshly caught, freshly cooked fish? If the answer is no, this is not this Sal Fish Restaurant Review for you!

One of the things I was most looking forward to about this trip was simple fishy meals. I was aware that its appeal can pale a little after a few days (a week of fried fish in La Herdura taught me that), but I was keen to see what the island had to offer. The ingredients for the perfect fish restaurant are simple. Beachfront location, smoking grill, and bright-eyed (preferably dead) fish. Sol Doce ticked all of those boxes.

It was full on our first visit, although it was slightly less packed the second time round (we had booked via the WhatsApp on the Facebook page, showing we have definitely not taken on the island’s “No Stress” philosophy).

The menu is not extensive, but there is a wide enough variety to satisfy people who are not fond of fish on the grill (I feel I should be channeling my inner Mr T here, as I pity said fools). But the only thing to go for is the fish of the day. If you are lucky, there are 4 or 5 choices (as there were on our first visit), but actually being reduced to a choice of Tuna or Amberjack as we were on the second trip probably did us a favour. The Red Snapper we had the first time was great, but the Amberjack was sublime.

You are very welcome to choose your own fish, or if you are a large enough party, your fish will come to you (just missed a photo of the grill meister twirling a large fish in the air)

There is little I can add to the photos. The fish was delicious, and the home made chips and squashed oven potatoes both made an excellent accompaniment. All for 1450 escudos.

One slightly sour note (literally) was the wine. The white wine by the glass is really not good. As the Chã only sells for 2200 escudos a bottle, keeping that as a “by the glass” alternative would be worth it, I’m sure.

If you are in Santa Maria, this has to be your number 1 choice for lunch. We may well have gone back for a third meal, but that would have spoiled my title.

Conclusion

Rating: 5/5

Restaurante Sol Doce: https://www.facebook.com/RestauranteSolDoce