Food was very good with good atmosphere. Portions were good sized and tasteful. The service was poor. Waiter had to be called several times and was preoccupied with something else and the restaurant wasn't even busy. When I go to dine I don't want to...keep looking for the waiter. What have been a enjoyable night left my party of friends annoyed.More
Now everyone knows that Mineola has some of the best Portuguese restaurants in the area and LAREIRA is certainly a top contender. Hands down they have the best Sangria and for $15 (1/2 pitcher), I should've up the ante and went for the full pitcher...for $25. Not worried about the cost but more concerned about driving safely after the potent smooth elixir going down. It's really tasty and if you have friends joining you, it becomes a party! Our appetizers of clams & sausage was yummy but the flaming chorizo served tableside was spectacular in its presentation but oh so tasty! Really good flavor, so much depth in the smokiness of a good sausage. Just perfect balance between the fat lean ratio. Would've given a perfect 5 stars if we had been given some empanadas or their homemade chips au gratis like I heard about. Felt jealous when I saw another table received some but we didn't:-( Oh well, our entrees were their dinner special Pork Ossobuco with rice & black beans, a few sliced potatoes & broccoli garnishes. The other dish was Shrimp in a garlic sauce with rice pilaf & sauteed string beans. Everything was tasty but felt cooked a bit more than necessary. The flavors were there only more done like Grandma made it. You never complain about Grandma's cooking. Desserts of flan and molotov was on point. Overall a delightful meal, pleasant service and even the owner came by to make us all feel welcomed. A wonderful restaurant for a date night or family dinner. 2 dining rooms and a bar to hang out too. Happy Eating and I'll see you around the tables from time to time!More
Will return. Homey, pleasant decoration, good service and large portions. The restaurant seems to have three sections, two dining rooms and a bar. We went early at 5 pm on a Wednesday, there was only a couple sat at the other end of the room....The olive container has two sections, one for the pits, which I find cute and practical. Now I'll be on the lookout in stores. Foods are fine. Love their appetizer clams w/ smoked sausage. The duck is on the sweet side and flat tho. Sardine is fine. Great breads but the butter could be better, and the table cloth could be cleaner ... The staff chased us out to return our credit card: thank you! Street parking, I think.More
Excellent food. I had "Conquiha de Mariso". It was mashed potatoes and scallops in a soupy dish. I also had "Paelha de Marisco" which was seafood paella. One has to fight the lobster at times. Comes with a bib. Sometimes they throw in an empanada....All excellent.More
Arrived w reservations seeking a quiet table. We had our choice because of the hour. Ordered our Cosmo and Martini, prepared as requested, perusing menu and considered specials. Shortly after a couple arrived. The gent immediately asked that ac be lowered and proceeded to talk...very loud the entire time. Another couple joined them and his banter was so continuously loud that we asked to change our table to the opposite end of dining area. Waitstaff were genuine in accommodating. (People complain about children in restaurants...he surpassed them and should know better!) So the dinner: Hearty bread, roll, butter and red pepper sprinkled cured olives on table Appetizers: clams casino, empanadas...two each of shrimp*, beef, chicken Gratis plate of potato chips Main: branzino* simply grilled and bone removed table side, mariscado verde...shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels but lobster was but a bite and shell tail empty...nice verde Sides: excellent seasoned fluffy rice, steamed potato and vegs Dessert: Molotov As we left dining room filled more, and an adjacent room was truly filling with young adults enjoying an evening out. Good sign! Fine service.More
We went out with our friends and wanted to try this restaurant near their house. Upon entering the restaurant, it looked very nice and clean. We got our menus, but my child didn't get a kids menu and was never asked if I needed it....So I figured they don't have one for kids. I ordered Paelha Marinheira (seafood paella). My husband ordered the steak (med. rare) and my child ordered the beef/pork skewer. When we got our food, it looked promising. The aroma of my rice dish was enticing. The steak looked juicy and the skewer was suspended vertically. The rice tasted fine, but when it tried the seafood, that was when I was turned off. The scallops were mushy and the shrimps were inconsistent in texture. The biggest disappointment was the lobster. It wasn't fresh lobster at all. In fact it was a shedder (soft shell) lobster that had died prior being frozen and served. The texture was like pate with a freezer burn taste. This is what happens to the meat when you use dead lobsters. The meat decays quickly and turns watery/mushy. Only the clams and mussels were fresh. My husbands steak was well done, dry and complained that it was supposed to be medium rare. They asked him if he wanted them to cook the steak even more?? My child's beef/pork skewer was like eating leather--tough and chewy. By the way, I brought home my dish and gave my cat a piece of the lobster. He sniffed it, looked at me and walked away. Even my cat knows the difference because sometimes I give him fresh shellfish when I make it.More
Been here many times. Excellent Portuguese food. Seafood in green sauce, grilled sardines, the prime rib special one night was outstanding. 2 of us shared it and then took some home. Excellent bread, too. Never disappointed.
The food was horrible. Stomach pains after eating. Stay away! Service wasn't good. Didn't have the table set large enough for our party.
Every time my husband asks me, where I want to go out to eat, Lareira is my answer. Every dish I have ever ordered were absolutely delicious! The service is always great! It's like going out yo eat at your aunts house, you feel like...you are part of the family there! I recomento the caipirinha, the garlic shrimp and the pudim. I can't wait to go back.More
Love ethnic foods and this was my first Portuguese experience. What a great meal and even better service! It was evident this is authentic cuisine prepared with Mama's love and pride!
