Living in a town, where the big retailers are moving to bigger premises in out of town retail Parks, local business closing down due to higher rates, higher overheads, less people around etc etc, it gives us hope that the few local business left can thrive and actually offer something that makes you think OMG how do people not know about this one particular place.
PEROLA DO MAR is one such place, this family own Portuguese restaurant is in Leigh Wigan, and to be honest I only found this place by searching for restaurant’s slightly out of the area I lived, and all that I can say is WOW.
Perola Do Mar is a gem and without a doubt is one of best places my wife & I have been to in well over of year, even outshining all those fancy places that have all showbiz glamour and décor and charge you an absolute fortune for a ok meal.
On entering Perola Do Mar, we were greeted with a warm, smiling friendly owner and for me that speaks volumes and straight away you get that feeling that this is a really good place.
There aren’t many tables and so glad we booked in advance as a family of 4 who came in without booking where turned away.
The décor is very simple but perfect.
When we arrived, we were the 1st there as they had just opened for their dinner service.
The owner was very attentive and checked if you had been before as they advised us how the menu works. The owner even put the music on, nice and low, enough to talk to my wife, without anyone else hearing, the owner even lowered the lighting to make the mood more romantic, very nice touch….just adding to the whole class of the place and the owners who run it.
Of course, the main thing is the meal itself, well its all cooked from scratch and is simple heavenly exquisite, cooked to complete perfection and although it may not seem much the portions make you completely full.
One of owners the chef, even on occasions kept coming out of the kitchen to check on different tables everyone was happy, that in my eyes is brilliant attention to detail and completely believes in the meal he cooked for diners.
The menu has so many options you will have trouble choosing, and there’s no pressure whatsoever in choosing, but my advice, don’t look at the menu in advance as you will defiantly change your mind again ha ha
Perola Do Mar is a place for romantic couples or a family, it has something from babies to the fussy of eaters.
The meal was pure melt in the mouth food, delicious, the main course, the vegetables it was all 100% al Dente.
The owners kept checking everything was fine and even offered suggestions on different things.
Without a shadow of a doubt this will be a regular restaurant to visit, from entrance to leaving the while experience was nothing less than perfect.
This is completely a restaurant worth travelling to, as some other fellow diners came from St Helens, and for that speaks volumes on just how amazing this restaurant is, a pure delight
Justin and Janice
4 months ago
Our 2nd time here and we were not disappointed. There is a reason why this place is listed as #1 in Leigh on TripAdvisor. The food is great and fresh. Beef cooked to order and nice selection of sea food. Very good Sangria and delicious deserts including homemade ice cream. This is a family owned and operated restaurant and you can see this is the great quality of food and attentive and informative service. Here you not only eat Madeiran food but you can also learn about it if you want to. This is a great place to visit for a family and friends meal. Top marks to the owners. We certainly will be back.
Peter & Greg Kaffenberger
9 months ago
Wonderful Portuguese Restaurant. The food was lovely and the indoors space area makes you feel comfortable. Highly recommend.
Eliane Calixte Martins
10 months ago
Genuine freshly cooked authentic Portuguese food. There will be a wait for your main dish, it is worth it.
P BH (Bazzer)
10 months ago
I lived in Portugal for 10 year me and my boyfriend have just been here for dinner for the first time and It was amazing it made me feel like I was actually in Portugal the staff were so so friendly and had some good chats the food was perfect definitely going again :)
Jessi Cancherini
11 months ago
Beautiful food great service we will be bk again xxx
Lynda Bailey
11 months ago
Delicious food especially if you like fish but also plenty of other choices. Good wines from Portugal. Friendly helpful staff. Nice informal atmosphere.
Caroline Reid
1 year ago
Came here for the first time last month and this place is an absolute gem. The food was delicious and the staff are also some of the most welcoming and helpful I have ever met! Small and cosy inside. We will definitely be visiting more in the future!
Emily Knight
1 year ago
Tasty and varied Portuguese food in a relaxed, simple place
Family Run Portuguese (Madeira Island) restaurant. Staff look after you and make you feel very welcome. I honestly was pleased with the quality of the food, huge size of the portions and reasonable prices . I never had a espetada (Madeira style skewers) as good as this outside the island!
They do not add rock/coarse sea salt to the skewers as madeiran do, but I honestly prefer less salty (Portuguese food is salty pretty much across the board. Definitely a problem if you're watching your sodium intake).
We definitely gonna come back and recommend for friends. What a fantastic and lovely experience we had. Lovely Sangrias!!!
I would recommend a booking in advance if you want to be guaranteed a table.
Teresa Elisabeth
1 year ago
Was told about this place by a friend, good job because I would not have come across it otherwise due to the location. I am so glad they did because the food is fantastic. The staff were pleasant and helpful and happy to go through all the various items on the menu. I can't wait to go back and work my way through the menu, there is something to suit any taste, my wife won't eat as much of a variety of dishes as myself but was still spoilt for choice, you need to try.
Steven Dunstan
1 year ago
Excellent food. Superb service. The chocolate and orange sponge cake is the best ever. Well worth a visit. Small and cosy.
Julie F
1 year ago
We've been to Perola do Mar 3 times and it's been amazing each time. Staff are lovely and food is amazing. A hidden little gem and a must if you like authentic Portuguese
Rachael Gribbin
1 year ago
We came here to stop by during a weekend away. The service , great service by Igor and the food was very tasty and authentic. Complimented by great wine and overall general service.
Ryan Lalli
1 year ago
This place is amazing. First visit tonight, what a gem . Great menu choices, especially impressed with the vegetarian dishes. Great customer service. Looking forward to trying again soon.
RS
1 year ago
First visit and what a wonderful experience. Food excellent, service excellent. Great choice of food and drink, will definitely visit again
Diane Lomas
1 year ago
Just had a fab meal here with my son and hubby. Food was delicious and the staff really friendly and helpful, especially the owners son, I'm sorry but I don't know your name! Would definitely come here again if in the area. Can't recommend enough!!
Jo Smith
1 year ago
Absolutely brilliant little hidden gem. I would highly recommend the prawns and the steaks were the best that me or my girlfriend have had in a long time. Will definitely be returning and will definitely recommend to my friends
liam culleton
1 year ago
We had read all of the previous reviews, and came with high expectations. I am delighted to be able to say these were met and excelled. A fabulous little family run restaurant. Hospitality and welcome is second to none. Our food was superb, quality fish, Black Scabard was excellent as was the Swordfish. All served with the wonderful house special sauce. A fabulous range of dishes to choose from, meat or fish. Such a friendly atmosphere and excellent service. Will definitely be returning soon with friends. Thank you for a memorable meal. Continued success in 2021.
John Burns
1 year ago
Wow! The best chicken I've ever had! Friendly staff, absolutely amazing food. Will definitely visit again. Thank you!!!!
Sam P
1 year ago
What an amazing experience. The food was delicious, the drinks were very typical and well done and the staff was super friendly (Specially Mr Norberto, the owner). Wasn't just a meal, it was a "tour" to Madeira and the Portuguese culture. I felt very happy and really recommend it
Telma Honório
1 year ago
Great food...clams were amazing and paella out of this world!! Very friendly service and a lovely refreshing cold beer.
Fiona Taylor
1 year ago
Fantastic! Amazing, delicious freshly cooked food!
Neil Scott
1 year ago
Had another fantastic meal delivered 🥘 food absolutely delicious and good sized portions. Can’t wait til we can actually come and eat in the restaurant
Rachael Scott
2 years ago
Amazing service! Even rang up to ask if it was okay to deliver 10 minutes early. Food was flawless and the portions were great. Plenty of choice for vegetarians/vegans too so my partner was happy. Will definitely be ordering again!
Nyal Blow
2 years ago