Tasquinha do Joy
Ericeira Insiders Most Popular Restaurants Series
Tasquinha do Joy is the restaurant that convinced us to move to Ericeira. We (4 Swedish siblings) arrived to Ericeira on the 1st of January 2016. Slightly hangover after a new years eve in Lisbon we managed to get a table at Joy. It was warm enough to sit outside. We ordered the Mariscada and a bottle of white wine was included. The view seduced us. And as the saying goes; the rest is history.
Tasquinha do Joy is located just above Praia dos Pescadores. When the weather in Ericeira is good (as it often is) we recommend you to do the same as us. Sit outside on the sidewalk and enjoy the ocean view and people watching. This restaurant embodies all the great things about Ericeira.
Tasquinha do Joy has a laid-back atmosphere and the family that runs it creates a homely atmosphere. They serve genuine Portuguese food with plenty of garlic and olive oil. Start with the garlic bread and the grilled cheese.
What to Order at Tasquinha do Joy
Tasquinha do Joy is always full and when you see their Frigideira a Joy you will understand why. The dish is an explosion of mussels, clams and shrimps all blended together in a tomato sauce. Arrive hungry and make sure you plan for a siesta when you have finished the meal. The telha à Joy is another hit, you get both polvo (octopus) and bacalhau and it is served on a rustic clay tray. The octopus is tender, some guest even claiming it’s the best octopus they ever had. Joy also serve tasty French fries and their grilled fish is good if you want something less garlicy and oily but equally good.
All the portions are huge, when you see the food you will think it’s too much and then you will finish everything, it is that tasty. The house wine will be of great assistance, its vinho verde on tap, it comes both by the glass; charming clay jugs or in a big clay pitcher. It’s very easy to drink and refreshing.
They also have a dish of the day (prato do dia) that offers great value and the possibility to try something very Portuguese.
The deserts are equally wholesome and rustic. I know you think you can’t possibly eat more, but trust me, order a bica and a couple of desserts to share.
When the bill comes your wallet will thank you.