What should I order at Formiga?
Formiga
Garlic Prawns / Garlic Shrimp
Mentioned multiple times as absolutely fantastic with a rich and flavorful garlic sauce, highly recommended to pair with bread to soak up the sauce. Described as a must-try and cooked to perfection.
Fried Cuttlefish (Choco Frito)
Frequently praised as one of the best the reviewers have eaten, loved by both adults and kids, noted for freshness and great taste, making it a signature dish of the place.
Mussels and Clams (Amêijoa)
Highly recommended seafood options that were enjoyed along with garlic shrimp; fresh and delicious, contributing to the overall outstanding seafood experience.
Marinated Seafood Salads / Salada de Polvo (Octopus Salad)
Noted as the best ever eaten by one reviewer; the octopus salad includes marinated vegetables and is highly appreciated for its flavor and generous portions.
Butter and Garlic Shrimp
Specifically mentioned for freshness, aroma, and amazing taste, often served with toasted or buttered bread, enhancing the dining experience.
Pastel de Nata / Tarta de Nata
Described as delicious Portuguese pastries, with the Tarta de Nata being so good that a reviewer bought the entire pie-sized tart.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 9:30 PM |
About Formiga
Formiga is a restaurant in Sesimbra, Portugal, serving seafood and restaurant fare with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Reviewers most often praise the cuttlefish, shellfish, garlic shrimp, clams, and seafood salads, along with fresh food and generous portions. The place is described as casual and cozy, with outdoor and rooftop seating, sea views, and friendly service. It is popular with groups, tourists, and solo diners, and it is known for offering good value at an affordable price range of €15–20.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Formiga known for?
Formiga is best known for fried cuttlefish and shellfish dishes, especially clams, mussels, garlic shrimp, and seafood salads. Reviewers repeatedly mention fresh seafood, generous portions, and a local feel in Sesimbra.
What dishes are most recommended at Formiga?
The most recommended items are fried cuttlefish, garlic shrimp or garlic gambas, clams, mussels, and marinated seafood salads. Reviewers also call out buttered rustic bread, calamari, filled crab, and desserts like Pastel de Nata and chocolate cake.
What is the atmosphere like at Formiga?
The atmosphere is casual and cozy, with outdoor seating and rooftop seating that can include a view over Sesimbra. Reviewers describe it as lively but friendly, a place that works well for groups, tourists, and solo diners.
Is Formiga good value, and what is the price range?
Formiga is priced around €15–20, and reviewers often say the portions are generous for the money. Several reviews call the prices affordable or average for Sesimbra and say the seafood quality makes it worth the cost.
Do you need to plan ahead for a meal at Formiga?
Yes, the venue accepts reservations and is noted for usually having a wait, especially when it is busy. Reviewers mention that it can be crowded even at opening or during lunch, so going early or being ready to wait can help.
Is parking available at Formiga?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking is available.
Does Formiga have vegetarian options?
Yes, Formiga offers vegetarian options.
Is Formiga kid-friendly?
Yes, Formiga is good for kids.
Restaurants like Formiga in Sesimbra
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