Gosto

Gosto evokes the atmosphere of a small traditional Portuguese villa with the expected wooden floors, colourful tiles and traditional pottery tableware; entering from the hustle and bustle of the Galaxy Hotel’s shopping arcade there is the welcoming ambience of a small casual eatery. Wooden furniture with large chairs and simply laid cutlery invoke a feeling of charm ideal for a casual meal with family or friends.

Gosto serves expected dishes with a certain flare and charm that makes for a satisfied meal with friends or family; it is not an epicurean masterpiece where guests will be mesmerized with new taste sensations. A starter of sautéed Portuguese tiger prawns with garlic, chilli and beer was pleasant but not outstanding; the prawns devoid of any succulence from a broth which whilst full of flavour was best enjoyed with the table bread unceremoniously dunked into it. A main of roasted Macanese style African chicken was executed well yet an overly oily plate removed any element of roasting; the result a wet creation that slid around the plate; the essence of flavour was there with a liberal use of spices requiring quite a few accompanying glasses of water; hand cut chips added little to the dish and an ordered side plate of roasted seasonal vegetables were served wholly overcooked and completely cold; all up a disappointing experience. Desserts are served from a trolley wheeled to your table and offering an array of tarts and cakes; a selected Serradura was pleasant.

A small yet interesting list of exclusively Portuguese wines with many available by the glass, allows you to try some interesting regional variations. The master wine list of the Galaxy is available but the restaurant’s more intimate list is perfectly priced and a better accompaniment to the menu offered.

Gosto is a family restaurant and staff are adept at looking after children who seem to be running everywhere; attention to detail is lacking with plates left to linger and glasses occasionally refilled; ordered dishes were not introduced. Service could be improved as vacant smiles only go so far.

Gosto is not expensive, expect to pay around MOP800 for dinner for two; value perhaps but food and service need to be improved.