Barra Santos

“Had a fantastic dinner here last month! It’s a cozy, bar-centric spot with an amazing, lively atmosphere. The daily special when we visited was the shrimp, and it was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The rest of the dishes we ordered were great as well. Highly recommend this place for a casual night out”

“Loved it here! We visited for the first time last night and it was soo nice and quaint. The vibe is really nice, the lighting inside is beautiful. We sat outside and the atmosphere was very nice. The staffs were so friendly and attentive, in the way that wasn’t too much. They were super nice and accommodating. We got a bottle of sparkling brut and 4 appetiser to share. Every dish was very delicious! Super fresh and saturated in tastes and ingredients. We loved it. Parking was easy on a Monday night. There is a few street spots available and many spots open inside the alley nearby. Definitely would be back!”

“Mostly bar seating, low light, a room that feels lived-in rather than designed. You slide onto a stool and almost immediately feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time. The staff chats easily, offers suggestions, and never rushes you. It’s intimate in the right way, making it an excellent date spot. The bluefin tuna crudo sets the right opening note. Silky fish bathed in olive oil, bright citrus, a peppery finish that lingers. The kind of bite that reminds you how little needs to be done when the product is right. The endive salad follows with sharpness and crunch, almonds toasted perfectly, oranges adding sweetness. Then the smoked paprika vinaigrette settles in, deepening with each bite. The ibérico ham is exceptional. Thinly sliced, melting instantly, deeply savory. The piri piri chicken confit is all comfort. Crispy skin gives way to tender, warm meat, the spicy sauce bringing heat without aggression. Paired with the frisée offering freshness and balance. Dessert is understated. The spiced almond cake is homemade, textured and finished with citrus zest and crème fraîche. Barra Santos feels like a place built by people who cook with intention and genuinely enjoy being here. The food follows suit.”

“Barra Santos is a cozy spot with a nice vibe and plenty of outdoor and bar seating. The service is great, making you feel right at home. Parking is difficult but we got lucky and got a spot right in front. After 4 you ca park across the street at the coffee place for $5 The menu is more of a Portuguese tapas style, focusing on small plates to share rather than larger traditional Portuguese dishes. The cod fish fritters and crudo are definitely highlights—they're really tasty! The sardines might be a bit on the salty side, and while the bifana pork sandwich is good, it’s not the traditional version you'd expect. The pastel de nata (Portuguese custard cups) were just okay—not great but not bad either. If you want fantastic ones, Natas Cafe in Sherman Oaks does them better. If you live downtown or on the east side glassel park, eagle rock , it's definitely worth a visit. We made the trek from the West Valley because I've been wanting to try it, especially since I love Portuguese food. Overall, Barra Santos is a cute spot to enjoy some tasty food in a relaxed setting, even if a few dishes could use some improvement but I'm a food snob and also don't like things really salty. Great vibe so try it!”

“went to Barra Santo Restaurant and was initially impressed by the cozy atmosphere and beautiful space, but unfortunately the food and overall experience were a major disappointment. I ordered the shrimp dish, which came with what tasted like Trader Joe’s cookies on the side, something that felt very odd and disconnected from the plate. Another dish was anchovies with red bell peppers and potato chips. The portions were extremely small, and the entire concept seems designed to push you into ordering at least five plates just to feel satisfied. The chicken lacked flavor completely. What disappointed me the most was the wine service. My glass of wine arrived with visible wax and pieces of paper inside. When I asked the waitress about it, she said the wax came from the bottle and that it was “normal,” but I’ve had plenty of wine in my life and never experienced paper floating in it. She offered to remove it from the bill, yet when the check arrived, the wine was still included. Overall, it felt like the restaurant cares more about turning tables than building relationships with customers who would actually want to return. The ambiance was lovely, but the food, service, and attention to detail left me with no desire to come back.”