New Bedford dining recommendations??

[laurenpaul]

Hi,
I haven't been to NB in years but I have to believe its Portuguese heritage would lend itself to some great restaurants. (I remember a good restaurant, not ethnic, called Candleworks years ago). What's good these days? We need recommendations... thanks!!

[kspst]

If you're looking for Portuguese i'd recommend Cafe Funchal- they just moved and expanded, but the food a few weeks ago was great. Cafe Balena (sp?) has great Italian food. And Cork is a very hip/ funky wine bar w/ some great dishes.

[joe the chef]

Coincidentally, My wife and I were recently planning to celebrate our 30th anniversary at Cafe Balena; made reservations several weeks in advance; then showed up on the day (a wednesday) to find the place closed, with no sign or indication that they were on vacation. (Sign in door said open and phone machine message didn't say they had taken the night off.) So we went to Funchal, which we'd been to once before and had liked; unfortunately, it didn't live up to our previous experience.
Meanwhile, Balena's chef/owner made up some lame excuse about being on vacation when I finally reached him by phone the next day (he didn't return my call; I had to call twice.) He promised to "take care of us" if we came in on Sunday, which we did. Then he stayed out of sight the entire night (despite there being only one other party); and took nothing off the bill. So I explained to the waiter what had happened and asked that he comp us the wine, which, after consulting with the chef/owner, he did. But the chef/owner never came over to apologize for what happened. Not a great way to run a business, even if your food and the rest of the experience is generally superior.

[LStaff]

Went along to Cafe Funchal based on a rec from a family friend that has good taste, but was slightly dissapointed by it mediocrity. Littlenecks app was just ok with the liquid being a little salty. Pork and littlenecks were kind of one note, with a salty sauce that was made even saltier by the spiced potatoes - and only 4 littlenecks on the plate. A grilled salmon dish was overcooked and dry, and a chicken mozambique that my wife described the same as the Pork and clams. One of our party raved about the shrimp mozambique though. Good deal on a monday nights - 2 entrees, 1 app, and a bottle of wine for $40-$50 depending on what entrees you pick. I am sure there is something there that would please at that price.

[allieb2031]

Not sure about Portuguese places, but I've had good meals at Elizabeth's and Margaret's in Fairhaven!

http://earthlyepicurean.blogspot.com/

[elagain]

Cafe Balena has HORRIBLE service. My husband and I went about 6 months ago, I don't have enough time to type out the experience but we will NEVER RETURN. The food wasn't bad either, but based upon the shoddy service all night we will never return. Ever.

I signed onto Chow to look for reviews of a nearby restuarant which has been recently (I belive) renovated: The Pasta House in Fairhaven, MA. I did not find any mention of it on Chow, although I believe its been around many years.... We plan to go this evening -- I'll be back to give a review.

[GG Mora]

Wow – The Pasta House first opened when I was in college in NB back around 1980...I can't believe it's still around! My boyfriend and I went there for a couple of "fancy" dinners. I fondly remember a tortellini dish – cream sauce with peas and ham. Mmmm. Sorry I can't give you a current review, but thanks for the flashback.

[joth68]

I believe catsmeow means Ma Raffas. I would also recommend Freestones, Candleworks, and ANTONIO'S!!!

[catsmeow]

Ma Ravas...excellent moderatly priced Italian. Large portions too. Sometimes, when I'm down that neck of the woods, I buy a quart of the sauce to bring home to Boston..