I think I have grown tired of dining at Oficina do Sabor. I wanted to dine here primarily for…read moretheir commemorative plate ("Boa Lembrança"). We called ahead and asked if we needed a reservation, and were told that we did not, but when we got here, almost all of the tables had "reserved" signs on them and only 2 tables were left and where we were sat was very hot. I felt really bad for the waitstaff, because in an effort to monetize his restaurant, Chef Cesar Santos has changed their uniforms, which now look more like a Formula 1 or NASCAR uniform, featuring Coca-Cola and Natto (the Brazilian equivalent of Purdue chicken) logos all over their shirts. We started with gratinéed oysters, but the béchamel sauce was grainy as if it had broken--not pleasant. My main course, shrimp and octopus (named "tico tico" after the music by Carmen Miranda) was served barely warm, and actually cold in parts. My wife's main course was a fish with a plantain puree. She thought the fish was forgettable and the puree was terrible. After not having luck with the appetizer or the main course, I decided not to have dessert. While the service was still very good, and the ambiance/décor continue attractive, the food quality seems to have fallen precipitously.

We loved this place. They have a great view on their back patio looking out over the city of Olinda…read moreand Recife. It was a bit expensive but we're told that we must go and try their shrimp stuffed roasted pumpkin which was as good as everyone said. It was plenty to split between the two of us.