Founded in 1987 in São Pedro do Estoril, Os Gordos is a well-known pizzeria among locals. One of the key figures since the early 90s, Bernardo Vidigal, even dares to claim that it is “the oldest active pizzeria in the Linha”. On 9th of August, they moved to a new location, swapping São Pedro for Carcavelos, right by the border with Oeiras.
“São Pedro do Estoril used to be a great spot, but it has aged quite a bit”, explains Bernardo Vidigal about the move. “Younger people have left the area. It used to be a transit spot, but that's far from the case now. This location in Carcavelos is much more suited to the vibe and movement we wanted for the pizzeria”.
Vidigal and his brothers, co-owners of the pizzeria, teamed up with a new investor, Rui Lucena, who contributed to the relocation and the necessary renovations of the new space. “I grew up going to Os Gordos”, says Rui Lucena. “We have grandparents bringing their grandchildren, and those who used to come to Os Gordos in the early days; it’s a local restaurant that has marked several generations”.
Although this marks a new phase for the business, the goal was always to maintain its identity. To ensure the familiar atmosphere wasn’t lost, they didn’t want a space that was too large; they now have a dining room and a terrace - only losing four tables compared to the original setup. The menu has mostly remained the same, with an emphasis on homemade pizzas, featuring dough made on-site.
Try, for instance, the Gordos pizza (14€), topped with tomato, cheese, mushrooms, ham, almonds, spinach, raisins, olives, and oregano; the Marginal (14€), featuring tomato, cheese, garlic, ham, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato, black pepper, olives, and oregano; or the Rex (13€), with tomato, cheese, mushrooms, ham, onion, chorizo, olives, and oregano. There are also classic options like the Neapolitan (12€), Four Seasons (13€), Romana (14€), Bolognese (13€), and Diavola (14€).
When it comes to pasta, you can’t go wrong with the classics like spaghetti Bolognese (13,50€), spaghetti carbonara (13,50€), or oven-baked meat and mushroom lasagna (13,50€). There are also signature dishes such as the Gordos fettuccine (13,50€), featuring chicken, broccoli, garlic, onion, and cream; the Feliz fettuccine (13,50€), made with mushrooms, corn, spinach, and cream; the Gordos stuffed tomatoes (14€), filled with Bolognese sauce, mushrooms, and cheese; or the unique Bananatolas lasagna (14€), which combines meat, mushrooms, banana, and cheese baked to perfection.
With the new opening, several dishes have been added to the menu, including seafood risotto (17€), vegetable risotto with asparagus and mushrooms (16€), and linguini nero with shrimp (15€). They also serve salads and a variety of garlic breads as starters.
The legacy of Os Gordos continues nearly 40 years later. “I had people crying at the door when we closed in São Pedro”, recounts Bernardo Vidigal. “We didn’t even realise our social importance. And things have been going very well here in these early days as well”.
Rua Principal, 139B, Carcavelos. 21 156 6542. Tue-Sat 12.00-15.00, 19.00-23.00; Sun 12.00-15.00