I have had trouble getting reservations for restaurants. What is the best way to reach people: phone, email? My bowser keeps saying can't reach the email site and the phone has not gone well either.
Have you tried a reservation site like The Fork to see if the restaurant you'd like to visit is available?
I have visited Portugal nearly 20 times over many years and there is only one place that I book, as I always order their specials, which need 24 hours notice, so I pop in. Otherwise, I just turn up.
It very much depends on where you are. In Lisbon or some of the other very popular tourist locations - in very popular restaurants - reservations might be needed. In smaller locations, not so much. And, even if you do need reservations, they can likely wait until you are here. Stopping by during their lunch service to reserve for that evening is usually plenty of time.
But, I also use The Fork when I can.
I have never heard of The Fork!
We just made a reservation at Belcanto via e-mail.
We have used the fork while looking in trip advisors. Works great