First impressions of Gosto, the Portuguese restaurant at the Galaxy Macau, can vary: the warm and genial manager and wait staff contrast with the absence of a greeting at the front entrance of the restaurant, we were later told that the hostess was apparently busy that day. When you are located in a busy thoroughfare of one of Macau’s hottest new super resort-casinos, perhaps expectations can be toned down slightly. Indeed, all is forgotten once you step in and take a seat under the wonderful domed ceiling, the interior invoking just enough of a rustic Iberian feel, though perhaps a little mismatched with the veneer furniture and wall fittings. Gentle Portuguese folk music plays softly in the background while two private rooms provide a more intimate setting if diners so choose.

Although classed as a Portuguese restaurant, there are some popular Macanese items on the menu such as African chicken as well as a roast Portuguese version. One of Gosto\\'s recommended dishes is a chicken and rice soup, to go along with the more commonly found caldo verde. The signature chorizo is juicy and fatty without being overly spicy, and the Portuguese salad is chock-full of tomatoes, capsicum, red onions, cucumbers and mesclun with a subtle olive oil dressing and thin slices of hard Portuguese cheese: an excellent and refreshing combination with the chorizo. But the highlight of any Portuguese menu must surely be the cod, or bacalhau, and at Gosto, the bacalhau are given their own menu: baked, braised, grilled, stewed, salt-baked. The baked bacalhau with cream and mashed potatoes is cooked au gratin with a rich and satisfying flavour. The African chicken is tender, moist and thoroughly tasty - the chef here err on the milder side of spicy, so make sure to request an extra notch of spice if that is to your taste. Curried Portuguese crab is always a delight, especially if you visit during crab season when the crab is juicy and firm. The quality of the crab stands out here, even if the curry itself is a little one-note and needs just an extra pinch of salt.

There is a great selection of Portuguese wines available, covering most budgets and catering to the high-end: ranging from MOP180 up to MOP33,800 for rare and vintage port and fortified wines. A large selection of over eight different types of sangria rounds out the rest of an otherwise straightforward alcohol menu.

The wait staff are enthusiastic, friendly and informative, and are happy to offer opinions and suggestions.

Geared with large portions, a wide range of wines and sangria, a good, hearty meal can be enjoyed for about MOP1,000 for two.