Best restaurants in Trofa

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova

★★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine

Rarely has the idea of "bringing the sea to the table" been so literal, so authentic, so wild… to the point where you can feel the waves crashing in the dining room. It is no coincidence that this unique building, declared a National Monument, rises from the rocks of Boa Nova Beach. Chef Rui Paula, with Executive Chef Catarina Correia at his side, based his offering on a verse ("Through seas never before sailed") by the illustrious poet Luís Vaz de Camões in his famous epic The Lusiads. The offer, presented on a concise menu and an excellent tasting menu entitled Cantos, allows you to choose s

Antiqvvm

★★ Michelin€€€€regional

There are places in the world that, simply by their location, exert a particular pull. Such is the case of Antiqvvm, set in a leafy park and a singular building beside the Museu Romântico, as well as a pleasant garden where you can enjoy a meal… with one of the most idyllic views over the Douro! In its elegant rooms, which combine classic and contemporary details with undeniable good taste, chef Vítor Matos champions creative cuisine with elegant dishes of “only apparent” simplicity that conceal an ode to the product (scarlet prawn, red mullet, caviar, sea bass, wagyu, black truffle…). In his

The Yeatman Gastronomic R.

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative

Everyone knows that the city of Porto has a timeless, almost magical charm; what not everyone knows is that one of the best places to take it all in is on the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the Douro. Housed in the luxurious Yeatman hotel and its namesake restaurant, Chef Ricardo Costa presents a creative offering that, via a single, ever-evolving tasting menu (kicking off with appetisers in both the bar area and the kitchen), rests on two pillars: the exaltation of traditional Portuguese gastronomy (the 2021 suckling pig dish stands out) and the use of top-quality sea

Oculto

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Contemporary

It is located inside the former Santa Clara Monastery, on the banks of the Ave River, now converted into the luxurious The Lince Santa Clara hotel, and boasts a truly majestic entrance. The restaurant itself conceals a surprising history, as it was hidden (hence its name) and had to be completely excavated to restore the original stone walls and reveal its beautiful vaulted brick ceilings. The modern and elegant culinary offering, jointly signed by renowned Chefs Vítor Matos and Hugo Rocha, comes exclusively in the form of two tasting menus closely connected to the marine world and seasonal pr

Gastro by Elemento

★ Michelin€€€Contemporary, Grills

Just a few metres from Estádio do Dragão, chef Ricardo Dias Ferreira leans into ancestral cooking where... fire is the star of the show! Here, almost everything is prepared over fire and in the wood-fired oven (embers and low-temperature cooking also play an important role), giving the dishes a very distinctive flavour. With a minimalist feel and a U-shaped table-counter that houses the kitchen within it, the restaurant breathes an industrial air while also incorporating an elegantly decorated dining room. We recommend taking a seat at the counter to watch the entire preparation process and br

Éon

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Contemporary

At Palacete Severo, a luxurious boutique hotel surrounded by gardens and reminiscent of an art gallery (its French owners are art dealers), the renowned chef Tiago Bonito undertakes his most personal project. The space includes a bar area where aperitifs are served before moving to the table, an elegant dining room adorned with fine contemporary works beneath a stunning coffered ceiling, and an additional room used for private dining. The proposal, distinctly gastronomic in nature, revolves around a tasting menu entitled Lés a Lés, from which guests may choose 9 or 14 moments from a list of di

Le Monument

★ Michelin€€€€portuguese

If you feel like going on a high-flying culinary adventure, you will find a magnificent option here, as the luxurious The One Monumental Palace hotel provides the perfect setting. French chef Julien Montbabut, who already reached Michelin star status in Paris, rethinks his concept to take us on a grand culinary journey through Portugal’s various regions. He revisits each region’s classic recipes from his own perspective and lends a touch of modern cuisine and a deep respect for flavours to dishes based on native ingredients. The experience is presented in two versions: Grande viagem [“Grand Jo

Blind

★ Michelin€€€€Creative

This is one of those places where you seek more than just a meal — you seek produce, flavour, technique... and a culinary experience that moves you; not surprisingly, they wanted to pay tribute to José Saramago’s famous work “Blindness” and build their ethos around three concepts that play with the senses: Feel, Touch and Provoke. This restaurant, inside the Torel Palace hotel, is overseen by Chef Vítor Matos and champion a cuisine guided by common sense, serious in presentation yet playful (some blind tastings are offered), with plating not devoid of a theatrical touch. The concept involves a

Vila Foz

★ Michelin€€€€Contemporary

It will surprise you, as it occupies what was once the luxurious events room of the Vila Foz H. & SPA, an evocative 19th-century mansion located opposite Praia do Homem do Leme. Here, surrounded by elegant frames, period goldwork, original lamps and mirrors inspired by grand palatial residences, discover the gourmet cuisine of Chef Arnaldo Azevedo, who through his menus Novo Mundo (entirely vegetarian) and Maresia (more focused on Atlantic products, playing with the tides’ rhythm) champions a contemporary style of cooking that highlights the flavours of Portugal’s fantastic fish and seafood. C

dop

★ Michelin€€€€Contemporary

Set in a historic building but featuring a renovated contemporary interior, this welcoming restaurant stands out as a splendid option for a meal in the city centre, being just a few metres from the 19th-century Mercado Ferreira Borges.Award-winning chef Rui Paula (Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, in nearby Leça da Palmeira) has revamped this establishment’s concept in a more gastronomic direction, focusing solely on a tasting menu called "Não há futuro sem memória" (There’s No Future Without Memory) (available in 6, 10 or 14 courses). The first starters can be served at the bar at the entrance, and su

Pedro Lemos

★ Michelin€€€€Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

Eating at this restaurant, facing the mouth of the Douro, is always a gratifying experience; not for nothing does it occupy a warehouse linked to the city’s naval history, and chef-owner Pedro Lemos introduces himself by saying: “If I feel I don’t fit into this world, it’s because I was born to create my own.” In this space, striking for both its minimalist atmosphere and the presence of large curtains that organise the interior (there’s a bar area where the first aperitifs are served and a beautiful main dining room), the chef champions a contemporary cuisine with strong classical roots, alwa

In Diferente

★ Michelin€€€Contemporary

This welcoming restaurant isn’t in the city centre or on the usual tourist routes, yet... it’s truly worth the visit! Angélica Salvador, the Brazilian-born chef at the helm, offers her take on traditional Portuguese and international cooking through a small menu and two contemporary-leaning tasting menus, Homenagem and In Diferente (7 and 9 moments, respectively), both with their own pairing option and the possibility of changing a dish if the diner wishes. Her concept is different and personalised, with signature details, making the most of both the wonderful fish from the Matosinhos or Aveir

Vinha

★ Michelin€€€€Portuguese, Creative

It is located in the exclusive Vinha Boutique Hotel, a small 16th-century mansion on the banks of the Douro, where sophistication and elegance lie around every corner. In the exquisitely decorated fine-dining restaurant, the menu is by renowned Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and ably executed by resident Chef Jonathan Seiller. Here, the contemporary concept revolves around seasonal Portuguese produce with international influences, translated into à la carte dishes and a single tasting menu called Identidade (“Identity”), enhanced by two wine pairing options. Standout dishes? We loved both the crab, s

Palatial

★ Michelin€€€fine_dining

This is an unusual project, as it reflects a family business’s investment in diversification, encompassing the world of swimming pools, haute cuisine, and premium accommodation (they also offer 7 suites). The spacious and eye-catching premises, at the southern exit of the town, surprise visitors with a sort of wine tasting bar where they celebrate the region’s finest wines. In its elegant dining room, run by a professional team, they offer an à la carte service and two tasting menus (Tradition and Innovation) that change with the seasons and draw from the finest national seasonal produce. With

A Cozinha

★ Michelin€€€Modern Cuisine

This could be the icing on the cake during your visit to this beautiful city, with its medieval centre declared a World Heritage Site. The restaurant, in an unassuming building in the historic centre, features a charming dining room from which you can see the kitchen, separated by a glass wall. Chef António Loureiro, always loyal to the idea that “cooking is also about storytelling”, serves up his Equilíbrio (“Balance”) tasting menu (available in 6 or 9 courses) and a small menu with dishes taken from it, such as his excellent, tender and tasty veal with cauliflower. The balanced concept, brim

Largo do Paço

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine

They say the Casa da Calçada hotel, the 16th-century palace that houses Largo do Paço, is made “of stones and dreams”. The truth, without doubt, is that it captivates with its location and can be the perfect touch during your visit to the beautiful city of Amarante, one of Portugal’s most romantic destinations. The restaurant, running smoothly under the baton of talented chef Francisco Quintas, surprises with an easy contemporary comfort, bare tables and modern details that still feel elegant. It champions two modern tasting menus (13 or 15 moments, both with pairing options) that bring togeth

Euskalduna Studio

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine

Restaurant

Machado

Bib Gourmand€Traditional Cuisine

Quality and quantity are both guaranteed at this restaurant occupying an old house in a small village close to Maia. Several separate dining rooms, all with a similar rustic decor, simple table settings and lots of typical decorative details hanging from the walls. Here, it is impossible to leave hungry given the copious portions on the traditional home-cooked menu which teems with local flavours. Make sure you try Machado’s house speciality, the Lafões-style roast veal.

OMA

Bib Gourmand€€Contemporary, Traditional Cuisine

This establishment is run by Chef Luís Moreira and his partner, Ana Silveira, who recently left a small village to venture into urban life in Porto — and there is no doubt they have been warmly welcomed. They both aim to share their experiences in the different cities where they have lived, including Germany (hence the name of the restaurant, meaning “grandmother” in German). The chef offers a style of cooking that blends local produce with modern techniques, imparting a personal flair. Here, a journey of flavours is guaranteed, beginning with Asia (a destination the chef hopes to explore) via

Pátio 44

Bib Gourmand€Traditional Cuisine

A restaurant that pleasantly surprises, both for the skill and quality of its produce and for its unassuming façade. This venture, conceived by three friends who crossed paths behind the scenes during a previous project, is led by chef Simão Soares in the kitchen and focuses on traditional Portuguese cuisine, enriched with modern techniques and unique flavours. In a space that reflects the philosophy – simple, welcoming and unpretentious – a concise yet distinctive menu is presented, featuring standout dishes such as sweet potato with beetroot, beef liver served with potato mille-feuille, and

Norma

Bib Gourmand€€Creative, Portuguese

Housed in an old building that almost goes unnoticed among its neighbours. This restaurant enjoys privileged views from its terrace, where you can contemplate the Church of São Gualter – an iconic symbol of the city. At the stove is Chef Miguel Marques, who boasts wide experience in renowned restaurants in Zurich, Munich and Portugal, and presents a menu inspired by human "Evolution", reflected in dishes that hark back to the past and others that draw on culinary progress. His proposal revolves around a single seven-course tasting menu, à la carte options and a weekly menu that changes each se

Camelo

Bib Gourmand€Regional Cuisine

This family-run establishment, almost always busy, is located in a town with a long maritime tradition, as many cod-fishing vessels once sailed from here to Newfoundland and Greenland (there’s a space dedicated to the Minho Cod Academy). You’ll find a waiting bar and several dining rooms, all very tastefully decorated, plus a large marquee for banquets and a huge garden patio used for the outdoor seating area. They serve up quality-certified Minho cuisine here, as they keep their own shellfish tank, a lamprey tank, a good meat section and even vegetarian options on the menu. A tip? Don’t miss

Rio by Paulo André

€€€Modern Cuisine

A young and informal eatery with an open-view kitchen located at one end of Praça da República, one of Vila do Conde’s most beautiful squares thanks to its setting on the banks of the Ave river. In a nod to the name of his restaurant, chef Paulo André’s professional career is as surprising and unexpected as the meanders in a river! His cisHisontemporary-style cooking will definitely leave its mark given his passion, technical skill and a strong desire to please, plus a continual focus on using locally sourced vegetables (vegetarian dishes feature on the menu), fish and meat. If the weather’s f

Bistrô by Vila Foz

€€Seafood, Portuguese

An informal venture from the prestigious Vila Foz, in collaboration with the renowned chef Arnaldo Azevedo. Located in the Matosinhos Municipal Market, the place exudes authenticity, with a counter facing the stoves and tables spread out on the terrace, in the midst of the market hustle and bustle. The idea here is to offer simple, honest cooking, where the raw ingredients take centre stage and preparation involves minimal intervention to preserve the quality and freshness of the produce that arrives straight from the wholesale fish market. Diners can choose to buy fish or seafood at the marke

SEIVA

€€Vegan, Vegetarian

Behind the name Seiva, which we’re told is “a tribute to the art of resin extraction” and to the ties this craft has with chef David Jesus’s family, lies an unmistakable admiration for sap, said to be “the vital essence of nature”. David Jesus defends, with incredible fervour, the idea that it’s possible to create good food using what the habitat around us provides, and his vegan/vegetarian restaurant is proof of that. The menu, complemented by two set options (6 or 11 dishes), changes frequently with the season and the chef’s creativity, always innovating and building new combinations. In gen

Liz

€€Contemporary

In this cosy bistro-style restaurant, away from the bustle of the city centre, chef Daniel Carvalheira pays homage to his daughter and presents a highly gastronomic proposal, demonstrating a high level of technical mastery. In an intimate space lit by candlelight, the chef offers a tasting menu that blends his Mozambican and Portuguese roots with French cuisine, revealing flavourful dishes and refined presentations. Through a proposal based on seasonal products, delicacies arise such as pink coastal prawns with curry, adorned with crunchy cubes of guanciale and roasted‑lemon paste, monkfish se

Cibû

€€Regional European, Contemporary

In a small alley next to the Forte de Leça da Palmeira stands Cibû, a charming restaurant that takes its name from a typical expression of the Trás-os-Montes region. The space shows Nordic influences, with stone walls and a predominance of wood in the ceilings and furniture, which define the character of the setting. In the kitchen is Chef Hugo Portela who, after working in renowned restaurants in Norway, Barcelona and Switzerland, decided to invest in his own team alongside his partner Sara Silva. The menu, designed for sharing, is inspired by traditional Portuguese dishes with touches from n

Apego

€€Creative

Allow yourself to be won over by this small bistro, a little away from the city centre yet with a welcoming atmosphere, endowed with special charm and singular décor. Here, the talented Chef Aurora Goy pays homage to her Luso-French roots and explores unique flavours through refined techniques, enhancing both taste and presentation. The offering comprises two tasting menus, Apego (“Attachment”) – 5 courses – and Desapego (“Detachment”) – 7 courses – essentially based on vegetables from local producers. A recommendation? Add to your experience the hake ravioli, prawn crudo, miso aubergine and b

🕐 Tu-Sa 19:15-23:00

Kaigi

€€Japanese

Following something of the philosophy of traditional Japanese izakayas, this restaurant, located on the ground floor of a residential building on the outskirts of the historic centre, revolves entirely around a large, U-shaped sushi counter that can seat 16 diners. What is found here? An intriguing Japanese-Portuguese fusion cuisine, offered in an exclusive nine-course tasting menu based on the best ingredients of the day. The atmosphere is welcoming and the flavours are surprising!

Marinheiro

€€Seafood

This architecture does not go unnoticed, given that the restaurant is housed in a boat-shaped building! Upon entering, you will see a display packed with fish and seafood well worth admiring. The spacious interior is divided into two floors and boasts décor inspired by the nautical world, with light, sophisticated colours predominant. As is expected from such an establishment, the menu includes dishes such as seafood açorda stew, various rice dishes, grilled fish and Bacalhau à Marinheiro. There are also excellent meat options, like a fine house-style kid goat or an irresistible picanha steak.

Bistrô Severo

€€Traditional Cuisine

If you are seeking a small oasis of tranquillity in the city for a meal, there is an excellent option at Palacete Severo, a welcoming boutique hotel that houses both this restaurant and the gastronomic Éon. Taken together, it reflects chef Tiago Bonito’s more informal proposal, set in a pleasant interior courtyard with a panoramic glass roof, walls beautifully decorated with Portuguese tiles and a lovely fountain to one side. The proposal, which champions traditional cooking with dishes such as Amêijoas à “Bulhão Pato” (clams in a garlic-and-coriander sauce) or Paletilha de cordeiro de leite (

Manjar dos Leitões

€€Regional Cuisine

Who said you can’t enjoy a proper Bairrada-style suckling pig in Póvoa de Varzim, just like the ones served in central Portugal? At this establishment, right by National Road 13, you can enjoy the traditional leitão, here called Leitão assado a manjar, suckling pig roast, with crisp skin, wafer-thin chips, a generous salad and a flavoursome leitão sauce. And it would be impossible not to mention the other specialities that round out the menu, such as Bife de vazio à brasa, grilled bavette steak; the classic Bacalhau à lagareiro, salt cod with olive oil and garlic; Arroz de pato à antiga, old-s

Almeja

€€Contemporary

It’s housed in a building that used to be a traditional coffee and tea shop on the outskirts of Bolhão (the place that gives its name to one of its executive menus). Chef João Cura, after gaining experience in prestigious restaurants in Spain, decided to embark on his own project alongside his wife, Sofia Amaral — who runs the dining room. The concept is grounded in seasonal cuisine and, before designing the menu, the freshest products are selected from local producers. Originality and flavour abound in the chef’s signature creations, which can be enjoyed as a 10-course tasting menu, the Bolhã

Camilo

€€€Contemporary

This building was the backdrop to one of the most emblematic novels of Portuguese literature, as it was here that the writer Camilo Castelo Branco would meet his beloved Ana Plácido. In this establishment, spread over two storeys and with an open kitchen visible from the entrance, chef Diogo Coimbra presents contemporary cuisine with international influences, devised from national produce and placing fire and embers centre stage. Its concise menu features specialities such as Peixe curado (cured fish) accompanied by ikura roe and wakame seaweed and the succulent Magre de pato (duck magret) ser

Culto ao Bacalhau

€€codfish

If you’re visiting the beautiful city of Porto and are planning on heading to the historic Bolhão market, make sure you jot down the name of this restaurant! It is located on the upper gallery of this legendary building and, as the name strongly suggests, it is almost completely focused on the world of cod, with bacalhau-related recipes from across Portugal (cod escabeche with mussels, “bacalhau à Brás”, rice with cod and oysters, etc), an influence that even extends to the desserts! One dessert that we particularly loved but which has nothing to do with cod was the spectacular “pão de ló” spo

Mito

€€Contemporary, Classic Cuisine

Located along one of the most vibrant streets in the centre of Porto, this restaurant is definitely something to talk about since its chef Pedro Braga is pulling out all the stops in his first solo venture. Its contemporary look, featuring lights dotted across the ceiling and walls, stands out for its combination of green and wood decor, which combines harmoniously with the charming bar to the rear of the dining room. The menu is an ode to Portuguese cuisine with modern, innovative touches, including fresh fish, aged meats, plus a creative array of cocktails. To start, we recommend Mito’s sign

Ferrugem

€€Contemporary

Set up in a former stable, it features décor that merges rustic and modern to preserve the identity of the place. The high-ceilinged dining area blends perfectly with the exposed stone walls, steel finishes and a charming, cosy chimney that descends from the ceiling. Chef Renato Cunha provides a traditional cuisine with modern touches, based on organic produce from the Minho region. The broad range includes à la carte options and four tasting menus: Ferrugem, Recortes de Portugal, Minho, and a vegetarian option (there are also choices for children). Among the delicacies are pickled mackerel se

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-14:00,20:00-22:30; Su 12:00-14:00

Atrevo

€€Contemporary

The name says almost everything; however, if you still have doubts, there is nothing better to clarify its philosophy than the words of chef Rita Magro herself, who leads the project: “Nothing is too bold for those who dare to try everything”. Indeed, after being recognised with the MICHELIN Young Chef Award 2024 (when she was chef Vítor Matos’s right-hand at Blind), we see that… Rita Magro is now flying solo! The venue, rather compact, unfolds across three clearly distinct spaces: a front room with a support counter, a small room at the back and, lastly, the kitchen, fitted with a Japanese-st

Izakaya Japanese Cuisine

€€€japanese

This small establishment sits in the bohemian, unhurried Bonfim neighbourhood, where Pedro Ribeiro, front of house, and Rubén Mesquita, responsible for the culinary proposal, grew up. The chef, who nurtures a passion for Japanese culture and gastronomy (he tends to travel to Japan a few times a year in search of new inspirations and products), advocates a notably purist Japanese cuisine, albeit with a light contemporary touch, grounded in regional fish (most from the Matosinhos fish market and some aged), and pairing them with other imported ingredients. The 12 diners per sitting, whether at t

🕐 Tu-Sa 19:30-23:30

Elemento

€€€Modern Cuisine, Grills

Chef Ricardo Dias Ferreira has unashamedly gone back to basics here, cooking exclusively over wood, to such an extent that he rarely uses the grill or oven. With his combination of traditional Portuguese cuisine, smoky flavours and modern touches, he offers à la carte options alongside an “8-moment” tasting menu, and his cuisine varies from day to day depending on the availability of ingredients from small-scale local producers. Allow yourself to be guided by recommendations from the interesting selection of Portuguese wines, and if you’re keen to enjoy the experience to the full, take a seat

Fauno

€€Contemporary

Behind the retro-style green glass doors of this restaurant, set on one of the city’s narrow streets, you will find a unique culinary space, led by brothers Pedro Amorim (sommelier) and Tiago Amorim (chef), who are launching their first joint project here. The cuisine focuses on a single tasting menu, which continually evolves in line with the seasons and the availability of local producers’ ingredients, showcased in dishes characterised by flawless execution and refined taste. For an even more surprising experience, pair each dish with the intriguing wine selection — mostly natural wines!

S. Gião

€€Traditional Cuisine

A symbol of authentic Portuguese cuisine, and rightly so, as this is a family establishment that has been open since 1987. At the stove is Chef Pedro Nunes (the father), while (the son) João Nunes is in charge of the dining room, carrying out his role with mastery. Located on the outskirts of Guimarães, specifically in Moreira de Cónegos, this venue delights visitors with its suspended fireplace in the centre of the room and its privileged view of the Moreirense stadium. Drawing influence from the cuisine of Northern Portugal, the constantly updated menu features generous portions of dishes ma

Cozinha das Flores

€€€Modern Cuisine

Set within the luxurious boutique hotel The Largo, on the emblematic Largo de São Domingos, this restaurant pays homage to northern flavours, uniting tradition and innovation. With renowned chef Nuno Mendes at the helm, this welcoming space is a true spur to conviviality, thanks to its vibrant, intimate atmosphere around the open kitchen, where fire is the protagonist. From the tables, turned towards this culinary stage, it is possible to follow the preparation of a menu that favours seasonal ingredients, with dishes such as the Pastel de Nata (salgado) [a savoury take on the custard tart] wit

Tokkotai

€€japanese

Technique, flavour, fusion and connectivity are the words that spring to mind on entering this restaurant. Here, the Brazilian chef Paulo César works with East Asian techniques and fresh ingredients that deliver maximum flavour to the palate. The offering appears as an à la carte menu and two tasting menus: Chef’s Experience (created with seasonal produce) and Tokkotai Experience (a selection of the chef’s favourite dishes). Don’t miss the cocktails—they’re works of art in their own right!

🕐 Su-Th 19:30-00:00; Fr-Sa 19:30-02:00

Cafeína

€€International

This is the first restaurant of the Cafeína Group, boasting 30 years of operation. Set on a corner between Rua do Padrão and Rua Gondarém, it occupies an old villa that retains its façade of tiles, still in pristine condition. Upon entering, you’ll find a classy, refined setting, marked by dark woods and warm hues, along with a traditionally styled bar. The bistronomie concept that defines it is clearly influenced by French cuisine, while also revisiting Portuguese dishes with a contemporary twist. Although the menu is packed with appealing options, ranging from puff pastry lobster soup to duc

1638 Restaurant by Nacho Manzano

€€€€Contemporary

A singular address, adding a distinctly gastronomic hue to the full offering of the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel, born from the fusion of the Tivoli hotels and Kopke, the world’s oldest Port wine house (founded in 1638, hence the restaurant’s name). The culinary offering, with wonderful views over the city of Porto, even more impressive from the terrace and the top-floor Sky Bar, bears the signature of award-winning Spanish chef Nacho Manzano (Casa Marcial, Arriondas), who has found his day-to-day “alter ego” at the stoves in Portuguese chef Tony Salgado. Inspired by two rivers (the Douro and

Turismo

€€Regional Cuisine

This restaurant, with its impressive statue of a Barcelos cockerel by the entrance, stands out for its modern architecture in the heart of this historic town, a location close to all of Barcelos’ main tourist sights, and its impressive views of the river. It is divided into three elegantly decorated dining rooms with a glass-fronted wine cellar at the heart of everything, but it is the energy of the team here that is particularly impressive. The menu follows traditional lines with a few contemporary touches in dishes such as the sautéed alheira with apple purée, the grilled octopus with potato

Le Babachris

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Fusion

The first thing that grabs your attention about this restaurant, located in a UNESCO-protected building preserving part of the old city wall, is its name, since it represents the dream that Bárbara (Portuguese) and Christian (a French-Spanish chef) had of opening their own restaurant ever since meeting at the prestigious École Lenôtre in Paris. It boasts an informal, bistro-style main dining room and a comfortable private room, where you can discover a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with French fusion and international touches, based on the finest seasonal Portuguese ingredients.

34

€€International

Restaurant 34, in the heart of Guimarães’s historic centre, comes across as the top choice for combining lunch or dinner… with truly marvellous views! If you’re exploring this charming city, book a table on the third floor of this establishment, as it offers stunning views over Largo do Toural and the historic Basilica of St. Peter. The ambience is modern and relaxed, with tasteful wooden hues that blend beautifully with the surrounding greenery. The menu features international dishes, from fresh burrata to Japanese-inspired salmon toro, culminating in refined lamb with chestnut purée or succu

O Manel

€€Traditional Cuisine, Portuguese

Its name derives from chef-owner Manuel de Oliveira, and it is easy to locate in a residential area on the outskirts of Nogueira known as Quinta da Pedra, which also offers pleasant gardens, parking and a terrace. In its elegant premises, or in the private rooms on the upper floor, you are offered a menu of traditional Portuguese cuisine prepared with care and seeking to unveil the secrets of Minho gastronomy. It is worth noting that certain dishes require advance booking of at least 24 hours, such as Galo no forno (roast cockerel), Cozido à portuguesa, Feijoada à Transmontana (bean and meat s

Hool

€€€Traditional Cuisine

Visiting Guimarães is like diving into Portugal’s history, a city revered for its historical importance in the country and acknowledged as “the birthplace of the Portuguese nation”. Located in the Hotel da Oliveira, right next to the impressive Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, this venue boasts a classic décor, highlighted by stone walls and ceilings adorned with wooden beams. The culinary offering, designed by Chef Vítor Matos and overseen daily by Chef Liliana Moura, showcases a modern and creative cuisine with Mediterranean touches, taking traditional roots as its reference point. The m

O Filho da Mãe

€portuguese

The name, O Filho da Mãe (“The Mother’s Son”), is a tribute to the owner’s mother — as one might guess! This small, welcoming space was carefully designed by the owner himself who, after leaving the world of art and architecture, ventured into his new passion: gastronomy. Set on one of Braga’s picturesque streets near the city’s historic centre, the restaurant offers an innovative proposal with flavours inspired by South America, paying true tribute to tropical tastes. Dishes of wild tiger prawn served with coconut fried rice, saffron and ginger, and fresh handmade pastas such as Capelletti st

🕐 Tu-Sa 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:00; Mo 07:30-23:00

Inato Bistrô

€€Contemporary

The restaurant’s name is inspired by “InATO”, evoking something in motion — a concept also reflected in the menu, where dishes are served in different acts (Acts I, II, III and IV) or in a tasting menu composed of VII acts. This original bistro‑style restaurant, led by young chefs Miguel Rodrigues and Tiago Costa, presents a creative proposal that marries national and international influences, always crafted with products of excellent quality. Our recommendation? Start with Focaccias stuffed with oxtail with a gentle truffle sauce, then the house’s true star of the show, seafood rice with scar

Esperança Verde

€€€Modern Cuisine

About a 10-minute walk from the city centre, just off the ring road, this restaurant is a pleasant surprise on the ground floor of a residential building. Under the guidance of chef Hugo Sousa, who succeeded his father António Sousa, now front of house and always impeccably attentive, the kitchen leans modern, technical and delicate, grounded in showcasing local produce. The concept offers two tasting menus: Irreverência (6 moments) and Entre o Campo e o Mar (9 moments). Standout dishes? We were impressed by the artisanal breads, Pão de centeio, Broa de milho e ananás and the region’s typical

Raiva

€€€Modern Cuisine

Restaurant Raiva, which takes its name from the village where it is located, is the most intimate option of the sophisticated Octant Hotels Douro, set on the banks of the Douro with truly idyllic views. Back in Portugal after time at prestigious restaurants abroad, chef Dárcio Henriques embarked on this project as a homage to the territory, drawing chiefly on ingredients from the Douro region. With a menu comprising à la carte options and three tasting menus — Alecrim, Carqueja and Eucalipto (the latter vegetarian) — we highlight the finesse of Sopa de cebola Garrafal (Garrafal‑onion soup) ser

Tasquinha da Linda

€€seafood

One of the best dining options in this attractive town on the Costa Verde, this contemporary restaurant located next to the Castelo de Santiago da Barra occupies a docks warehouse in which the large attractive fish and seafood tanks take pride of place. Its owners are fish wholesalers, hence the top-quality fish and seafood that is on offer here, normally sold by weight and at prices that are highly competitive. You won’t find a single meat dish on the menu here! Make sure you save space for desserts made by the owners’ daughter!

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-23:00

A Carvalheira

€Traditional Cuisine

If you’re looking for a unique lunch in a special setting, this is a truly outstanding option; indeed, Quinta do Eido Velho captivates with its rustic charm and well-kept gardens. At the helm is Chef Maria Teresa Gomes, who advocates a hearty, flavourful Portuguese cuisine without fuss, meticulously prepared in line with the traditions of the Alto Minho. Don’t miss the roast kid goat, the most iconic dish, and pair it with a red Vinho Verde — they have it here, and it isn’t always easy to find elsewhere.