Restaurante Portucale

Frommer's Review

This restaurant, one of the most courtly in Porto, is acknowledged by virtually everyone as one of the three or four finest eateries in a town that's loaded with worthy competitors. It opened in 1969 on the 13th (uppermost) floor of the same building that contains the also-recommended hotel, the Albergaria Miradouro, in a contemporary-looking residential and commercial neighborhood near the heart of town. Expect a combination of grandly aristocratic Portugal with a slightly dated 1970s-era decor (including some tangerine-hued tile work) and an unflagging sense of Portuguese courtesy and good manners. It offers wide panoramic views of the cityscape around it; tables that are elaborately set with fine silver, porcelain, and flowers; and absolutely superb food. You might consider an aperitif in the cozy corner bar before your meal.

Specialties usually include foie gras with truffles in puff pastry, wild boar in red-wine sauce, roast capon with walnut sauce, braised escalopes of fresh foie gras, stewed kid in red wine; and two different preparations of partridge (our favorite is stuffed with foie gras and stewed in port). The grilled sea bass with tartar sauce is also excellent, as is an old-fashioned and succulent dish, sole Walewski.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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