The Soul of this restaurant is due to “Dona Herminia”, the matriarch. The family that owns it is from the north of Portugal; specifically from the region where Port wine is cultivated: “FozCoa” and “Meda”. The hospitality is typical to the region, as well as the portions of the meals and the price.
The starters include meat and fish “Rissóis” Portuguese empanadas and sometimes “Bola de Carne” a meat pie. The main courses vary, my favourites include “Posta à Pobre” a tall poor man’s pork steak, “Vitela Estufada” stewed veal. If you feel like fish I would suggest the “Bacalhau à Braga” fried codfish in a Paprika sauce and “Pataniscas” codfish cakes served with bean rice. All the desserts are homemade. I normally opt for the chocolate cake or mousse. At the end of your meal, ask for the necessary coffee and the house “Aguardente” fire water, the perfect digestive.
This is one of the places where you can experience what a meal is like in “Trás-os-montes” behind the North Mountains. Not only will you experience the flavours from that region but the hospitality from the staff is unique to that part of the country, making this “Taberna” Tavern a portal to that province. Its location is also interesting as it is close to “Jardim das Virtudes” an old Jewish cemetery/garden where you can enjoy the view of the Douro River. Most people say teleportation is impossible, “Herminia” only needs a plate.
Address: Rua das Virtudes32, Porto
Opening times: Tue–Sun 8:00-22:00
Tel: 222055306
