A modern version of a Portuguese family restaurant, open since 1938. The son of the restaurants first owner, “Sr. Ernesto” runs the place and even lives upstairs from the restaurant; he has been here since he was a kid, continuing the family business.
There are several Portuguese dishes that are always on rotation during the week. The house specialties include:“lombinhos de pescada” battered hake fillets; “Tripas” tripe; “Cozido”, Boiled selection of meats and vegetables; “Polvo” octopus, normally served as battered fillets or roasted in the oven; “Cabrito Assado” roasted kid is sometimes served here, defiantly worth trying, it is marinated in a garlic and paprika sauce; There is also a standard option that you find almost in every restaurant but at “Ernesto” it is surprisingly good, “Vitela assada”, roast Veal. To drink choose from their wine list, which holds a great selection of Portuguese wines from several regions.
This traditional family restaurant boasts a private outside area and when the weather allows it, it is a quite pleasant space. The decoration is slightly too “contemporary art” for me, you will know what I mean once you see it, but the traces of the old restaurant are still there and the service is impeccable; a true fine dining experience with traditional flavours still imprinted in its menu more than 80 years.
Address: Rua da Picaria 85, Porto
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8:30-24:00, Mon 8:30-15:30
Tel: 222002600
Summary
A modern version of a Portuguese family restaurant, open since 1938. The son of the restaurants first owner, “Sr. Ernesto” runs the place and even lives upstairs from the restaurant; he has been here since he was a kid, continuing the family business.
