It's not every day that you feel like you're walking onto a period film set that harkens back to an…read moreelegantly appointed whodunnit like "Murder on the Orient Express". Jamie W and I had read about it on a travel vlog and recognized the need to bookmark it for our trip to Porto. Sure enough, we had a less than memorable meal at Honest Greens on the pedestrian-only Rua Santa Catarina.
It was just a few doors down and conspicuous by its atmospheric detail. Carved dark wood, ornate ceilings, polished brass, marble tables, the whole nine yards. We almost felt underdressed until we noticed other tourists in far tackier leisurewear. We only had room for dessert which was just as well since they had a robust selection to choose from. Surprisingly it was nearly empty when we entered.
Jamie ordered the 10€ Cheesecake with Red Fruits. It was a nice, creamy slice ladled with a compote-like coulis of blueberries and red currants (Photo 9). It was accompanied by a glass of Porto Quinta do Noval LBV, a scintillating port that fed into his new addiction (Photo 7). I decided to try their signature 10€ French Toast Majestic Style made distinctive by its decadent egg-custard cream sauce.
The flavorful bread slice sat in a shallow pool of maple syrup and sprinkled with pine nuts, walnuts, and raisins (Photo 10). Instead of a port pairing, I ordered the 7€ Cafe au Lait which balanced well with the French toast (Photo 8). I really think the Belle Epoque decor complemented our digestion because this was the gathering spot for Porto's elite. For a few moments, we were part of it.
FOOD / DRINK - 5 stars...glorious sweets, especially the French toast, and the port and caffeine were nice fits
AMBIANCE - 5 stars...striking atmosphere befitting an Agatha Christie murder mystery in the Gilded Age
SERVICE - 4.5 stars..,of course they're attentive
TOTAL - 5 stars...a worthy stop among many in Porto
RELATED - Exploring Porto? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/HO0S-1BP1x