So José Avillez has a bunch of casual restaurants in addition to his 2 star Mich Belcanto…read more Of course we didn't make reservations early enough for Cantinho do Avillez but his website redirected us to try his Mini Bar restaurant. Inspired by the success of the identical Mini Bar in Lisboa. Specializing in cocktails and tasting bites screaming of innovation, surprise, mystery and a bit of confusion. The theme is "nothing is what it seems". Some dishes are executed perfectly. Some fail to deliver but throughout the experience, you can see the creative side of the two star Mich chef. The prawn with lime was interactive but uninspiring. The roasted chicken was probably the biggest failure of the night. Essentially three different sauces with a thin crisp that tasted like chicken skin. The tuna tar tar and fish n chips were probably the best. The JABurger and Viet sandwich was nothing to praise. The veal with tripe in truffle sauce was very good. The parting dessert was some marshmallow and peanut confection. Peanut thing is amazing. The menu isn't complex but the process on how to order was incredibly confusing. 1. Hostess only brings you the cocktail iPad but doesn't give you the food menu at the same time. We saw countless patrons asking for the dinner menu. Why not give us both at the same time? 2. There are too many ways to order which leads to the most confusion as we saw patron after patron asking the servers to explain how to order again and again. 3. There is an a la carte menu, a tasting menu option and a mystery tasting menu option. On top of that, you're given a sheet to tick off what items you want. Some items do not even appear on this sheet. So this was way too confusing and the manager needs to address this in order to be successful. The servers are super cool so that makes up for a whole lot.

Giving this place some love since it doesn't deserve a 2/5. I thought the food was really awesome…read moredelicious and surprising. I did read the other reviews and avoided the chicken. We ordered: Apple margarita: interesting flavors Ferrer rocher: pretty yummy, loved the hazelnut and texture Beef tartare: super yum, expertly seasoned Tuna tartare: also umame and delicious. Croquettes: just okay, wouldn't get again Potato: kind of like a deconstructed tater tot, wasn't as special as the other stuff Veal rice: pretty filling. Husband like it, I just thought it was okay Burger, full sized: pretty yummy. Cooked medium as requested, meat was extremely soft and tender Foie gras terrine: super yummy and flavorful. Hazelnut dessert. Super decadent but not too sweet (the way I liked it) Two people getting these things came out to be 80 euro. A lot the was really great so I think it was worth it

Here for a special dinner as part of our Douro cruise. Modern set up. Very loud. Efficient and…read moreprompt service although they never smile or seem happy to be here. Food was lovely. H'or doevres were not hot and very doughy. There were several but I was only offered one. Octopus carpaccio was the hit of the evening. Razor think with salsa verde and pomegranate seeds. The beef tenderloin was not hot and overcooked but tender. The exquisite dessert was too much for me so I just tasted the mango sorbet. Lots of wine pairings.

A high end spot with an amazing view located on the bank of the Douro River a 20 minute drive from…read moreRégua. We enjoyed a lovely dinner sitting out on the large sheltered deck. As the nights are starting to get cooler after the sunset (7:30), they had located many heating lamps and positioned cozy blankets on chairs just in case. It was quite pleasant. Food-wise you can order a tasting menu if several courses with optional wine pairings or do what we did and select from the ala-carte menu. We've learned with the big portion sizes here in Portugal to cut back a bit so we ordered two starters (burratta with tomatoes and the scarlet shrimp with rice). The burratta was a standout with creamy sweet cheese nestled in a tomato confit. The shrimp was interesting-it was almost like a mini lobster and the server removed the head at the table for me. We decided to share a main course-the veal tenderloin which was good but not nearly as tender as one might expect. In between there were little small bites from the chef and we ended with a luscious chocolate dessert. The white glove service was a swarm of activity instantly refilling glasses, clearing plates and changing silverware-it was a little much for me as our table was right at the crossroads of the activity. Wine list is huge as you'd expect with everything from wines by the glass for €10-17 to bottles in the hundreds and even thousands of euros. I saw one that was €6 thousand on the list. As is common in this kind of place, prices were steep and our dinner with 2 drinks, 2 glasses of wine, 2 starters, 1 main and 1 dessert was around €150. Bottom line a lovely place with great service and food and high

Excellent restaurant. Seems the other reviewer is unfamiliar with the cover charge for bread…read morestandard at many restaurants in Portugal. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere peaceful and private.

Charges 8 euros for two rolls. Good size entrees. Nice atmosphere.read more

A wonderful restaurant overlooking the amazing Douro Valley. Eladio, owner and host, treated our…read moreparty of six as if we were his only guests. He offers a plentiful table of appetizers including a delicious fava bean soup, a chicken soup, olives, sliced hams, and cheeses. You're welcome to return to this table as often as you'd like, but you should temper your urges. The menu offers traditional Portuguese fair but with a style and flavor that is special. At the end of our meal, Eladio offered us, gratis, a choice of tawny port or the local apple digestivo. Excellent restaurant, food, service and atmosphere.

Not very friendly service…read more Only meat & fish main dishes here so not very vegan / vegetarian options.

Words can't explain how amazing a tasteful this restaurant is. Experience wise is a 10 food quality…read moreis a 10 and service was immaculate. Definitely will return and experience this wonderful gem again. Thank you for an amazing dinner. Words can't explain.

Amazing restaurant with great food, ambiance and service. Our favorite in this part of Portugalread more

Our first choice of dinner was booked solid, and the waiter there recommended us this place…read moreinstead. The dishes are reasonably priced and service is very nice. It's a small restaurant and I felt that it was the owner and his son who was serving us. We had grilled ribs and a very tender grilled octopus. Simple, straight forward Portuguese dishes, served with potatoes, as always.

What a nice surprise in this sleepy little town. Service was great and helpful. Food was great. I…read morewas pleased to order a vegetable salad in a country that seems to be meat forward.

Great views when sitting outside. The selection of local wines is fantastic…read more The service is outstanding.