20 Views
If there’s one factor I’ve discovered from my meals excursions in Porto, it’s that among the greatest meals aren’t discovered within the metropolis middle however simply throughout the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. That’s precisely the case with Mercearia do Bernardino, a grocery retailer turned restaurant the place custom, good meals, and pleasant faces come collectively in one of the simplest ways potential.
I didn’t simply eat right here, I skilled it. Sitting at one of many easy tables, sipping on a glass of Vinho Verde, and chatting with the house owners about how the town has modified over time made me really feel like I had stepped into a distinct time. And the meals? Precisely what you’d need from a spot like this—trustworthy, easy, and filled with taste.
The Location and First Impressions
Mercearia do Bernardino is proper throughout the river from Porto, in Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s in an space that the majority vacationers don’t take the time to discover, however they actually ought to. From right here, the views of Porto’s historic middle are among the greatest on the town, particularly if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to seize a seat exterior.
Strolling In: A Step Again in Time
The second you stroll in, it’s clear that this place isn’t nearly meals—it’s about custom. The entrance of the store is lined with native cheeses, cured meats, wines, and different Portuguese staples, whereas the again is the place the magic occurs: a small café-style area the place you possibly can sit down and truly style the elements from the store.
The vibe is unpretentious and relaxed—there’s no fancy décor, simply the sort of cozy, welcoming ambiance that makes you wish to keep a bit of longer. It’s the sort of place the place you could possibly find yourself speaking to the house owners for an hour with out realizing how a lot time has handed.
The Meals: What to Eat and Why You’ll Love It
The Signature Dish: Rissois
In case you attempt one factor, make it the rissois. These crispy, golden pastries come crammed with the whole lot from beef to sardines, and so they’re the proper mixture of crunchy and creamy. They pair completely with a glass of chilled inexperienced wine, which is precisely what I did.
Extra Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
- Tomato Rice – Easy, wealthy, and comforting. I might eat this day-after-day.
- Cheese and Sausage Boards – That includes goat’s cheese, cured meats, and even varieties with chili peppers or pink peppercorns, that is supreme for sharing.
- Quiches, Pies, and Salads – Made contemporary day-after-day with elements straight from the grocery cabinets.
- Bernardino Toast – A standout, loaded with Terceira Island cheese and nationwide ham, filled with taste.
For Dessert: The Candy End
In case you have a candy tooth, don’t skip dessert. There’s normally a collection of selfmade truffles, together with:
- Quindim (a wealthy egg and coconut tart)
- Toucinho-do-Céu (a dense, almond-based cake)
- Bolo Mágico (a cinnamon cake impressed by a Brazilian cleaning soap opera)
On some days, there’s cheesecake or chocolate mousse, so it’s value asking what’s out there.
High quality and Style: As Good As It Will get
I can’t overstate how contemporary and flavorful the whole lot was. You possibly can inform that the elements are top of the range, in any case, they’re the identical ones offered within the grocery retailer.
The flavors are daring however balanced, nothing is overly sophisticated, and the whole lot tastes prefer it was made with care. I’ve been to sufficient locations to know that consistency is uncommon, however after listening to regulars rave about it, I’m satisfied that that is the sort of place the place each go to is simply nearly as good because the final.
The Service: Pleasant, Real, and Unhurried
What made this expertise particular was the individuals. The house owners clearly love what they do, and so they ensure you really feel welcome from the second you step inside.
Pricing: Extra Than Honest for What You Get
For the high quality of the meals and the expertise, the costs are greater than cheap. Count on to spend €10–€20 per individual for a full meal, together with drinks, or even much less if you happen to simply need a snack and a glass of wine.
In comparison with the extra touristy eating places throughout the river in Porto, costs are wonderful. The parts are beneficiant, and the whole lot on the menu feels prefer it’s value greater than what you’re paying.
When to Go to: Timing It Proper
If you’d like the greatest expertise, attempt to go to:
- Lunchtime (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) – The freshest collection of dishes.
- Late afternoon – A quieter time to take a seat again with a drink and a snack.
- Weekdays – Much less crowded than weekends.
Seasonal specialties typically pop up, so it’s at all times value checking what’s new.
Why You Ought to Go
Mercearia do Bernardino isn’t simply one other restaurant, it’s a bit of native historical past. It’s the sort of place that connects you to the previous whereas serving up flavors that by no means exit of favor.
Remaining Ideas: Who Ought to Go?
Would I like to recommend it? Surely.This place is ideal for anybody in search of one thing native. In case you’re in Porto, take a brief journey throughout the river. You gained’t remorse it.
Regularly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Can I make reservations on the restaurant?
It’s normally first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan menu out there?
There are some vegetarian choices like quiches, salads, and cheese boards, however vegan choices are restricted. Ask the employees—they’re glad to assist.
On the finish of my go to, I discovered myself already planning to return again. Some locations are simply particular, and Mercearia do Bernardino is considered one of them.
Sources:
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Porto costs: Foods and drinks. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/porto-prices-food-and-drink/
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Porto. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/porto/
Fb. (n.d.). Mercearia do Bernardino. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.fb.com/merceariadobernardino/?locale=pt_PT
