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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 best 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 town has modified through the years made me really feel like I had stepped into a unique time. And the meals? Precisely what you’d need from a spot like this—trustworthy, easy, and stuffed 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 should you’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 house the place you possibly can sit down and truly style the substances from the store.

The vibe is unpretentious and relaxed—there’s no fancy décor, simply the sort of cozy, welcoming environment that makes you wish to keep slightly 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

Should you attempt one factor, make it the rissois. These crispy, golden pastries come full of every part 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 each day.
• Cheese and Sausage Boards – That includes goat’s cheese, cured meats, and even varieties with chili peppers or pink peppercorns, that is excellent for sharing.
• Quiches, Pies, and Salads – Made contemporary each day with substances 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

When you have a candy tooth, don’t skip dessert. There’s normally a choice of home made muffins, 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 obtainable.

High quality and Style: As Good As It Will get

I can’t overstate how contemporary and flavorful every part was. You may inform that the substances are high-quality, in spite of everything, they’re the identical ones bought within the grocery retailer.

The flavors are daring however balanced, nothing is overly sophisticated, and every part 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 folks. The house owners clearly love what they do, and so they be sure to really feel welcome from the second you step inside.

Pricing: Extra Than Truthful for What You Get

For the high quality of the meals and the expertise, the costs are greater than affordable. Count on to spend €10–€20 per particular person for a full meal, together with drinks, or even much less should you simply desire a snack and a glass of wine.

In comparison with the extra touristy eating places throughout the river in Porto, costs are glorious. The parts are beneficiant, and every part 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 choice of dishes.
• Late afternoon – A quieter time to sit down again with a drink and a snack.
• Weekdays – Much less crowded than weekends.

Seasonal specialties generally pop up, so it’s all the time value checking what’s new.

Why You Ought to Go

Mercearia do Bernardino isn’t simply one other restaurant, it’s a chunk 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.

Last Ideas: Who Ought to Go?

Would I like to recommend it? For sure.This place is ideal for anybody searching for one thing native. Should you’re in Porto, take a brief journey throughout the river. You received’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 obtainable?

There are some vegetarian choices like quiches, salads, and cheese boards, however vegan choices are restricted. Ask the employees—they’re comfortable to assist.

On the finish of my go to, I discovered myself already planning to come back again. Some locations are simply particular, and Mercearia do Bernardino is certainly 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