Rosina — Restaurant in Bragança

We set off on Saturday 9th August 2025 for a weekend in Bragança, about 140km away from home. Everything was planned and were looking forward to our first lunch at Rosina after we had been checking times and reviews. Arrived around 11am with time to spare before lunch. We were at the door, , as well as another couple, just before the advertised 12am opening time. Time passed and the door remained closed, even though a man and a woman were busying themselves inside. No one seemed to care about the people waiting outside. A group of 4 turned up and a man entered the restaurant without hesitation then got back out. The woman inside who was brushing the floor opened the door but said nothing to those waiting for the restaurant to open...late! In turn I entered and asked whether it was possible to have lunch and why was the restaurant late opening. She said they were opening at 1pm, apparently an exceptional occurrence! She did not seem very concerned by the fact that people were already waiting and did not offer any apologies. I told her that it would have been welcome and professional on their part to have put a notice on the door, to which there was not much reaction nor apology either. So we had been waiting for nearly 20 minutes and felt very disappointed, mostly by the unprofessional reaction from the staff present inside. As a result we weren't going to wait any longer and decided to eat elsewhere , not even wanting to return and try the restaurant during our short stay in town. A real shame . The following part is in response to the ownwer's reply: Apologies for mispelling the establishment's name, this is now corrected I can assure you that the restaurant did not open at the advertised time. We were surprised and thought we may have got it wrong, but we did not. We weren't the only ones waiting, as I clearly indicated and I am not in the habit of reporting lies. I do not doubt of the clenliness of your establishment, this was not the point. The lady had a broom in hand, so I naturally assume she was brushing the floor. In fact she opened the door briefly to sweep away a preying mantis which I picked up and placed in a nearby plant. We did not travel specially for your restaurant, we were staying in Bragança from 9th to 12th August, we had chosen Rosina as our first port for lunch. We appreciate we could have called to book but we would have first asked on arrival if it was possible to lunch or not. If your staff had said it was fully booked we just would have understood and had other restaurants on our list to go to. Not a big deal. However all we were told is that the restaurant was opening at 1pm. Yes your restaurant has good reviews in general, the reason why we chose to try your address first when we arrived. My review does not make any mention of your staff being rude nor arrogant, these are your words. I only said that there was no apology made for the delayed opening time and that the 2 staff inside could have come to the door to interact with the various clients waiting which they did not. They just acted unconcerned which we felt was not very customer friendly, there was nothing pointing out that either of them were rude or arrogant. I can assure you that the door never opened at 12am, other clients were there waiting, some walked away further down the road. The guy who went in to ask about lunch, came out and also walked away. I cannot tell what was said and if he was coming back with his party. As for me, I have clearly written that I entered the restaurant to ask, so I did have the courage contrary to what you are stating in your reply. I did go inside after that man enquired and left, wanting to find out why we were still waiting. True I cannot make a review of a lunch service I never had, that would indeed be very unfair and it's not my style at all, however my review is based on what we exactly experienced prior to our intention to lunch in your establishment, a true and fair account. I would have much preferred to write a good review, which I...

A Hidden Gem with Heart

After a long road trip, my friend and I arrived late in the city without any kitchen being open. We stranded by chance at Rosina - where also the kitchen had just closed. Despite our poor timing, the staff greeted us with exceptional warmth and with great hospitality. They made a great exception for us - since they knew we cannot find food elsewhere in town! What a kind way to welcome us!! The owner, who spoke fluent German, personally attended to us. Understanding our vegetarian preferences, she kindly offered to prepare a special meal outside the regular menu. Her genuine kindness and dedication were immediately evident. The dishes she crafted were a culinary delight—fresh, flavorful, and impeccably seasoned.

Amazing customer service - this...

Sometimes you make a wish and it comes true on the next street corner :) This was our case, we wished a light lunch like a soup and salad and got it all, served by the owner Rosa in person. She cultivates quality at all levels: freshness of ingredients, homemade meals, excellent regional wines, heavy silverware and nice dishware. We got a spinach and lentil soup, acconpanied by tapas of cheese and tuna bruschetta, followed by a fresh salad with mango, avocado and gambas. Dessert was to die for: pineaople carpaccio with pistaccio ice cream and lime. A MUST when you are in Bragança. Decor is charming too with comfortable leather seats and paintings on the walls. She has lived for a long time in Switzerland and cooks and serves...