Retiro da Ponte — Restaurant in Caminha

WOW! Not many restaurant owners attempt—let alone succeed—in crafting a complete customer experience from the moment of reservation to the reception, atmosphere, service quality, and meals, but Retiro da Ponte does just that! The serene theme, beautifully set against a backdrop of nature, is evident in the stunning views and thoughtfully arranged tables.

The staff was incredibly helpful during the reservation process and provided excellent support throughout our visit. The pâté, olives, bread, and butter were delightful. My wife and I both ordered steak dinners, with her substituting the potatoes for a mixed green salad. For dessert, she chose the pecan pie with vanilla ice cream, while I opted for the lemon custard, which was truly the best I’ve ever tasted.

The restrooms were immaculate and even featured monogrammed towels, which was surprisingly unexpected. The ambiance was both visually appealing and meticulously organized. I have two suggestions for improvement: first, I would have preferred to lower the volume for the music a bit, and personally would have chosen a more sophisticated jazz style, as this would have elevated the experience even further. Second, as a foreigner, it stresses me find out which card brands are accepted. My suggestion would be to include a list of accepted card brands on the first page of the menu, possibly with a brief history about the ownership or operation.

Final thought: I drove by many times but could only dine in on our last day in Vilar dos Mouros, and I wish we could have enjoyed it...

Everything besides the location a d the interior design was terrible. Fish was average at best - likely grilled or fried on some oil that gave this yellow looking effect on the surface and made it greasy. Kids menu was probably just ok but the french fries were reheated and chewy The waiter forgot one of two sides too. Staff extremely unfriendly: two musics were playing at the same time with music from a DJ at the roof top and music at the restaurant level where we were. When we asked whether one could be lowered, the waiter was borderline rude, clicking her fingernails on the Champaign holder while talking to us. We had a table next to the staircase leading to the rooftop and they didn't offer to change us a table to address the issue with having to listen to two different songs simultaneously. Like others mentioned, noone came to ask if the food was ok or if we needed anything. When we ordered desert, we were told some nonsense about the sequence of orders and that we should have not asked for the desert in kids' menu if we were not ready to order for the adults at the same time. Paying with a non Portuguese credit card was also not without a flaw - the waiter had to call someone else who actually spoke English to take payment as she was insisting I had to accept the € option from the £/€...

I was here, with friends, one week ago today, and I've not stopped thinking about it since. My husband and I have been to this restaurant three times, twice for lunch (which was delicious), but this place is absolutely magical when visited for dinner. The food is exceptional with lovely, warm, attentive services. We met the owner who was a delight. The river (although low in the summer), ambles gently by, while you sit in the glowing warmth of a beautify designed space. The is ambiance superb. I could have stayed there all night. The cherry on the top was, however, Ivan and his masterful mixology. Head upstairs after dinner for a cocktail and Ivan will take wonderful care of you. I am very particular about my Martinis and such, but he knows his stuff. I wish I owned this restaurant, and if I had a bar I would steal Ivan. We will be back as soon as we have more visitors to show off this beautiful spot....