Formigas — Restaurant in Guimarães

During my visit to Guimarães, I had the pleasure of dining at Formigas Restaurant, and it quickly became one of the highlights of my trip. From start to finish, everything about the experience was memorable. The atmosphere is cozy yet elegant, with a welcoming charm that instantly makes you feel at home.

The food was nothing short of exceptional. We began with the bread and olives, both fresh and full of flavor, setting the tone for the meal ahead. The tuna fish was beautifully prepared, rich yet light, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients. The risotto deserves a special mention—creamy, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor, it was easily one of the best I’ve had.

Moving on to the mains, the linguine with prawns was a standout dish. The pasta was al dente, the prawns juicy and tender, and the sauce tied everything together harmoniously. The grilled chicken was another hit—simple, well-seasoned, and cooked with just the right amount of char for that authentic taste.

Dessert was the perfect way to finish. Each sweet treat we tried reflected the same care and quality as the main courses, leaving us satisfied yet eager to return.

What ties the whole experience together is the attentive and friendly service. The staff at Formigas make you feel genuinely welcome, enhancing the joy of the meal.

In short, Formigas is a must-visit in Guimarães—delicious food, wonderful ambiance, and outstanding...

Fomos ao Formigas por indicação, cheios de expectativa. Chegamos no horário, fomos recebidos com um pãozinho fresco (ufa, começamos bem) e achamos que estávamos no caminho certo.

Pedi o beef Wellington e meu marido foi de sushi. Quando o meu prato chegou, fiquei na dúvida se era mesmo um Wellington ou uma tentativa frustrada de carpaccio em massa crua. A carne estava numa poça de líquido (não confundir com molho), absolutamente crua por dentro. A famosa duxelles? Sumiu. Presunto? Escondido numa folha que nem o não saberia dizer o nome. Pedi para passar mais um pouco e voltou pior. Uma façanha. Me trocaram por um bacalhau com broas que estava bom, mas, vamos lá, é um restaurante tuga, então é o mínimo.

O sushi do meu marido? “Ok”, segundo ele. Nada que justifique hype ou post entusiasmado no Instagram.

O serviço é uma dança caótica de garçons perdidos tentando lembrar quem pediu o quê. Tudo demora. Tudo parece improvisado. Sai sem café e sobremesa porque demoraram tanto pra retirar e mesa (mais de uns 20 min talvez?), e tudo era tão confuso, que desistimos.

E, como cereja do bolo: a casa de banho. Suja, pichada, com frases de gosto duvidoso nas paredes. Achei que tinha entrado no metro de Nova York, versão underground.

O salão é realmente bonito, Instagramável até dizer chega. E talvez seja só isso mesmo: um cenário bonito para quem não pretende comer. Beleza...

Interesting place. Location nice, atmosphere nice, waiters nice. Around us were lots of loud children at 9pm. Very eclectic menu, from Portuguese to Japanese to questionable Italian (steak with tagliatelle and tomato sauce?). However the waiters were friendly and spoke English well enough. The starters arrived before the drinks and the cod we had was full of bones. The chicken with sweet potatoes and...