Histórico by Papaboa — Restaurant in Guimarães

Just of a pretty little square you walk in to a lovely wall garden that has a couple of birds and a lovely little train a great addition if you ask me!

The outside looks lovely and a great place for lunch. But unfortunately it was packed when I arrived which meant we had to sit inside which turned out fine.

For starters I went for the salt cod fish cake. Which I must say are becoming a favourite of mine. And these are the best I have had during my time in Portugal. The Bank went for the octopus which was served differently to how I have experienced it before. Sliced like thin bacon and fried in garlic oil and chilli the bit I tasted was very nice. I always do enjoy trying food different ways and was not disappointed as it gave the dish a crispy texture.

For the main I went for the black pork which may surprise my regular readers but I have been wanting pork since I set foot in Portugal. Three of the four of us had ordered the pork so it came in one big dish hence the size of it in the picture. There are four main aspects to the dish. 1. The pork and cor' blimey was it good tender sweet melted in the mouth full of flavour - I think it is cooked in red wine by the flavours and colour of the dish and it adds a real richness the juice and meat . 2 mash potatoes creamy and cooked with the pork so full of flavour and really added to the dish 3. Chestnuts roasted with the pork so absorbed the flavours and gave the sweetness to the dish and the dish would not be the same without it. 4. Greens, greens are greens.

Overall a amazing dish in both its rustic presentation and flavours it packs. One would say it is the best main I have had during my trip of northern Portugal so far.

The other member of the party went for the meal of the day which basically chicken and chips to us British. Is tasted ok but what can you do wrong with cooking chicken and chips.

For dessert I went for the chocolate mousse but that will be no surprise to you by now. Which was rich full of flavour and texture like a cake mix before it had been cooked. Which is not a bad thing as it is a guilty pleasure of mine. All in all a great dish and a good way to end a meal.

For the starts review I am torn between a four or five but the pork was that good I have gone for the five.

The price I was guessing at €150 in my head for 4 people with 3 courses coffee and drinks. Which would be the most expensive meal of the journey so far but worth it. The bill in the end was €108 which was a bargain and worth every Euro.

All put together this makes a good place for lunch.

Would you come here again? If I found my self in...

Probably the best meal we had in the Porto area when it came to pleasing the palate! (Thank you ChatGPT!) We didn’t have much time, so we went with just the bolinhos de bacalhau and a rustic salad — and they turned out to be the best cod-based dishes we had anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula.

The bolinhos were perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, while the rustic salad was fresh, vibrant, and seasoned to perfection. Everything tasted clean, homemade, and genuinely Portuguese.

Service was prompt and professional, and the decor inside was warm and stylish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quick yet truly satisfying...

Located in the city centre. This is one of the best rated restaurants in town by the time of this post. I was quite interesting to taste it as Portuguese food is delicious all around the country. And, nevertheless, it was incredible. The codfish with bread was cooked perfectly. I just have one regret - digestive drinks are served by glass. Although bubbling wine was in the menu at the same place it didn't have price and it wasn't possible to order less than a bottle. The staff was very attentive and professional. I recommend if you want to lift up your experience of Portuguese traditional...