Taberna do Zé — Restaurant in Peso da Régua

I really wanted to love this restaurant but our experience left us disappointed.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed in very enthusiastically. I really appreciated the staff’s warmth. When we sat down, they brought us bread, ham, and some fried fish cakes. While the gesture was kind., we later were shocked at how much we were charged for these appetizer mises (17 euros for ham).

We were told there was no printed menu, which we understand can be how local family businesses operate. We were told there were only two options: veal and cod and did not tell us the prices. We ordered one of each to share.

The veal was huge - highly recommend sharing. The veal was flavourful but a bit tough. It came with a side of chips which were tasty. The cod was quite disappointing. It tasted like frozen cod, and not fresh. The side salad was quite salty and had too much salad dressing. The rice on the side was cooked well.

The red house wine was tasty.

I wanted to love this restaurant but left disappointed. Hopefully it was...

Found this place by chance through google maps and turned up with 2 adults and 3 children. We were welcomed as family almost from entering the door and what a treat the kids received too. Food was excellent, though we got limited options to choose from. That said, options were good for us and the kids litterally licked the plates clean.... and then got lollies afterwards... twice! 🙂 the homemade wine was also excellent and even outperformed what we had experienced earlier the same day at a proper wine tasting at an established quinta further up the valley! it is an authentic local place, and they even have their own homemade oliveoil, wine and even some excellent hobby products from a former winemaker (the owner). It is a family run establishment, but they really make you feel so welcome and part of the family. I can't recommend this enough. If we are ever in the region again, this will be a for sure stop, simply to catch up with the "family"...

This was one of the top experiences of our trip to Portugal. The staff was so incredibly friendly and if you let them, they’ll make all of the food and beverage recommendations so you can just show up and let them do their thing. The house wine was made from the owners grapes and it was some of the most incredible wine and port we’ve ever had. We had the river eel and it was cooked perfectly. Places like these give you more of the authentic Portuguese hospitality and we are so grateful we got to experience it. This is a MUST VISIT! As we said this restaurant...