Castas e Pratos — Restaurant in Peso da Régua

We left before our mains ever arrived. That probably tells you enough, but let me spell it out.

We booked for 8:30pm, arrived early at 8:20pm, looking forward to a repeat of the great anniversary meal we’d had here last year. Within minutes the cracks showed. They tried to take our food order before giving us a wine list or even table water. When water finally turned up, twenty minutes later. It was brought by a shaky, nervous waiter who seemed completely preoccupied with a single large table behind us.

The place started out busy, so we gave them the benefit of the doubt. By the time our starters arrived the dining room was thinning out. Service didn’t improve with fewer guests. It got worse. Our empty wine glasses sat in plain view, practically waving a white flag, but instead of offering refills the staff focused on polishing the cutlery at the empty table next to us.

The food didn’t redeem it either. My partner’s scallop and pea purée had developed a skin, which says enough about how long it had been left sitting around. For a restaurant of this supposed standard, it was a joke.

By the end of the starter we were out of water again. We ordered a second bottle. It never arrived, so we asked again. Only then did it come. This set the tone, persistence required for the bare minimum.

After an hour and forty minutes we’d had a starter, eventually managed a second round of drinks, and were left with the clear sense that the staff couldn’t care less whether we stayed or left. With half an hour to closing, we chose the obvious option. We walked out. No mains, no desserts, no reason to return.

Castas e Pratos once impressed us. Now it’s coasting on reputation indifferent service and no respect for paying customers. If you value your evening, spend it...

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the Douro Valley, Castas e Pratos offers a dining experience that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Its commitment to quality, ambiance, and service makes it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The restaurant offers a menu that combines traditional Portuguese flavors with innovative culinary techniques. Dishes are thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the best of local ingredients. With over 30 wines available by the glass, guests can explore a variety of local wines, enhancing their dining experience. The desserts, such as the lemon dessert, are crafted with attention to detail, offering a delightful conclusion to the meal.

The menu at Castas e Pratos is a celebration of Portuguese ingredients with a modern twist. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian options. Some standout items include: •   Iberian Black Pork with Mushrooms and Truffle: A flavorful dish that highlights the rich taste of Iberian pork, complemented by earthy mushrooms and aromatic truffle. •   Scallop and Oxtail Starters: Delicate scallops paired with tender oxtail, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. •   Lemon Dessert: A refreshing and tangy dessert that provides a perfect ending...

Atmosphere was the main redeeming quality here. Food was okay at best, but lacked any interest or excitement in flavor. Dishes mainly tasted like things we cook at home, which was very unlike many of the other excellent and unique meals we had in the Douro valley. The main contributor to this being an overall disappointment was the service. We waited 1 hour to be served our meal after ordering. Additionally, the junior sommelier picked out a terrible wine which soured our meal. When we commented on the poor wine choice to the main sommelier, he affirmed that the original wine choice was “commercial”, “cheap”, and “not very good” and therefore told us that he would comp two glasses of a better wine. However, the junior somm who presented us with the check hovered over us as we were paying and, when he saw that the two “complementary” glasses of wine were not on the bill, he took the bill from us as we had already been in the process of paying, then went to the back and added on the additional cost. He once again hovered over us as we reviewed the check, then expressed disgust when we lessened the amount of tip we gave in response to this inappropriate treatment. Poor experience overall. So many good options in Douro, would recommend that you explore...