Em Carne Viva — Restaurant in Porto

If I could give it a 10/5 I would. I was also there same night as Ira (who I utterly disagree with! And I went to art school so I know pretentious…) and no, I don’t know the owners and I am writing this because I feel wholeheartedly about my review.

I emailed a couple months ago about allergens with my partner and Victor would not be anymore accommodating. It took a little while to get back to me but they were so apologetic and I didn’t mind. I knew they would eventually.

We turned up and I was getting myself ready outside and the lady (sorry your name has left me, so sorry!) and they opened the door for me. I loved that type of service. We came and in was reiterated to me that they had our allergens written down. This was great to see it on paper too.

We were sat in the front. Beautiful interior. We sat by the window and able to watch outside of normal non-tourist Porto life. We were there during their 10 year anniversary of the restaurant which was truly amazing to hear especially in a city in Portugal to have such a long time like this. Especially with the gastronomy (first time trying) and fine dining element to it. We went for 10 moments (10 courses) which were 10 courses reflected of their 10 years in business and their history. They went over the allergens and told us everything was fine and not to worry as they can adapt. The way it should be.

We were between two different wines and were recommended to go with the rosé which would be a different experience (it was!). Dry but refreshing.

Our courses came one after the other, little wait between but actually didn’t mind at all! It was a whole experience. You do not come here and expect the bare minimum. Not one course was bad, I loved them all. The beer tomato tempura I wish to have every day of my life if I could and the mushroom dish was delicious too.

It was a lovely atmosphere with the background music. Quiet but also lively. The bathroom was so beautiful!

This experience was definitely once in a lifetime and the best fine dining experience AND vegan meal/a I’ve ever experienced. I’m so thankful to of found them and would recommend anyone not just vegans to enjoy!

My bf even had a happy birthday on his dessert plate. The attention to detail is everything.

We got chatting to an Australian couple who wished to see the garden, we were invite to view as well. It was beautiful! They even have a dog and cat but don’t worry not in where we eat or food is mad.

A small family business with a beautiful restaurant. Please come and experience and keep this place alive for another 10 years!

Thank you! I hope to come again!!

Love...

Long story short for those of you who don’t have much time - dining here was an extremely wonderful experience from the ambiance, to the food, to the drinks, to the very friendly and passionate hosts. I would highly recommend dining here to anyone.

The entranceway and the inside of the building is beautiful. With stained glass windows greeting you and beautiful chandeliers inside, the space is absolutely beautiful (including the bathrooms!).

We started with the Arugula bread starter which was warm and delicious. The host informed us that this was a recipe that they had created. While it sounds cliched, when dining here, you can tell that the hosts are 100% passionate about the restaurant, the food, and the experience. This was a consistent theme throughout the dining experience.

We also started with some of the white wine (forget the name) that was delicious.

We then had the golden pumpkin and roasted cabbage. Both were exquisite. My personal favorite, the roasted cabbage was so incredibly delicious. It had a combination of spices that turned a quite ordinary vegetable such as cabbage, into an entirely different animal.

We then got one of each entree that was offered that night. The mushroom risotto, Seitan flower with tomato risotto, Spinless tofu with seaweed, and Shitake “Alheira ” in Port Wine with three purées.

Once again, with the risk of sounding clichéd - these dishes were stunning. The creativity and thoughtfulness put into each one of these dishes was amazing. My personal favorite was the tofu with seaweed. I’ve never tasted anything like this before. Trying these dishes has truly inspired me to try some new things in the kitchen the next time I cook (not that I think I’ll be getting close to any of these dishes).

Lastly for dessert we tried both - the Chocolate Decadence and the Spearmint Petit Gâteau, Caipirinha Hail and Creamy Lime Ice Cream. Both amazing. I believe the host mentioned that the meringues were created without egg - absolutely delicious. The sorbet amazing. The chocolate mousse also amazing. We also had some of the 10 year port with dessert which was also delicious.

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. I wish all the best to the hosts and their restaurant. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality and I truly hope to return to this restaurant again in the future. This was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever...

We chose Em Carne Viva for a memorable birthday celebration and it surpassed all expectations. This isn't just a great vegan restaurant; it's a sophisticated culinary destination offering a 10-course tasting menu that reimagines traditional Portuguese cuisine through a completely plant-based lens.

As vegans, experiencing Portugal's famously meat and seafood-heavy classics can be challenging. Em Carne Viva solves this beautifully by presenting creative, veganized versions of Portuguese dishes that are both respectful to the originals as well as innovative. The entire menu was delightful and we found it difficult to choose a favorite. Our top choice changes every time we discuss the experience.

There were many highlights - the purple tortellini both made from and filled with onion was a burst of delicate flavour and texture. The vegan interpretation of Malandrinho, that staple of Portuguese comfort foods, was rich, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic in the best way. And the meal culminated in a stunning strawberry dessert that provided the perfect, vibrant finale.

Beyond the exceptional food, the ambiance is equally captivating. While Porto is best known for the stunning azulejo exteriors, this restaurant is a wonderful reminder of the city's equally beautiful historic interiors. The owners have taken great care to maintain the elegant Portuguese charm which resulted in a warm and sophisticated dining environment.

Adding a personal touch to the evening, we had a genuinely wonderful conversation with the co-owner (who had also been our server for the evening), whose passion for her hometown of Porto was palpable and infectious. This personal connection truly enhanced the experience.

Em Carne Viva is a must-visit, not just for vegans, but for anyone seeking an inventive, high-quality fine dining experience in Porto. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the soul of Portuguese cuisine in a completely vegan format, served with artistry and passion in a setting of genuine historical beauty. The birthday dinner was flawless, and we cannot recommend Em Carne Viva...