Sim ou Sopas — Restaurant in Porto

Porto has some absolutely amazing restaurants. After transplanting myself here from Miami over two years ago, the culinary scene is fantastic. BUT...ONE, and only ONE, SIM OU SOPAS, stands above all. Due to the beautiful and brilliant owner/chef...who makes EVERY dish from ingredients she gathers at a farm near her home, Solanja will prepare a custom menu made just for you that honestly is beyond comprehension. Her skill, her knowledge of cuisines around the world, her perfection for blending flavors, textures, the unexpected, the presentation, all unlike any "restaurant" I've been to anywhere in the world. I use that word loosely, because in theory, that's what it is, a restaurant. But in reality, it is a warm, cozy environment where you are not simply dining, you have become a member of a very elite "family"--one you will cherish. By the end of the evening, new friends have been made, your palette has indulged in dishes never before prepared with such finesse, and you leave in wonder of what you just experienced. I've sent several people visiting from the States, and I can honestly say ALL agree with my words. Don't expect waitors, attitude or any trappings of a 5* dining experience. The chef and her assistant will serve you, both beyond lovely, and that's it. Which for a true foodie makes SIM OU SOPAS 6*!! Last evening was the fourth visit I've made, and of the various courses, I had never been served ANY in past visits...and my guests, who dine only in the very best restaurants in NYC and Los Angeles, were left speechless. The absolute best food you will ever...

On a lazy Sunday, as we walked around Praia da Luz we came across Sim ou Sopas. We were greeted by Sol, who not only owned the restaurant but also ran the entire place by herself. From waiting on all the tables to cooking delicious, fresh and comforting food, it was all Sol.

We were welcomed by Sol into her home for a meal cooked from the heart. Our meal started with a spinach soup and veal carpaccio. Both dishes celebrated the freshness of their ingredients. My main was a chicken puff pastry served with green beans. The lightness of the pastry was beautifully complemented by the chicken filling - to say that it blew my socks off was an understatement. My partner fell in love the generous saffron rice. Watching his enthusiasm, Sol even ended up serving a bit more rice, much to his delight.

We rounded off our meal with a bitter almond cake and Sol was kind enough to also serve us a side of her carrot cake. Both cakes were surprisingly rich yet light and we were left licking our spoons in the end.

All through the meal, Sol played a wonderful host and engaged in conversation with us; often joking about our travels. It was a beautiful meal provided to us by someone who puts a lot of love and care into it. We look forward to visiting Porto once again and dropping by, to savour Sol's delicious food and her...

Just a few steps away from Ingleses beach, tucked away on the beautiful streets of Foz, you’ll find Sol’s welcoming open planned kitchen ready to welcome you in with a warm smile. As a group of travellers with a range of dietary preferences, Sol made sure that we were all catered to (vegetarian and vegan) - nothing was too much hassle. The selection of bread and olives to start was the first sign that this was going to be an excellent meal; fresh, tasty and perfectly seasoned with enough for four hungry travellers. With a wealth of knowledge about each dish on the perfectly designed menu, Sol was able to recommended a dish for each of us based on our preferences. Highlights of the main courses were the truffle mushroom tortellini and the creamy cod which were perfectly balanced and full of flavour. When dessert came around we were all full from the meal, but couldn’t resist tasting more of Sol’s homemade creations. We ended up getting a pudding each, with a complimentary Portuguese sponge and a delicious vegan dessert created especially for us. I could not recommend this restaurant enough, whether you’re after a romantic date with a partner or a cosy family meal, this is definitely the place...