Casa Dona Hermínia - Hermínia do Marão — Restaurant in Santa Marta de Penaguião

I rarely write reviews, but I feel it’s important to share this experience and warn others.

We booked a table at this restaurant over the phone and the owner confirmed, telling us in advance that she could prepare veal steak only, which we accepted. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the couple running the business, and at first everything seemed fine.

Unfortunately, things quickly became non-transparent. Some starters were brought to our table without us ordering them, and there was no menu at all. We had no access to pricing or options throughout the entire meal. We also ordered a red wine and a white wine, but were served unlabelled bottles, very mediocre quality wine, most likely house wine, again with no mention of price.

The food itself was very disappointing , the meat was extremely tough, the rice bland, and overall it was not an enjoyable meal. While food quality is always subjective, what concerned us most was the lack of clarity and fairness.

At the end, when asking for the bill, we were asked if we would like to pay cash or via MB Way — another red flag.

When I said cash, we were given a round number of €60 and no receipt.

The amount felt excessive for what was served, especially after speaking with other guests who had been charged differently for similar meals. It was hard to avoid the impression that we were treated like tourists and overcharged.

Finally, when I asked for an invoice to understand the breakdown, I was told the “computer was not working” and that they would send it the next day. Needless to say, no invoice was ever sent.

I don’t mind paying a fair price for good food and service , but this experience was neither fair nor transparent. Sadly, it felt more like being scammed than being welcomed as a guest.

⚠️ My advice: avoid this place. Transparency and honesty are fundamental in hospitality, and unfortunately this restaurant does not provide either - we will never return neither recommend as...

Unforgettable experience! ✨

Where to begin... no sign, no menu, no wifi, this is like stepping into your parents home after being away! A solo female traveller, I was welcomed in by this wonderful family who hosted me like their own. ❤️

The view from every table is sensational - big glass windows overlooking the vineyards.

The bread and cheese and home-made wine to match any expensive Duoro restaurant, if not better. The food is "a commande" which adds to the home-like feel and impeccable hospitality. My request for fish was granted, a delicious oven-baked dish!

No English, and I don't speak Portuguese but we found a mutual language in French as the couple lived there for 10yrs previously.

A personal thank you/obrigada! to the family for your stories and warm welcome. You didn't have to host me as it was your family celebration that night but you showed such generosity of spirit and openness by cooking for me and letting me be part of your plans!

**BOOKING ADVISED - usually they recommend you book via phone to make sure they're open and...

Thank you Herminia for the wonderful experience! A truly once-in-a-lifetime event. We sat next to a window overlooking one of the many windows in her dining room, overseeing the gorgeous wine valley below. We were treated to steak, rice, potatoes, fresh tomato salad in oil and a custard (similar to crème brûlée). All of it was homemade in her wood-fired oven which she showed us as she prepared the dessert (very cool process of stamping the custard with a fire-heated metal plate). Dinner was served with wine and she treated us to port from 1998 as well!! Quite an incredible experience which we would recommend to anyone (who eats meat). Would give 6 stars...