This is the lunch of your dreams in Portugal. Really: when you walk in and smell the incredible, heady scent of cheese and fine cured pork, you know you are in for a treat. The owner of the restaurant is also the server, and he proudly shares that everything on the platters is made at family owned farms nearby (his family). If you order a platter (and you absolutely, positively should), he will ask after allergies and then come back with a visual symphony you always wish would be as tasty as it looks but usually isn't (and you will be thanking the food universe that in this case, it really is even better than it looks, which is quite a feat).
Everything was the best of it's kind: the best sausages, the best cheeses, even the best blood sausage (which we've never liked before but here, was wonderful). Little plates and pots of so many different bits of deliciousness. It was dizzying.
They are also known for their excellent burgers. We had one at the table and it was very, very good. Their juices are freshly blended and generous, so don't skip those either!
Lamego is a very cute town fit for a day trip if you are staying in the Douro Valley and need a break from all that port. Get to Casa da Rua 5 minutes before they open and you'll get a seat (it's small and it's popular...it filled up quickly). It's definitely worth the visit. read more