2 Best Restaurants in Vila Real, Northern Portugal

Open since 1947, this restaurant 3 km (2 miles) from the center of Vila Real, on the main road to Chaves, has kept up with the times in terms of decor, presentation, and service. Tasty starters here include bacalhau and chickpea salad, and tripas (tripe) dishes unrivaled by nearby venues. There are a few fish dishes but mains are mostly meat-centric—and often available in half servings—ranging from garlicky alheira sausage served with sautéed grelos (turnip tops) to corn grits with cabbage and grilled ribs, or roasted Maronesa beef flank, as well as recently added spicy dishes from Goa. This is also a good place to sample regional wines and desserts. 

With tables nestled inside oversized wine barrels, Terra de Montanha has an interior design that's as memorable as the food. Try excellent specials such as bacalhau with onion escabeche and mayonnaise or a well-flavored meat dish such as the house veal, which is seasoned, grilled, and then roasted with potatoes before being served with sautéed vegetables. The kitchen stays open late here—dinner is served almost until midnight on weekends.