Writer's Place

OMG, what a hidden gem. Our hotel recommended 5 restaurants nearby, not this restaurant. I can understand why, as we ate at Vintage Hotel last night. They said very busy best to book. Seriously, there were only a few guests. The food very boutique is small serves, tastes good, price extremely expensive for the product. Oh, and watch out for the hidden charges. we didn't order the bread and was charged 10 Euro.

However, this review is about this restaurant and serves local produce, and the chef changes the menu daily as per availability. The owners are very hospitable and friendly and make us most welcome. Views magnificent. Food superb.

We were walking by when the owner was in the doorway and greeted us with info about Pinhão. We decided to stop for a glass of wine and cappuccino and so glad we did! The secret garden/patio around back was a beautiful surprise and enjoyed the views of the river and surrounding countryside. I can’t speak for the food and see that many think it’s too expensive but the views and friendly staff would be worth the visit ❤

Just happened to walk by with my family and decided to go for it. They have a lovely terrace around the back with beautiful views of the river. We ordered some wine and the Maronesa steak (comes with black beans and rice) for a family style lunch. It was DELICIOUS! The steak was tender, delicious, and cooked perfectly. The black beans were super delicious. The wine… the wine is always good in Portugal! There was more than enough food for my family of four. Yes, they put bread and olives and olive oil on the table without you asking - it’s what every Portuguese restaurant will do. If you don’t want them, you simply tell them no. The service was exceptional, and the owners and staff were very friendly and spoke with us for quite a while about their cows. The food is on the more expensive side, but we felt based on the quality and quantity, it was well worth it. Also, cash or MB Way payments only - no credit cards.

It's been a couple of months since I was in the Douro Valley now, and as I reflect back, I had one of my best times of my whole trip at this restaurant. The town is Tiny and rather inconsequential, except for a few wineries. obviously, tourists come there for the river cruise and the wineries, and then try to find somewhere to eat, so the offerings are a little touristy. The back patio of this place is picture perfect, and the proprietor, Antonio, is charming, and absolutely worth the trip. If you are smart, you will order what they tell you. Soak up the experience, enjoy yourself, and embrace your inner poet.

Outstanding. Gorgeous setting, delicious dishes, and excellent service. Andrea and Antonio hosted us as if we were honored guests! Must try!

Outstanding, the owner was personable, warm and chatty. The waitress, Barbara, was simply adorable.
We both had the Portuguese Rabbit dish. Outstanding!! Sadly we leave the next day and cannot revisit to try the other dishes.
Highly recommended.

We just happened to walk by this restaurant and the owner graciously invited us to eat there. We were headed to another restaurant but ended it coming back here and we were thankful that we did. The outdoor area has a beautiful view of the Douro River. The owner's wife is the chef and the locally caught river fish was excellent. The owner also treated us to several glass of his own home made Porto wine which was excellent.

Taking a walk by river and spotted this lovely yellow and green building.
Wandered inside and great personal service from the start.
I had the Portuguese stew. Where tostart? It a lovely, filling meal.

Very good place to eat. Really good place next to the river. Owner was really proud to show his grape trees and gave us some for free. Really friendly staff. Only thing is that it's not a cheap place.

Quaint dining experience overlooking the Douro river. Breathtaking view , for a lunch in the outdoors. The food selection from local dishes was good. Looking for an atmosphere of enjoyment and one could not ask for a more romantic location.

Antonio was an amazing host! He made us feel at home. Very generous with tastings as well as bread. Dinner was also excellent, we enjoyed the salmon and the duoro fish. Would definitely come again to visit Antonio’s lovely place. He also provided us with lots of wisdom. What a welcoming restaurant!

We found this place for lunch a little by chance and it was definitely one of our favorite places to eat around Porto. An intimist environment with a sublime view, lovely service, kind owners, delicious wine, typical Portuguese food (trust the owners' recommendations especially for meat).
Thanks again for this unforgettable moment !
Your French admirers

The Writers Place is a gem! The owners are a lovely and kind family and everyone you meet will endeavor to make your visit perfect. The outdoor seating has lovely views of the river with the scents of their fresh herbs growing on the deck. We had octopus and it was excellent. We very much enjoyed our meal. I highly recommend The Writers Place.

Such an awesome experience at Pinhão!
Awesome food, we ate Barrosã’s meat with beans and rice in the side and it was really well prepared and delicious!

We we’re treated really well, the staff was very kind and friendly! The view over the river was breathtaking!

Furthermore, it was the only petfriendly place we’ve found!

I strongly recommend! The only thing is that they only accept cash for payment!

Our favourite meal and experience on our Portugal trip. We felt like we were old friends and Maria and Antonio were welcoming us into their home for a meal. The patio has amazing views of the river and vineyards on the opposite side. We were lucky to snag a table because it was busy. Being a small family restaurant this also meant we were there for awhile, so if you’re in a rush, this may not be the place for you. The food was amazing, as was the service. The fresh oranges falling from the tree were a delight. We would highly recommend for a relaxed meal.

I saw the mixed reviews and can only provide my experience. Everyone was very friendly and the outdoor area was a lovely setting for lunch. I was recommended a soup that wasn’t on the menu and it was very good. They asked me whether I wanted bread/oil/olives, it wasn’t assumed, and there was no service charge on the bill. Yes, it’s cash only, which maybe should have been stated up front, but that’s really the only minor criticism I could make and not deserving of a hit to the rating

A hidden gem with an incredible view! We stumbled onto this small, delightful restaurant on the edge of Pinhao and the view directly overlooks the river and mountainscapes. The feel is very intimate and homie and the staff are extremely friendly and kind. My wife and I shared the T-bone steak which was cooked to perfection. The rice and beans that accompanied were delicious in their own right. Additionally, we brought our 11 month old son, and the staff were particularly patient and accommodating. There was a bit of a wait for the food, which could have been a bit faster considering we had a young child. There were also quite a few flies around, as you are surrounded by fruit trees. In all, I would still highly recommend this as the spot to visit if you find yourself in Douro Valley for a local experience!

Absolutely gorgeous views of the Douro river. This place had exceptional service with lovely hosts / owners who were great to chat with. The food they served was the best we’ve had so far in Portugal. A real gem, stop by and grab a glass of wine before taking a cruise down the river, you won’t regret it !

Simply amazing. Just go.. don't think, just go. You will not be disappointed

The lunch at Writers Place was the absolute highlight of our day’s trip to Duoro Valley. It was totally unplanned but a wonderful experience.

Antonio was a charming host and we had the most delicious lunch with views to die for. High quality and authentic home cooking by Antonio’s wife and a genuinely warm welcome that made you feel special guests in their own home.

All the other guests were so friendly and there was such a great bonhomie. Antonio’s own white wine was delicious and lunch was concluded, after almost 2 hours, with his excellent home made port.

Can’t recommend highly enough and strongly suggest you reserve and then build your day around lunch.

Really no need to book a tour - simply take the train from Sao Bento and arrive 30 minutes before departure to get seat on right side of train (for incredible views of valley - train ride is stunning).

After lunch we had time for an hour’s boat trip from pier (probably no need to book in advance) and there are a few wineries within 5 minutes of train station.

Sorry for long review…..but this is a special place!