RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH VENEZA, PADERNE

We first discovered Veneza some 20 years ago and marked it as a little treasure in our must-goback notebook. Since then, we have returned many times over and continued to enjoy the food, which is the best of Portuguese, the atmosphere and the opportunity to sample some truly great wines.

The place has a real history, opening in 1954 as a coffee shop-come-grocery store-come-building-material-supplier and in 1970 taking on a new personality as a dance hall. Today, where noted musicians and singers once performed, more than 1,500 different wines are stored and for sale at the best market price to appreciative diners. Unsurprisingly, countless awards for food and drink have come Veneza’s way over the years adding to the recognition and respect this family-owned business has earned so well.

Chef Orlando Gonçalves Matias recently joined the team at Veneza and he is clearly focused on Portuguese specialities, adding marvellous little twists to traditional dishes such as the restaurant’s famous (and filling) Bean Soup, its flavoursome Garlic Prawns, and two of the most popular dishes, Pan-fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic and finely-sliced Pork Liver with Onions. He has also introduced a choice of splendid petiscos (little snacks) like Quail Eggs with Chorizo, Oxtail Croquettes, Asparagus with eggs and traditional Hunting Sausage – just the thing to start a long and relaxed meal with friends.

Each day, in additional to the main menu there is a choice of specials – and very special they are, using the freshest of local seasonal ingredients. For the taste adventurers there’s the likes of Veal Tongue Stew, Black Pork Cheek or Oxtail Stew, all of which, once tasted are demanded again and again and yet again.

The wine store fascinates, even the teetotallers among us cannot resist a walk down the long aisles where shelves

are stacked with bottle after more bottle, with names and tasting notes as well as the takeaway price. And the wine cellar, of course, is one of the reasons for the popularity of Veneza; the staff are knowledgeable and always ready to offer opinion and recommendation. In all, some 3,500 different drinks are available in the restaurant – and how many eateries can claim that?

Puddings – they are a real classics: carob cake, fig tart, almond and honey cookies, toasted almonds and eggs, and there’s a great choice of Portuguese cheeses to sample with fresh breads and crispy crackers.

This is a great place to entertain, especially if you have guests you want to impress. No wonder Tripadvisor rates it as the Number One in Paderne. Allow ¤30 a head and do check out special events at the restaurant with carefully chosen menus designed to introduce new tastes.

If you are planning a party away from home, this could be the perfect venue.

Restaurant Veneza 8200-488 Paderne T: 289 367 129 E: info@restaurnteveneza.com Bookings by phone only

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