The best restaurants in the world are those that offer not just a meal, but an experience, and DOP Restaurant certainly does just exactly this. DOP Restaurant is possibly the most sophisticated and sought-after restaurant in central Porto, eagerly chasing its first Michelin star, which we sure hope happens very soon.
Opened as recently as 2010, DOP Restaurant was the brainchild of talented chef Rui Paula. Born in Porto, Rui Paula returned to his hometown, having established a popular sister restaurant elsewhere in Portugal, eager to work his magic on the city of his birth, and he certainly has not failed to deliver.
The concept behind DOP Restaurant is simple ? it is to bring the aromas and flavours of the local Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro region to the streets of Porto, creating traditional dishes from this unique region of Portugal with an added touch of flair and creativity.
DOP Restaurant’s setting is as magical as the gastronomy it serves. Situated in the Palacio das Artes, in Largo de S. Domingos, it is nestled right in the heart of Porto’s historic city centre ? one of Portugal’s most important historic sights and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once the building of the S. Domingos Convent, it dates back to the 14th century and was, during previous incarnations, the headquarters of the Portugal Bank (then known as the Lisbon Bank) and the home of the Douro Insurance Company.
It is now the Palacio das Artes, or Palace of the Arts, dedicated to developing talented young performers and artists, and it actually couldn’t be a more fitting home for one of Porto’s most creative chefs.
For something a little different try the sushi specialities, carefully prepared using the freshest of exotic seafood and fish.
The best way to enjoy DOP Restaurant, however, is to push the boat out, succumb to oblivion and settle for the six or seven course tasting menu. This won’t come cheap, at up to 100 euros a head for the full experience, but there are few, if any, who would disagree that the price is more than worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
DOP Restaurant
Palacio das Artes Largo de S. Domingos, 18
4050-545 Porto
Portugal
Tel: +351 222 014 313
Email: dop@ruipaula.com
www.ruipaula.com
