Tasca do Ze Tuga - Bragança

A fabulous lunch in the Castle, on a quiet Monday as most museums in Bragança are closedown Monday and there was maintenance and workers on site. The Tasca was welcoming and the only waiter Nando was buzzing up and down stairs like a demon. They were 3 waiters short for one reason or another, but Nando was excellent and even had time to chat. The kitchen team presided over by the impressive Michelin starred Luis Portugal were intact and producing superb and innovative food from entirely local sources. We had Intended only a light lunch, but the menu was so enticing we ended up full after sharing two modified 6 course tasting 'Moments ' between the 4 of us. Everything was tasty, beautifully presented, and satisfying. A great experience and Luis was out front answering the multitude of questions, my wife is wont to pose.

Sometimes it’s hard to summarise why you love a restaurant. But this was easier; it is a magical place, with a passionate head chef, a truly stunning location, and a commitment to quality you can almost touch…. Indeed, if the secret of great dining is passion, this restaurant cannot lose. The meals we had were based on traditional winter food, but reinvented with style. I don’t have the words to describe adequately the range of aromas they conjured up, but the general idea is traditional favourites with flair. And dear god, the wines…. By the end, we were overcome with the flavours. We would give it six stars if we could.

When a restaurant privileges aspect and looks over flavour and tastefulness, sooner then later it will see its stars dwindle. That's the case here. To start with the presumably offered starter was awful (to say the least, as contents seemed to be past due date). Then both main dishes looked good when sighted but only one was effectively tasteful. Word of caution: both were too salty which usually means ingredients were not as fresh as they should be.

One of the best dishes we have had in our Portugal traveling! You cannot miss this wonderful eatery while in Portugal! We ordered beautifully presented food that was not only pretty to look at but filling! Customer service was excellent!

Simply excellent. The boys were very attentive with extra treats from the kitchen. They were very kind to our little dog as well. The food was just great. Talent abounds in the Kitchen and front of house.