Mesa Antigua - Porto

Here's why putting the map aside and wandering can be the best kind of travel: we got to Porto today and after checking into our AirBnB, we started exploring. No plans, just walking and taking in the local area. We found this nondescript little restaurant a few blocks away, easily missed if you weren't looking for a place to eat, called Mesa Antiga Restaurante. We walked in and it was empty except for an elderly woman who appeared to be patiently, quietly waiting for someone to come in to prepare a meal for. We sat down and she started cheerily chatting us up in Portuguese as she handed us menus. My husband speaks some, I speak none but that didn't stop her from merrily engaging me in talk about the restaurant (open since 1972), her kids (a son and a daughter, both live not too far away), and a recent trip to the hospital for a sprained ankle (describing how she told the docs she had to get back asap to feed everyone). We asked about wine, she thought she had some, wasn't sure, came back and gave us the bottle (about 1/2 full) to finish off. We ordered, and it soon became clear she was not only the owner but also the wait staff, cook, dish washer and bus-person all in one. This was clearly not a place for a quick meal and we were very okay with that. The grilled cod, potatoes and veggies were worth the wait. Many meals here also come with a hard boiled egg, it's a thing. After dinner she treated us to a dessert (home made custard), and a traditional Portuguese cordial cocktail with a butterscotch flavor to it. A few people walked in and walked back out when they saw how empty the place was. Their loss. This was easily one of the most memorable travel experiences we've had to date.

This place is absolutely amazing! We happened upon it while walking by and I popped my head in the door. There were no customers inside, just a sweet little old lady. I asked if the restaurant was open and she said yes. I then told her I wanted to head back to the flat where I was staying and asked her what time the restaurant closes, and she said, in Portuguese, I 'll be here waiting for you when you come back. So that was that. I returned within the hour with my husband and we entered the restaurant only to find we were the only two there. We hesitated at first but decided to go in. The hostess (the same old lady seated us and I told her that I only speak a little bit of Portuguese, which is the only language she speaks. That did not stop her from chatting with me as though I was an old friend who understood everything she said. Despite the limitations of the language, the evening was memorable and pleasurable. After we placed our order, the hostess, Rosa, then went in the back and cooked our food for us! She was the only one working there! The food was amazingly delicious, and sincerely home-made. Rosa is a gem. The other reviews of her being like a grandmother cooking for you in her home are spot on. The food was delicious. The value can 't be beat (two dinners, two appetizers, a bottle of wine, one dessert, and two shots of beirao for 50€! . The highlight of Porto for sure!

We came her by chance. The old lady isn't all that fast, so don't go here when you're in a hurry. She does everything alone that is why sometimes there is no one in the restaurant, but is she busy in the kitchen. That is probably the reason why quite a few people entered and left because they didn't have the patience to wait for her to come back in the dining room. The food though was very good, exellent home made soup and the steaks were very tender.

Começou com os nachos e o guacamole é de morrer, tão fresco e saboroso! As tacos de camarão foram surpreendentes e recheadas. Excelente refeição com um pátio incrível para jantar.

Started with the nachos and the guac is to die for, so fresh and flavorful! The shrimp tacos were amazing and filling. Great meal with an awesome patio for dining.