The River Restaurante: A Light Lunch in Peso da Régua

After a morning winery visit in the Douro region, and prior to a Douro River cruise, we wanted to have a light lunch and Joaquim, our driver, recommended The River Restaurante, located in Peso da Régua. The restaurant is relatively new, having only opened in February 2020, and it occupies a building that was constructed in 1835.  

The restaurant has a slightly rustic ambiance, and service was very good. They have an extensive Portuguese wine list, and we opted for the Quinta Das Fontaltas Arinto Vinho Verde, which was slightly effervescent, very crisp, and with tasty citrus notes of citrus and a backbone of minerality. The food menu has lots of choice, for both Starters and Main, from seafood to meat, including Octopus, Cod, Steak, Lamb Chops and more unique dishes such as Monkfish Rice and Roast Baby Goat. 

We decided to order just a few Starters, including this Citrus Cured Sardine with with corn bread, roasted peppers & quince jam. The Sardine was delicious, meaty and briny, with bright acidity from the citrus. Corn bread and seafood seems to be a common pairing at Portuguese restaurants. 

The Green Asparagus is grilled, and comes with smoked ham, rosemary honey and toasted almonds. Another tasty dish, with a nice mix of salty and sweet, as well as the crunch and nuttiness of the almonds. 

The Sautéed Prawns, with garlic bread, were plump and tender, and the olive oil sauce was great for dipping the bread. 

Finally, we had an order of French fries, which were nicely crisp with a fluffy interior. 

Overall, a very pleasant lunch and I would definitely return there again.