Hiden romantic and intimate restaurant
There are not many restaurants in Porto where you can ally great food with a unique atmosphere and a modern space at reasonable prices. BB Villa is one of them.
It’s not that easy to find, as it is a little hidden, although it is located in Pinheiro Manso area, a few steps from Boavista Avenue, one of the city’s main arteries. If you are not familiar with the area, it’s better to use your GPS or call a taxi.
As you enter, you will still doubt you are entering a restaurant in a busy part of town. There’s a little garden to pass through before reaching the entrance door. And there are tables outside, to eat in the terrace on the hot summer days. Once inside, the decoration is modern and minimalist, but very intimate.
Their food is gaining a place of its own in the city’s restaurants scene. Chef Bruno Santos puts effort in getting a refined flavor from simple ingredients, reinventing Portuguese traditional food and keeping faithful to the Mediterranean cuisine.
Modern and comfortable decoration at BB Villa.
The menu has got the right dimension: there’s enough variety to make the right choice without the risk of getting wavering. Well… for me, the process of deciding what to order from a menu can turn into a complex one, but let’s take the seriousness out of it. After all, BB Villa is all about relaxation and tasting with all senses.
My suggestions: as for appetizers, choose the Portobello mushrooms – the name makes me think of London, but the Serra (mountain) cheese and ham put my head back to Portugal!; then, continue with the filet mignon stuffed with apple puree and “alheira” (a Portuguese soft sausage full of flavors that you have to try); as for desserts, there are great options, like the crepe parfait with passion fruit.
BB Villa terrace invites for a delicious meal on summery days.
Highly recommended for a romantic dinner! The average price per person is around €20 but at lunch time, on working days, they have budget dishes, keeping the same distinction and quality.
While around the Boavista area, and if you’re into having a sandwich, try A Badalhoca. You won’t regret having the best smoked ham sandwich ever! After that, go to Serralves Gardens for a relaxed and romantic walk.