They say the Casa da Calçada hotel, the 16th-century palace that houses Largo do Paço, is made “of stones and dreams”. The truth, without doubt, is that it captivates with its location and can be the perfect touch during your visit to the beautiful city of Amarante, one of Portugal’s most romantic destinations. The restaurant, running smoothly under the baton of talented chef Francisco Quintas, surprises with an easy contemporary comfort, bare tables and modern details that still feel elegant. It champions two modern tasting menus (13 or 15 moments, both with pairing options) that bring together freshness, technique and youth, showing strong coherence and a fine sense of balance as each flavour is played with (two dishes impressed us especially: Prawn, buttermilk, dill, lemon and Turbot, giant squid, caviar, bergamot). A starter is served in the kitchen as you watch the team at work, and several dishes are plated before your eyes by the chef himself!