Arcoense is a traditional minho restaurant in Maximinos, Braga.
Founded in the 1970s on the outskirts of Braga, Arcoense built its reputation on certified Bisaro pork, Minho-style cod and padeiro-style roast.
Signature dishes: Bacalhau à Braga, Rojões à minhota, Cabrito à padeiro
Must order: Rojões: braised Bisaro pork cubes with lard-fried potatoes, one of the more honest preparations in northern Portugal.
Tip: Located six kilometres from the centre. Reservations almost essential at weekends.
Address: Rua Engenheiro José Justino de Amorim 96, 4715-023 Braga
A traditional neighbourhood tavern near the Church of São Victor. Traditional, honest and homemade, Casa Estarolas is where locals eat on Sundays for roast.
Signature: Arroz de pato, Bacalhau à Braga, Papas de sarrabulho
Order: Papas de sarrabulho on Sundays: the thick corn-and-pork porridge that represents Minho Sunday cooking at its most direct.
A small, warm room in Braga's historic quarter with a seasonal menu from chef Whesley Amorim. Portuguese technique meets Latin American flavours.
Signature: Peixinhos da horta, Seasonal fish plates, Latin-inflected starters
Order: Peixinhos da horta: the classic battered green beans done with the chef's Latin inflection.
Tânia and Rui filled a Cividade street-level space with vintage crockery and family recipes. The homemade soups are a reason to visit at lunch;
Signature: Daily specials board, Homemade soups, Minho meat mains
Order: The dish of the day: changes daily, always Portuguese and priced for the neighbourhood.
A dependable tavern in the historic centre with rustic atmosphere and daily specials strong on Minho standards. Generous portions at honest prices.
Signature: Bacalhau à Braga, Arroz de pato, Rojões
Order: Bacalhau à Braga: fried cod with caramelised onions, roasted peppers and thin potato slices soaked in olive oil.
Open since 1998 and Michelin-referenced since 2013, Cozinha da Sé works author-driven Minho cooking from a central location in the historic quarter. Wine-lined walls, intimate dining rooms, rustic-modern aesthetics.
Signature: Cabrito assado à moda do Minho, Fish cataplana, Bacalhau assado no forno com batata a murro
Order: Cabrito assado à moda do Minho: the slow-roasted kid that has been on the menu since the house opened in 1998.
A traditional neighbourhood tavern near the Church of São Victor. Traditional, honest and homemade, Casa Estarolas is where locals eat on Sundays for roast.
Signature: Arroz de pato, Bacalhau à Braga, Papas de sarrabulho
Order: Papas de sarrabulho on Sundays: the thick corn-and-pork porridge that represents Minho Sunday cooking at its most direct.
Taberna Belga runs two rooms in the centre and has become the address for francesinhas and Belgian-influenced dishes paired with local and Belgian craft beer.
Signature: Francesinha, Belgian-style beer snacks, Craft beer pairings
Order: Francesinha: the Braga interpretation with house cheese sauce and spiced tomato-beer gravy, served with fries.
