Restaurante Casa Pimenta

Casa Pimenta is part of Braga’s historic food trade: Eduardo Pimenta opened the restaurant in 1957, and the municipal tourism listing describes it as one of the city’s oldest dining houses. It stands on Praça Conde de Agrolongo, in the historic centre and within walking distance of the cathedral. Its three rooms, with a combined capacity of 88, mix classic and contemporary details; the atmosphere is that of a family-style city restaurant, rather than a tavern built for a quick tourist stop. The restaurant champions Portuguese recipes passed down through home cooking and identifies papas de sarrabulho as its regional speciality.

Papas de sarrabulho is a thick, hearty Minho preparation: Visit Braga lists pork blood, chicken and other meats, cured sausages, bread or cornmeal and spices; it can be served as a soup or alongside rojões. It is a substantial dish and often appeals most in cold weather. The restaurant’s menu and photographs also show a wider Portuguese offer, including meat, fish, cod, octopus, tapas and desserts, so diners who do not want sarrabulho can choose something else. Public comments praise the service, traditional cooking and reasonable value, although the overall rating points to a less consistent experience: some customers criticise the coffee or particular dishes.

The restaurant website allows bookings by phone or online, offers takeaway and lists step-free access, air conditioning, an outdoor area and parking in front. Its schedule contains a detail worth checking: it says the restaurant opens daily, but the weekly timetable does not show Thursday dinner; call +351 253 262 119 before planning around a meal. After the cathedral, a walk through the centre can combine lunch with Santa Bárbara Garden and the former archbishop’s palace. Casa Pimenta suits visitors who want to sit in a restaurant with local history and try a Minho speciality without leaving the city centre.