Chef José Avillez was warmly welcome by Porto residents. Northern Portugal yearned for a restaurant like this for a while already, and Avillez also looked to expand to the upper part of the country. The chef told Time Out that this would be his “riskiest project”, but we can assure you the risk paid off. Judging by the (absolute lack of) empty chairs at lunchtime, it is safe to say things are going well. The lunch executive menu is based on list items and draws a big crowd, but Cantinho do Avillez also has plenty of patrons for dinner. In the evening, there is a mix of Portuguese and foreign tourists. Dusk makes the mood a little more romantic. And what can be more romantic than “farinheira” sausage with a corn bread crust... or, since this is Porto, a reinvented “francesinha” sandwich with truffle and Serra cheese gravy, absolutely delicious.
