The last meal in Porto was always going to be a big one. I'd actually tried to come here two nights earlier but unfortunately it was closed at that time of night. Solar Moinro de Vento is best known for local cooking, and the lunch session here was eventually made up of Portuguese families. It lies towards the north-west end of town near a lot of other restaurants and cafes, the Livraria Lello, some churches and on the lengthy walk to Casa da Musica. So there is no reason to not come into this area. The restaurant itself is a little further out on its own perhaps making it less frequented by people not in the know.
- Caldo Verde (green soup)
- Sopa de Peixe (fish soup with mint)
- Tripas a Moda do Porto (typical Oporto-style tripes with beans) - it was a daring day to try a local specialty of tripe. I can't say I especially like the texture of tripe (as confirmed with this dish) but the flavours are very nice, warming and homestyle;
- Filetes de Polvo (octopus fillets with today's rice) - this was an enormous serving (for one) of beautifully fried octopus tentacles with an even larger pot filled with a tomato rice stew. Fantastic.
I was actually in the area considering brunch at Miss'Opo (which has a great reputation as a cafe and guest house) but the menu didn't seem particularly exciting or local. Nonetheless the place looks cool, but I'm sure I'd prefer eating at Solar.
Next time I would order the tripe (for tradition) and the octopus again. I still think those are the two best-looking options on the menu. Skip the soup/entrees/sides as the servings are large (unless you happen to be in a decent sized group).