3 Best Restaurants in Peso da Régua, Northern Portugal

In a former railroad warehouse by Régua station, Castas e Pratos is the first and best of a row of eateries to move into the long, timber structure. Snack on the first floor at a high table or climb the wooden stairs to the large mezzanine for a sit-down meal; the sophisticated flavors and presentation are sure to delight you. You could start with a ceviche of tuna, shrimp and sea bass, or a seared scallop with pea purée, then move on to delicately flavored brill with cockle rice, or one of the delicious slow-cooked meat dishes, such as veal cheeks. There are always tasty vegan options, too. For dessert, "O Ovo" (The Egg) hatches a sweet surprise. There are some 650 wines to choose from, the vast majority from the Douro, including local bubbly.

This riverside restaurant 9 km (6 miles) from Régua, on the south bank of the Douro, draws gourmets from far and wide with Michelin-starred chef Rui Paula's take on the cuisine of his native region. Only the best ingredients are used in dishes in which bacalhau and polvo (octopus) loom large, as well as tender Bísaro pork and Maronesa veal. You'll pay €110 for a tasting menu (plus €80 for wines), but you may also order à la carte.

Named for the black cat on its tiled facade, this sleek, family-run restaurant on Régua's main street, next to the Museu do Douro specializes in traditional Douro cuisine. Favorites include cabrito assado (roasted kid), which locals line up for once the tourists are gone, but there are also well-priced dishes of the day.