Victa - Vila Nova de Gaia

Gourmet concept taken to extreme levels. Despite the good location and very nice atmosphere, the food is a surprise. It claims to be a all-food oven cooked leading to a traditional cuisine but it misses it.

We have driven past this gem so many times, slightly put off by the reviews saying it was overpriced and that the service was bad. When we finally decided to give it a try, we were pleased to discover that such problems are most definitely a thing of the past. From the moment we walked through the door, everything was perfect. First, the service was impeccable attentive and efficient without being fussy, and it was friendly and warm from the chef to the excellent head waiter Susana, who had only been in the job a week and yet had the whole service running exceptionally smoothly. The food was also superb. We both had steak dishes a fillet and an entrecote and both were top quality cuts, cooked to perfection, excellent accompaniments and great presentation. The portions were also generous. I think we paid around €22 which for such quality is not at all unreasonable. Dessert was also delicious. There was a good range of wines to choose from and the mark up was very reasonable. We had a glass of port as well, which was generously poured! The location of the restaurant is obviously superb, occupying a prime location over the marina at Afurada, with almost 360 degree views of the Douro estuary, it's a very romantic setting. The decor is stylish and there was a good ambience. Parking is simple, although we walked. All in all, whilst this is a little way out of the city centre, it is absolutely worth the walk or short taxi ride along the riverside (which can be a pleasure in itself! and I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is a very nice restaurant, with a superb decor, good food. The service is friendly, but absent-minded (they forget basic things, like bringing the bread after the butter, or glass refiling). The wine list is good. The price list is a little too high for the outcome. But it is surely worth a visit.

Had the bacalhau victa which was very good and oysters as starter. Excellent service and a nice environment away from the crowds at the marina which is only 15 mins drive from the downtown.