Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest
Here you’ll be greeted with a broad smile and a full “malga.” Yes, around here the wine — red-green, by obligation — is served in small old bowls called “malgas.” For the wine to breathe and for smoother sips.
But don’t be shy about the options. There are other varieties of drinks as well as dishes full of tasty bites so that you can line your stomach and have the strength to continue this round in the local taverns.
In every corner of Ponte de Lima, there seems to be such an establishment, but these three are the most classic, the oldest, and the ones that never seem to fail.
Tasca das Fodinhas
Yes, the name is kind of dirty Portuguese slang. But, according to the owner, Dona Márcia, it’s all on the head of each one’s reading the menu.
Tasca das Fodinhas has gained national recognition, as you can see by the walls full of portraits with famous Portuguese celebrities.
The menu is a long list of suggestive (sexual) names that leave a lot of room for imagination.
And everything is accompanied by a “little slut” of wine, that is a smaller bowl filled with local wine.
Dona Márcia is often at the stove but doesn’t shy away from talking and, if given the opportunity, proudly tell that she has even been on television.
A must-see place that has already become a visiting card of the village.
Taberna 27
Tavern 27 is at number 91, so don’t be surprised. It’s just a few meters from Tasca das Fodinhas.
Local people confirm that this is one of the oldest taverns of Ponte de Lima and when we enter we realize that tradition still lives here.
The wine is king and lord of the 27, and that can also be seen in the walls, full of sentences about the most popular beverage in town.
Taberna 27 has passed from generation to generation, always in the same family, and today couple John and Adelia Dantas are the ones that put order on the counter and in the kitchen.
Pull up one of the wooden stools and be enchanted by this genuine Portuguese tavern.
Tasca Mariazinha
Mariazinha or Gasparinho… the confusion is justified because both names appear on the sign. But let me explain. Mr. Gaspar was the former owner of this tavern on Arrabalde Street and remained there until he was 90 years old.
But what about Mariazinha?… The truth is that when we enter a place like this, we think that we’ll find an older man managing the business. But, what was my surprise when I saw a young Limarense woman behind the counter.
Maria Mota took over in 2013 and instills in her the dynamism typical of young people. The tradition is all here: the wooden tables and benches, the cod frying on the stove, and the wine also served in the “malga.” Not to mention the Portuguese stew, on specific days, which overflows from the platter served at lunchtime.
Walking for the first time through the streets of Ponte de Lima and crossing these establishments is something unique. Simplicity reigns, but so does the knowledge of many of the local men and women. Despite the hustle and bustle of tourists, local people never fail to stop here and exchange some conversation in the company of the good northern wine.
What about you? Have you ever been to Ponte de Lima? What did you like the most? Share your opinion about this article in the comments box below and if you have more tips about northern Portugal, some unmissable land, leave it there too!
Taverns to Visit in Ponte de Lima
21 COMMENTS
Andi
4 years agoI am head over heels in love with Portugal but I have only been to some areas around Lisbon. My husband and I want to do much more exploring as it is a potential spot for retiring – that and the Azores! My grandparents immigrated from the Azores and they lived in a Portuguese community in the San Francisco Bay Area I have memories of my grandfather and great-grandfather sitting around the bar they created in their home with other Portugues misters and I get a sense that it was almost as authentic as some of these taverns ;-0
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Andi! Thanks for sharing your love for Portugal. It’s so nice to know that your grandparents have Portuguese roots. For a long time we have been an emigrant people, so we like to think that there’s always a Portuguese in every country You just have to visit the Azores one day! They are one of the most beautiful islands in the world!
Check this post just for a sneak peek of what you can see there: https://marleneonthemove.com/bathing-in-earths-heat/
But there’s soooo much more! If you ever go there and want some tips, let me know.
Happy travels!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
4 years agoI love all these taverns. It’s not just the food and drink, but the local culture they share with the world. Lovely post.
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORThanks! You’re so right. One of the best things about visiting these places is enjoying the company of local people. Happy travels!
Holly
4 years agoThese taverns look cool and authentic and nor touristy. Loved that is has been passed from generation to generation.
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Holly! They’re a real tradition in Ponte de Lima and the young generations don’t want to let it die. What is pretty cool. 🙂 Happy travels!
Shruti Prabhu
4 years agoI had never heard of wine served in bowls. What a unique tradition! All three taverns look beautiful, but I particularly like the door of Tavern 27. Wouldnt mind some Portuguese stew right about now!
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORPortugal stew is good all the time!! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post. Happy travels!
Rosemary
4 years agoLove…love…Portugal, but have not made it yet to Ponte de Lima. As the oldest village in Portugal, I’d really love to explore the history and culture. We’re planning a trip to Northern Portugal and now adding Ponte de Lima to the list. What is your favorite local dish from the area?
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Rosemary! Glad you plan to visit Portugal soon. The north of the country is so beautiful. You’ll love it! Do visit Ponte de Lima. It’s a lovely village full of history. As for the local dish, it’s called Arroz de Serrabulho. I’ll let you discover how it’s made of, but do try it since it’s delicious!! Happy travels!
Danijela
4 years agoThey all look extremely charming, but I’d probably prefer the Tavern 2. Love the fact that it’s in the family for so long and that it still has that traditional charm even today. I mean, look at that entrance! That would be enough to get me in and I probably wouldn’t want to leave, ever. 🙂
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORIt was one of my favorites too. And the couple that manage it are so nice and makes you feel really welcome. Thanks for stopping by, Danijela!
Kamree
4 years agoPortugal is so gorgeous! The taverns are so unique! Did you enjoy the food? What was your favorite dish!? xo – Kam
Kamree
4 years agoPortugal is so gorgeous! The taverns are so unique! Did you enjoy the food? What was your favorite dish!? xo – Kam
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Kamree! Ponte de Lima has a traditional dish called Arroz de Sarrabulho… I don’t know how to translate it into English. But it’s a dish made with rice cooked in pigs blood, spices and with chunks of pork, beef, and chicken. Don’t wrinkle your nose just yet… if you’re not a vegetarian, you have to taste it. It’s amazing! 😛
Punita Malhotra
4 years agoEach of those taverns sounds fabulous. I love the idea of dining in traditional eateries across the world. I notice that you write for Portuguese publications. What similarities did you find with Portuguese cuisine and culture?
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORHi Punita. As a Portuguese, I really love our food! It’s so rich in flavors and ingredients. But every country is different and to find out the local dishes is one of the best parts of traveling. But I do have to say that returning to Portuguese food is always the best part about returning home. 🙂 Happy travels!
sherianne
4 years agoI’m not sure why but the >> a “little slut” of wine >> made me giggle. I think I would feel like I’m in grade school giggling at all of Tasca das Fodinhas sexual names. I love the look of Tavern 27, I believe I would spend as much time as possible in this little spot relaxing
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORSherianne, this was just one of the names I could translate into English!! 😀 Glad you liked the post. Happy travels!
Debra Schroeder
4 years agoI’ve never heard of the Ponte de lima, but I do love adult bevrerages. In San Diego, we have a bunch of craft breweries. Three taverns in one city? I’m in!
Marlene Marques
4 years ago AUTHORIt’s a lovely town in the north of Portugal. Maybe you can visit it one day on your next trip to this country. As for the taverns, there were more! But I chose to show these three since I think are the more traditional. Happy travels, Debra!