In a celebration of Portuguese gastronomic culture, wines and northern ingredients, Cozinha das Flores threw its doors open for the first time last February, under the aegis of the chef Nuno Mendes, on Largo de São Domingos.
We entered the Flôr bar, adjacent to the restaurant, at number 60. Both are part of The Largo project — a new hotel concept that runs through five historic buildings, which will open later this year — and where we were so warmly greeted. We started with a toast at the bar, curated by Tatiana Cardoso, who is responsible for the cocktail menu, and embarked on a unique experience, faithful to Portuguese flavours. Based on mixology techniques and some unexpected Japanese references, she transforms traditional flavours whose essence is extracted and creates unique distillations. The imagination is the limit, and the inspiration is Portugal.

Finally in the restaurant, the storyline around this restaurant is the culmination of Nuno’s journey of discovery on a personal experience of connection with the city of Porto and its people, dignifying its history and traditions. From the couvert to the snacks and starters, we witnessed an epic display of the chef’s talent, which combined perfectly with the wines that were suggested. After all, the surrounding oenological geography also transforms them into the main protagonists of the meal. In an authentic balance of flavours, the aromas and textures of the dishes leave the soul satisfied, with a parade of gastronomic creations, prepared right there, in the open kitchen where an impeccable mise en place was enacted.

The intimate space belongs to everyone, with a welcoming appeal to locals and visitors alike, at a crossroads of community, creativity, heritage and gastronomy. The Space Copenhagen studio was chosen by the Danish collective Annassurra to design the project, with a Scandinavian touch, in a concept that draws on local culture — from the furniture to the glasses, especially developed by Portuguese craftsmen.