In common parlance, the expression “where there’s smoke there’s fire” is often used. However, in this new restaurant in Porto, it’s a case of saying: “where there’s smoke there’s fire Roast”. After all, one of the secrets here lies in the Rotisserie technique, which allows meat, fish and vegetables to be roasted slowly.
Located in the Boavista area, the restaurant opened its doors at the end of last year and is gradually attracting the attention of Porto residents and beyond. Whether it’s for a quick lunch on a workday or a family dinner, 606 Rua 5 de Outubro is an option to consider.
A chat with Roast’s chef
The restaurant’s kitchen is headed up by 43-year-old Carla Oliveira, but it’s worth noting that the project is curated by Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira, who is responsible for the Food & Beverage concepts (of the hotel units managed by Ace Hospitality Management).
In this context, the menu focuses on traditional Portuguese cuisine, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients and the flavors that take us back to Sunday lunches at grandma’s house. In fact, this was the main inspiration for chef Carla Oliveira: comfort and family food.
The concept is inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine and flavors, by Sunday lunches with the family… And that’s precisely what I’ve tried to bring here [in the seasonings and whatnot]. It’s worth noting that all the meats and [almost] all the fish come through the Rotisserie, as well as the vegetables,” Roast’s chef told Porto Secreto on a visit to the restaurant.
A look at the menu
Surrounded by a minimalist yet welcoming atmosphere, we realized that this is a space suitable for those who want executive options. The lunch menu, from Monday to Friday, costs €10.50 and includes different dishes depending on the day of the week. For example:
- Pork kebab (on Mondays)
- Rib-eye (on Wednesdays)
- Salmon loin (on Thursdays), among others.
However, as we mentioned earlier, the offer is wide-ranging, including dinner menus, specific options for children, not forgetting vegetarian alternatives.
For vegetarians, or simply for those who prefer healthier combinations, there are dishes such as linguini with soy sauce and vegetables, mushroom risotto or carrot puree with chickpeas and curry sauce, among others.
The side dish section is also noteworthy, ranging from batata a murro, sweet potato chips, delicious oven rice and fresh vegetables. For those who can’t do without a good dessert, our suggestions include banoffee, choco brownie and cheesecake.
Other useful information
Although we stopped by Roast at lunchtime, it’s worth mentioning that during the afternoon, between 3pm and 7.30pm, the restaurant offers a range of snacks for those who love to share.
The dinner menu (from 7:30pm to 10:30pm) is more extensive and varied than the lunch menu, with dishes to suit all tastes. From fish soup to cold polenta, not forgetting beef tenderloin or pork shank, the hard part is choosing.
With doors open every day, Roast also offers a take-away service and has a presence on the Glovo and Uber Eats platforms.
In any case, we prefer to stop by and remember the familiar flavors of yesteryear!