Barão de Fladgate is a restaurant in the historic town of Vila Nova de Gaia, at Taylor's Port Lodges. This is on the opposite bank of the Douro River from Porto and therefore has the best views of that iconic city.

The versatile restaurant is stunning. Its stone walls offer classic comfort on cold winter evenings. The views across to Porto are particularly impressive at night, with noteworthy buildings being lit to present the most romantic of panoramas. A meal at Barão de Fladgate is an event that encapsulates the very essence of Porto and the quality that The Fladgate Partnership represents.

Between 1st April and 30th September Barão de Fladgate opens up its veranda for lunch and dinner so visitors can enjoy the warmth of balmy days while they savour some of the best dishes of the region. Be warned that lunch might well be a long and leisurely affair, as you’ll not be eager to move from your vantage point. The activity on both the river and the bank will divert your attention away from the sumptuous food for a while, but you’ll return to your plate and that expertly-paired glass of port, and take advantage of all that Barão de Fladgate has to offer.

The menu is seasonal so you could consider several short breaks without the threat of having the same meal twice. Slow-roasted small kid, turnip tops, oven-baked rice with bacon, and slow roasted veal cooked for five hours are two of the cold-weather dishes to entice the visitor. Squash and almond cake, pêra rocha (pear) in Fonseca Bin 27 Port wine with cloves could be your dessert, but try and save space for the cheese board – you’ll likely have the chance to taste some delightful local produce.