Elegant vegetarian restaurant in a restored old house situated in a romantic garden. Offers daily menu for lunch and dinner, re-designing traditional Portuguese dishes in vegetarian and vegan varieties. Open Mon-Sat 12:00pm-3:00pm, Mon-Thu 7:00pm-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 7:00pm-11:00pm.
Category: Vegan-friendly, International, Western, Portuguese
Reviews (31)
First Review by AndyT
Contributions +53
Good lunch in lovely room - Edit
I had a lovely lunch here. The menu clearly states what is vegan or can be made vegan and was delicious. This was a fine dining experience. Service was good.
Contributions +496
Disappointed - Edit
Em Carne Viva has a beautiful interior, no expense has been spared and it is very unique. I was impressed with the vegan choice, all of the mains were labelled as vegan or as a vegan option.
We were visiting the restaurant for a special occasion and were looking forward to sharing a bottle of wine with our meal, there is a nice selection of wine bottles on display behind the counter so wine seemed the logical choice in such special surroundings. Unfortunately there is only one wine labelled vegan on the menu and we were informed that they didn't have any in stock because people tend not to choose it- go figure!!
They are obviously very vegan aware and surely we aren't the only vegans who like wine (they would have had some bottles left if this was the case).
Moving on to the food. We both had soup to start which was ok. I opted for the mushroom risotto for my main which was quite tasty and well presented. My partner was disappointed with his fish style tofu which was genuinely tasteless. The vegan caipirinha pie was tempting for dessert but we were too full to try it.
Our overall impression was disappointing, we had such great expectations and for us it felt too reserved, maybe it's just a matter of taste but we like places that have more atmosphere. I wouldn't say the staff were unfriendly but they weren't approachable and lacked warmth. It's also very expensive, particularly considering the quality of food and service on our visit.
I would like to try the restaurant again to give it another chance and being a wine lover I hope they have at least one vegan option available next time.
Pros: good vegan meal options , elegant interior
Cons: too serious, no vegan wine, very expensive
Contributions +5993
In your great cities of great solitude - Edit
Oh children you've still got a lot to..........learn. Everything about this place is elegant. It's a few delightful skips from Casa da Musica and over the road from a wonderful literary themed bar where the barman confirmed Sagres is more Lisbon and Super Bock is definitely more Porto. I was fully expecting to dish out the 5 happy cows here on my birthday night but instead we left €50 lighter in spirits. The Living Flesh is a highly professional operation but the atmosphere was a trifle stifled. Once we established everything we wanted to order had to be vegan including wine we were in business. The house appetisers of bread and dips that we didn't order but came as standard were fully appreciated. The pumpkin soup was good. For main courses we had the mixed mushroom risotto which was delicious and a remarkable dish entitled 'spineless tofu'. I can only assume it was an attempt to recreate a de-boned whole white fish in the vegan form. It was tasty, quite impressive but very salty. The accompanying roast potatoes however were my highlight. When I come back to this deliriously beautiful and relaxed city of Porto on the banks of the River Douro I am more than prepared to return to Em Carne Viva for a second chance and perhaps sit in the lovely garden at the rear.
Pros: elegant premises, vegan options, cool location
Cons: limited vegan wines
Contributions +49
Amazing - Edit
We almost didn't try out this restaurant during our trip to Porto because of some of the bad reviews from vegans here, and it being a bit far from our hotel. I am so happy we decided to try it after all. It was amazing. We had the vegan version of the Portuguese tasting menu. Everything was flavorful and beautiful. The staff were friendly and helpful. The building and decor were charming. Everything about this restaurant was perfect. Porto is a lovely city, but it would have been worth the trip from London just for this restaurant alone.
Pros: Excellent food, Attention to detail, Friendliness
Contributions +26
Really wonderful meal - Edit
Very nice decor, amazing glass work (my five year old loved the fish tank sink pump in the bathroom), and even better food! Worth the visit, and very helpful staff and attentive service. We had the asparagus appetizer and the mushroom ceviche, both great, the francesinha (I liked that it was not a faithful adaptation, the original is not such amazing cuisine...) and the "sem espinhas", which was a very creative nod to bacalhau, delicious in its own right. The options were mostly vegan, or easily adapted. My non-vegetarian father had no complaints (this is very high praise, my father complains a lot). The wine recommendation was good, and the caipirinha pie was divine.
Contributions +16
disappointing experience - Edit
My expectations were high for this one. The location and decor of the place are absolutely charming, so is the menu where almost every single item has "vegan option" as a side note. It's great to see variety and to feel like the kitchen is willing to adapt the dishes to fit your preferences.
However, that didn't seem to be the case. We ordered the vegan version of two dishes, and they both came "non-vegan" — mine with a poached egg, my mother's with cheese and cream. While we were waiting, we were also served an entree, courtesy of the chef, which had cheese in it. Now, we could simply just refuse it or send it back, but the problem here is that the staff assumed we ate cheese, even though we had just ordered the vegan option — which clearly flew over their heads. (Nothing that could justify that, it was a very slow day at lunch time.)
I was so disappointed by then that I didn't have the courage to rectify the waitress. I pushed the egg aside and went on eating. While the dish was pleasant, the flavours were trying too hard. Too saturated, far from the freshness you expect to taste in a dish that is mostly composed by vegetables. They used peppers everywhere, which was fairly uncreative and off-putting after a bit since peppers leave such a strong after-taste. Couldn't finish.
We tried the Caipirinha Pie for dessert and that won the whole lunch. It was lovely, nothing to point out.
Overall, I think they should be more careful about not crossing the vegan/vegetarian border. It also seems like they try too hard with some dishes but then fail with others, as I was reading other reviews about "bland tofu". Tofu is only tasteless if you have no idea what to do with it. And honestly, for how much they charge, they should.
Pros: charming place, a lot of variety, good portions
Cons: too expensive, got the order wrong, over-saturated flavours
Contributions +14
amazing vegetarian/vegan lunch buffet - Edit
For not much more than the standard vegan/veg lunch buffet prices in Porto (€24 including a coffee) we got amazing food on par with restaurants in NYC where we've paid four times as much. A starter pumpkin soup was super flavorful without any cream, the main was a grilled kebab with couscous (no sauce for the vegan version), and a raspberry cheesecake/vegan raspberry mousse. The service was kind and the waitress (who was vegan) was proactive in pointing how how a dish had been adapted.
Contributions +126
Esta bien pero muy caro - Edit
Se come bien pero no es para el precio que tiene.
Pros: tiene muchas opciones veganas.
Cons: es caro.
Contributions +16
classy restaurant in beautiful garden - Edit
This restaurant serves vegetarian versions of traditional Portuguese dishes. Quite fancy, also higher prices than you'd pay in the average vegetarian restaurant. But the service is good, the food tastes great and the garden is a peaceful place to sit :)
Pros: original Portuguese food made veggie, garden, classy
Cons: more expensive, outside the city center
Contributions +16
Nice lunch - Edit
We had lunch here and it was really nice. As I'm eating only fruits and vegetables at the moment for a detox, we asked them to make a salad for me which was not a problem at all and turned out really nice. The house is beautifully decorated and renovated and it has a beautiful garden. It's maybe a bit expensive but the food is really good. My boyfriend had the vegetable risotto and he really liked it as well. A nice restaurant in Porto!!!
Contributions +39
Expensive and not so tasty. - Edit
I went there for a Francesinha. It was not vegan as it came with an egg. I don't know if the error was mine for not asking...
The flavour is nothing special. For sure you would find much better vegetarian food in Porto.
Prices are quite expensive.
The location and decoration is very nice, but that's it.
Pros: location, decoration
Cons: price, not vegan
Contributions +181
Upscale Veggie Place - Edit
This place is quite fancy and the prices reflect that too.
I ordered the Francesinha which didn't look exactly as I expected it to with lettuce instead of vegan cheese and courgette and tofu instead of sausage. Overall, it was tasty and well-presented. My sister ordered the spineless tofu (which first of all, what is with that name? Everyone knows tofu doesn't have a spine and comparing it to fish is off-putting and not appealing) which was a bit strange. Again, it was very well-presented with petals and salad but unfortunately it tasted weird. I'm guessing they included some sort of fishy taste like nori but it really was just plain tofu cooked in the most simple way.
Still, I'd recommend this place if you've got extra euros and don't mind splashing out for a fancy lunch/dinner, but in my personal opinion, they shouldn't be charging that much for what I would describe as tasting half way between tasty and mediocre.
Pros: nice atmosphere/vibe, well-presented food (perfect for insta)
Cons: Taste was a bit meh., Expensive
Contributions +365
Not amazing anymore! - Edit
It used to be my favorite vegetarian restaurant in Porto. I live here so I usually eat there once in a while, both lunch and dinner.
The food was amazing with a concept that I liked (traditional portuguese food but vegetarian). I think with time they lost this concept (risotto isn't portuguese) and the prices are high now if we compare with the beginning and with food quality. The last 3 times I went there they also took really long to serve me and the place wasn't even full.
The place is amazing (no doubt about that), but I think they wanted to change to an elite restaurant and they forgot the rest.
There are some vegan options, but I would recommend for sure the francesinha (you have to ask the vegan option).
Pros: Beautiful Place
Cons: Price
Contributions +60
Vegetarian based - Edit
I went here because everything my Veggie friends told me about the place. The place is really beautiful and worth checking out on sunny days/weather to enjoy the garden.
As for the food, not that well as I expected.
The Vegan selection is a bit scarce, and not worthy desserts to have there too.
I've tried the "Francesinha" and was a poor one, with only Tofu and some grilled veggies in there. Not their strongest plate.
I've promised I will go there for a second time to check another plate.
Pros: Outdoor Garden, Nice place, Cousy and romantic
Cons: Expensive, Not that Vegan-Friendly as expected, Staff is a bit reserved
Contributions +18
Splendid - Edit
Definitely worth of visiting: the staff, atmosphere, surrounding, food as well - just excellent. The waitresses were absolutely terrific.
If you feel like having a different veg experience, go for Em Carne Viva. Vegan options were all good and next time I'll have the portion with seitan (Tasted it and it was unbeliveable!)
Will visit again.
Pros: Friendly staff, Great food for a good value, Cozy
Contributions +143
Em Carne Viva - You'll Be Sad To Leave Here - Edit
The restaurant garden area is totally lovely and relaxed; like you're getting to visit someone's tastefully kept home. The inside looked just as good, if it wasn't nice enough to sit out.
Service was exceptional. The food was well cooked, well presented and imaginative. We visited for the lunch menu which we found surprisingly excellent value.
Stepping into the restaurant from the busy Boulevard outside feels like entering a calm oasis. Highly recommended - we were sad to leave when the meal was over! What a great place.
Pros: Environment, Fresh interesting food, Top quality service
Contributions +43
Vegetariano de luxo - Edit
Adorei. Terminei a minha última noite do ano num local que me conquistou. Tudo aqui foi perfeito: o local, o conceito, o atendimento e a comida divinal.
Os donos do local são pessoas preocupadas e atenciosos pelo que estavam sempre a ver se estava tudo perfeito.E de facto foi.
Mesmo para um não vegetariano este é um espaço que eu recomendo porque é uma experiência para todos os sentidos e mais alguns. Espero voltar um dia, fora de uma época festiva, de maneira a que possa provar outros pratos.
Os pratos são luxuosos, preparados e confeccionados um a um com todo o rigor e qualidade.
Pros: Qualidade, Espaço, Atendimento
Contributions +249
Beautiful restaurant but disappointing food - Edit
Firstly I think the menus have been updated since previous reviewers visited, as vegan options are now labelled and the menu is in English.
The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated (although make sure you're looking for it on Avenida da Boavista rather than Rua da Boavista like we were...). The garden also looked really nice.
However, the food I felt unfortunately didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the surroundings. For starter I ordered 'Bulhao pato' mushrooms, which turned out to be mushrooms in a butter very garlicky which was OK but not amazing. To give you an idea of how garlicky apparently I still stank of mushrooms from several feet away hours later ): ): ):
For main I had the 'spineless tofu' (still have no idea what that is..) which I think also had a lot of garlic in it, but the tofu was cooked without any flavourings whatsoever. On a plus note though, the roast potatoes that came with it were great)
Some of the puddings sounded interesting, I would have loved to have tried the caprihana pie, however it wasn't vegan. The only vegan options were sliced fruit and fruit with yoghurt, which was really disappointing and felt really lazy in comparison to the non vegan options.
I was also disappointed to see
find out that there was only a single vegan wine on the menu which was a rose. At least one red and white option would have been appreciated.
However I should note that there was lots of choice among the staters and mains for vegans though.
Overall I don't think I would visit again
Pros: beautiful restaurant
Cons: disappointing wine and pudding options, weird bathroom arrangement , too much garlic
Contributions +55
Charming gourmet food - Edit
The concept is veg gourmet food so you can understand the prices. The presentation is beautiful and the food is so yummy! Also note the charming decoration.
Pros: Decoration, Food, Presentation
Cons: Price
Contributions +39
Artisanal Vegetarian Tasting Menu - Edit
Love their concept n happy to see non-meat food taken to a culinary level and presentation. Nice garden, atmosphere and good food. Take the tasting menu (58 euros/person) and pamper yourself. How often you get a 9 course meal vege dishes served at Michelin level?
Cons: every dish on the tasting menu was served in full
Contributions +187
Many vegan options - Edit
Kind of upscale cuisine, but affordable. I had some tasty bread with olive tapenade for the starter. Instead of a soup I ordered caldo verde, some kind of Portuguese cabbage stew, which is usually neither vegan nor vegetarian. For the main course I had caramelised seitan in port wine. Everything was delicious, I would almost say perfect even the coffee. At least half of the main dishes are vegan and they also have a very low priced soup of the day.
Apart from the excellent food the restaurant should be recommended because of its pleasant atmosphere and the very friendly staff. Menu is Portuguese and English.
Updated from previous review on Monday October 06, 2014
Pros: food, staff, atmosphere
Cons: Only two vegan desserts (fruit, yoghurt)
Contributions +27
Highly recommended - Edit
Rather high-class cuisine, very delicious, prices for main courses were between 15 and 20 Euros. Several vegan options (probably at least half of the main courses), english menu, friendly staff.
Recommended not only for the food, but also for the charming interior and the nice, calm atmosphere.
Contributions +11
A Magic moment - Edit
One of the Best places to eat in Porto !
Maybe the best...
More than a restaurant, it's a all new concept: the food, the place, the garden, the architecture and of course the warm welcome... everything is linked to create a magic place.
Romantic and Zen, a really special atmosphere...
I recommend the place for architects or creative people: a real inspiration.
Une cuisine raffinée dans une architecture remarquable et extrêmement inventive: un concept novateur et intelligent... bravo.
Obrigado for all the team and a special big up for Victor: we will never forget our evening.
Laurence, Elie, Nina and Ruben.
PS: When will you open the same place in Paris???
Much love.
Pros: Gourmet, Architecture, Warm welcome
Contributions +59
Overated - Edit
This pretentious, expensive restaurant professes high caliber service, which we thought was not up to scratch , and creative cooking which was not altogether so. I had vegetable puree soup which was pleasant at best and stuffed Portobello mushroom which was tasty but not creative. My husband had the tofu dish which he said was devoid of flavor. The restoration of an old building was superb, but you can’t eat it! I wouldn’t go back
Pros: Nice building, Pleasant indoor feeling, Comfortable seating
Cons: Amateurish service, Expensive, Uncreative
1 Response
VictorRodrigues 16 Aug 2014 - Dear Epstein, could not resist to take a look at your latest 5/4 caws ratings and in fact, one thing you notice that left us very confused: your sense of creativity. Anyway, our thanks for your visit and for your hardrating post.
Contributions +166
Cuisine gourmet - Edit
Great effort, that of preparing traditional specialities in veg version!
Results are very interesting and the staff, kind and professional, is happy to support with explanations as well as with vegan options.
The design and the artistic decoration, aimed at maximising the re-use of materials, is excellent.
Beautiful garden, wonderful house.
A bit out of the historic centre.
Moderately expensive (expensive for a vegetarian)
Pros: food experience, ambientation, staff
Cons: price, far from historic centre
Contributions +17
Exceptional - Edit
When in or close to Porto, don't miss this absolutely fabulous restaurant! A perfect place for an exceptionally good dinner.
Pros: Excellent Food, Lovely Place, Super Friendly Staff
Cons: None
Contributions +896
Fresh garden but poor vegan options - Edit
Me and my husband had a good afternoon tea in the fresh and quiet garden but the menu is minimalist.
I asked for vegan options, because the menu didn't have any reference to them, and the person serving us got confused with the tern and went to ask for them to the cook... no vegan options... so I simply drank a great Darjeeling tea with a toasted bread with jam.
Pros: Fresh garden, Satisfying tea, Friendly staff
Cons: Not many vegan options
1 Response
VictorRodrigues 08 Aug 2014 - Our vegan options "A la Carte" based on traditional homemade Portuguese food and sophisticated modern fusion:
Couvert
-Crispy “Sea Spaghetti” SeaWeed
-Alheira (Portuguese sausage) puffs
-Black Olive Tapenade and Bread
Starters
-Soup of the Day
-Special Portuguese broth “Caldo Verde”
-Shitake Mushrooms as the traditional Portuguese “Bulhão Pato”
-“Little garden fishes” of Asparagus in Tempura
Main Courses
-Vegetable or Vegan “Francesinha” with Fries*Tradicional Porto sandwich with Cheese or not and Spicy sauce as coverage.
-Grilled Endive in Beetroot and Ginger broth, crispy Onion and Leek with creamy Fava beans.
-“Spineless” of Tofu as the tradicional Portuguese “Lagareiro”, grilled with garlic and olive oil with Sautéed Turnip greens and baked Potatoes.
-Asparagus on champagne Risotto
-Mushrooms Risotto
-Marineted Seitan fillets on Port Wine and Pinion sauce, with Chesnut and Port Wine Puree, tiny Carrots and steamed Asparagus
…and so many others we present as daily courses for lunch with lower prices!!!
Desserts
Sliced piece of Fruit
Creamy Yogurt with Jam and Forest Berries
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