DOP Restaurant is the brainchild of Celebrity Chef Rui Paula, who was one of the judges on the MasterChef Portugal TV show. DOP is located in the Palácio das Artes (Palace of Arts) in Porto, a 14th Century building, now run by the Fundação da Juventude (Youth Foundation) in which creativity and innovation is promoted. This ties in well with Chef Rui Paula’s concept as he seeks to recreate the traditional Portuguese flavours with some international character at DOP.

For this review, the restaurant first enticed us with the Chef’s compliments of Brie Cheese with Pepper Jam on Toasted Bread, a delightful combination.

For Starter, Cod Fish Carpaccio, the fish was so thinly and evenly shaved, giving the dish a beautiful translucent to almost transparent presentation, and it tasted great with the right amount of extra virgin olive oil and spice.

For mains, we first had something from the sea with Turbot (fish) with Seafood (lobster) Rice. The Turbot was cooked just right, giving a smooth yet springy texture in the mouth. The seafood rice was soupy but thankfully not too rich. It could perhaps do with a little less salt.

Next came something from the land with Bisaro Pork with Celeriac Puree. The pork was meat from the pig’s neck, slow cooked in red wine sauce until all the flavours sinks in and the meat becomes really tender. And it was fabulous, with the meat almost melting in the mouth without being mushy! The accompanying Celeriac Puree was creamy smooth with a nice subtle tinge of celery.

We are half anticipating something from the sky next, but luckily no bird landed on our table as it was already quite a full, hearty meal by then. Nevertheless, who can resist the White Chocolate Creme Brulee with Raspberries sauce, and some chocolate to complete a wonderful night.

Dinner was paired with both white wine and port wine. The port wine was served in the official Port Glass designed by Pritzker (1992) and Imperial (1996) Prize-winning Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira, which was ergonomically designed to provide the best hold.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 90 guests in 2 floors for sit-down dinners. While the dining area is open, thick buffer walls separates tables from each other, adding privacy for small groups to engage in closer interactions.

For larger groups, DOP may offer the great hall of the Palace of Arts, the beautiful building in which it operates, and menus will be prepared to meet the expectations and objectives of the client. For more information, please visit: www.ruipaula.com