Quinta Santo António do Rio (Quinta de Santo António do Rio)

Giving 5 stars is something I do sparingly, not because it is difficult to please, but because I reserve this recognition for truly exceptional experiences. This restaurant really surprised me. The atmosphere is truly immersive, combining an intimate aura that embraces us with a refined simplicity.After intensive research in search of a (good and quality) restaurant in the Celorico da Beira area and being presented with burnt food, poor service and typical tavern dishes, I came across, with some surprise (and a touch of skepticism, considering past experiences in the region), with Quinta de Santo António do Rio.The service was exemplary, marked by attention, friendliness, and careful information.Waiting times were adequate, and dishes, from different cuisines, were served simultaneously.The house wine was not far behind in quality, although the starters could have been more diverse, possibly with greater emphasis on regional cheeses and sausages.The quality of the meal was remarkable. Both the cod with cream and the house cod were superb. The chop, for my taste, was very good, but it was a matter of luck, as I like medium-rare meat, if the doneness had been questioned, I could have avoided having to go back. The combination between grilled meat and sausage was particularly well achieved.The dessert. My friends, Cheese Pudding deserves a special mention. As a sweets lover, coming from a region known for the best convent sweets, I can say that the pudding was simply the best I've ever tasted. I felt like I could spend the afternoon enjoying bowls and bowls of this magnificent cheese pudding. Simply masterful. The portions seemed a little small to me, but that may have been more by desire than reality.Although the price is not the most economical, it was justified by the quality of the meal and service, something I always prefer. Prices are appropriate to the quality.When it comes to the atmosphere, I highlight the sublime choice of ambient music. The only constructive criticism I make refers to the presence of some smoke in the restaurant, possibly from the grill or fireplace, but nothing exaggerated.A special thank you for your attention and promptness in providing a portion of veal with rice for my young daughter, which was equally delicious and was not included in the final bill.I certainly plan to return, aware that circumstances may not always be equal and perfect. Due to the lack of gastronomic options in the area, but not only that, this restaurant will certainly become my favorite place in this area that I have now chosen as my home.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ate like a king. So worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried to score and when we couldn't, we decided to take a chance. As we were 7 people, they sent us to a room that is a few steps up, however this space, despite being pleasantly decorated, was cold, with some of the people having lunch with their coats on.They explained that lunch was a buffet but there was no longer one of the 4 dishes.Shortly after, they brought the starters which were insufficient, considering there were 7 of us, and my wife had to get up to ask for more starters as there was no starter table at the buffet that would allow for refills.When we finished the starters we went to the buffet, where the cod with cream had also finished and the house-made cod was given a spoonful to each of us. This time the buffet was reduced to a single dish of veal, which was tough.Afterwards, they were careful to serve some grilled dishes that were delicious.When I went back to the buffet to help myself to more potatoes, there were none!When dessert arrived, the waiters suggested that we bring some of the 3 desserts so we could taste them. When the desserts came they said they no longer had the cheese pudding.In short, insufficient starters, a buffet with no food and only 2 out of 3 desserts.When I get up to pay, I see that they were serving the pudding!!!I don't recommend a place where there are first-class and second-class customers.It should be noted that the employees asked a few times during the meal to apologize as they were having a difficult Sunday.After we left the establishment and were already in the parking lot, the "manager" felt the need to justify himself, thinking that his biggest mistake was the fact that they charged me a child for an adult.When their biggest mistake was accepting more clients when they didn't have the capacity to serve anyone else!For my part, I come with a clear conscience because I paid for a buffet of €20 per person, where the buffet had just one dish and the meat was not tender!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Food and service 5*. I highly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pudim de Queijo

Great service from Daniel, very friendly and good food!! Wonderful cheese pudding!! Worth knowing!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Personal 5*Great food, very welcoming place?

I loved the place, the food is fantastic, including the house-made cod and the veal. The desserts are another wonder, the cream milk and cheese pudding are divine. In addition to all this, we have a pleasant, attentive, friendly and very professional service. I couldn't stop talking about Mr. António, who was exceptionally attentive and friendly. I highly recommend this experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pudim de Queijo, Leite Creme Caseiro Muito Bom

My friends and I were looking for a place for lunch, and I found out about this restaurant which does all-you-can-eat buffet only a couple of days ago. So we decided to come and try it out.The restaurant is just outside the town. Follow the sign and it will leads you down a country road, and you'll arrive at a church. It's not obvious where the restaurant is but you have to follow the dirt road which goes behind the church that leads you to a small entrance of a farm house. There hidden the entrance to this restaurant.On the outside, it looks like a farm house with a few decoration, but once you step in, it's a beautiful restaurant styled with vintage furnishings, together with great ambient and relaxing music. We were made welcomed by a friendly member of staff.I was looking forward to the buffet only to be told that it's not available. Apparently buffet needs to be booked in advance.After we sat down, we were served with some small bread rolls, and a few pieces of blood sausages and chorizo. The blood sausages were nice with a crispy skin. The chorizo were very fatty but very tasty. Anyway, we were given the menu and we were recommended the roasted beef and the creamy fish pie. So we went with their recommendations.We didn't have to wait long for the food. They served all 3 portions of beef on a platter together with sliced roasted potatoes and some mash vegetables. The beef was delicious. It was tender and juicy. It goes well with the roasted potatoes slices and the mash veggies. One of my friend had the fish pie and she said it's one of the best fish pie she ever had.For dessert, we had the "house cheese cake". It was delightfully cheesy with a great texture. We finished our lunch with a coffee.Overall, the restaurant looks great, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We have really enjoyed our lunch even though I was disappointed that it wasn't a buffet. However, I would definitely come again for a special occasion. The bill came to €67 for the four of us. It is slightly pricier than a standard lunch BUT it was worth it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An experience to repeat without a doubt. Super attentive and friendly staff, very nice atmosphere and even better food. I recommend trying the cheese pudding, one of the best I've ever tasted! I highly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Magnificent dinner! Good starters, excellent cod and veal and a glorious end with the best cheese pudding I've ever eaten.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quiet restaurant, more than pleasant service. Traditional meal as we like them. Very nice discovery. It is certain that we will come back to it. The welcome, the service really very friendly and attentive.

Parking: Shaded parking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A space full of details and a unique decoration.We had the buffet and all dishes were excellent. The farm-style cod and chickpeas with cod were very good… but the top of the meal was the cheese pudding.Thank you very much for the way you received us. A space that we strongly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem! The food is simply delicious, the staff are super attentive.The surrounding area is fantastic, with a small olive grove and an area with animals that create a welcoming space.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

(Translated by Google) I will not return even if they invite me.(Original)No volveré ni aun que me inviten.

(Translated by Google) It is a very welcoming place with exceptional service. Excellent quality food. Without a doubt to repeat, I strongly recommend.(Original)É um local muito acolhedor com um atendimento extraordinário. Comida de excelente qualidade. Sem dúvida a repetir, recomendo vivamente.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tibornada de Bacalhau, Pudim de Queijo, Leite Creme Caseiro Muito Bom