Romando

Going out for dinner in an atmosphere like that of Romando is a voyage into regional flavours. That’s how we feel when we sit down at the table. Romando is located on the road from Azurara to Oporto, in Vila do Conde, and is considered one of the classics, with a history stretching back more than 30 years. The atmosphere is modern and sophisticated and the food is delicious.

Considered one of the classics, with a history stretching back more than 30 years.

Romando is the result of the passion of Armando and Rosa, who launched this brand together. It is a family business. We spoke to their daughter Patrícia (in charge of the group’s administrative matters), and it was her who told us about her parents’ love story. Rosa was born in Celorico de Bastos, and Armando in Vila do Conde. Initially, the restaurant was located in a building next to the sports club. After 11 years, they acquired the land on which the modern and attractive Romando we know today now stands.  Throughout this venture parents and children have witnessed the evolution of the restaurant, since they all work in it. And as it’s a family business, all opinions must count , so, about 10 years ago, they took a chance on the concept of Japanese food and created the Sushi Café, a Japanese restaurant, located on the river bank in the city of Vila do Conde. Shortly after starting this adventure, they came up with the idea of creating a restaurant and bar concept in the Romando building. And that’s just what they did. In the lower part of the venue, which they named Romando Privê, you can enjoy a cocktail and a flute of champagne – they are Dom Pérignon ambassadors – while tucking into Japanese dishes.

When asked what led her to enter the restaurant business, she explains: «All the effort my parents made, which was a lot, I couldn't just leave it as a memory. I chose to maintain and perpetuate their work. That’s what my brother Nelson and I think.»
Their father, Senhor Armando, almost 70 years old, still goes shopping every day. He is the one who buys the fish. «He can’t take a step back from what he’s built, it’s the only time of the day when my father walks, talks, gets out and distracts himself a little bit,» Patrícia reveals. And in the evening, he always stays until the end. Not to mention the weekends, when he puts on music.

Romando is the Dom Pérignon ambassador restaurant in Portugal.

One of Romando’s attractions is the wine cellar. Its unique wines, both Portuguese and foreign, easily catch your attention. As for the dishes, choosing is the hard part. Whether you go for meat, fish or seafood and then dessert, the quality is exceptional. Oven baked octopus with cornbread or the sea bass rice are always a good option. And what’s better than that? The best of all is that, besides being able to enjoy these delicious dishes in a cosy and refined atmosphere, Romando also offers a delivery service, which brings the best of Portuguese and Mediterranean food to its guests. And they are open every day, except at Christmas. That said, indulge in the restaurant’s magnificent specialities, Portuguese and traditional cuisine, where authentic flavours are a treat for the eyes and then for the palate. Discover the huge variety of flavours, even in the vegetarian specialities.