Fodor's Expert Review Essência

The cuisine of northern Portugal is notoriously meat-heavy, but local produce is so flavorful that it can easily stand alone. Essência understands this well, and its celebrated vegetarian menu showcases sophisticated meat-free dishes that run the gamut from mushroom carpaccios and colorful garden salads to risottos. Vegan and gluten-free dishes are available, and there are even a handful of seafood and meat options.