Sunday, January 14, 2024

A Douro Valley culinary hotspot: Quinta de la Rosa's Cozinha da Clara Restaurant

Sitting by the window at Quinta de la Rosa's Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, we are about to discover one of the best dining spots in the Douro Valley. Quinta de la Rosa, with around 1,400 acres, is one of Douro's most famous estates with great views and river-facing location. Let's take a peek at our culinary outing to Quinta de la Rosa.

River Views: Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, Douro Valley  © Spaswinefood

Culinary Explorations at Cozinha da Clara Restaurante

For sure our drives through the Douro Valley included a few culinary explorations along the way. One of the highlights of our culinary outings took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, Quinta de la Rosa. Given it is located on the scenic Douro River it offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills. It provides an idyllic backdrop for dining.

River View, Quinta de la Rosa © Spaswinefood

Our Douro Valley travels took us to Cozinha da Clara Restaurante at Quinta de la Rosa. This quinta is one of the Douro's most famous estatesIn fact it has an amazing restaurant, located right on the Douro  River with fabulous views. 

Cozinha da Clara Restaurante, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood

Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood

We found parking was a bit difficult to find there however, we managed to secure a spot nearby. For those without a car you can stroll along the river from the village of Pinhão. It is about a 15-20 minute walk. 

Cozinha da Clara Restaurante 
It was here we enjoyed the most fabulous lunch with a wine flight.
Quinta De La Rosa Wines, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante  © Spaswinefood

We were most fortunately it was late May. Not only were we lucky, to get a table but, we got one overlooking the river.

By the River, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood


Needless to say, we made the most of our dining experience.
Lunching by the River © Spaswinefood


We sure loved those riverside views while dining. During lunch a few tourist boats went by our dining spot.

Views of the Douro © Spaswinefood

Tourist Boat & River Views  © Spaswinefood

After adjusting to the beauty of this fabulous setting, we were ready for a wine flight.

Time for Wine © Spaswinefood
Wine Flight © Spaswinefood
Quinita De La Rosa Wine Flight © Spaswinefood
Quinita De La Rosa Wine in the Glasses © Spaswinefood

While their menu features Portuguese traditional foods I managed to navigate it to find good vegetarian options. Needless to say, we enjoy our lunch that day.

Squash Soup, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Barley Soup, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Meat Plate, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood
Mushroom Dish, Cozinha da Clara Restaurant © Spaswinefood


Sitting there, enjoying the views with a most delicious lunch at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was beyond awesome. I certainly enjoyed Quinta de la Rosa wines. Yes, if you wish, you certainly can finish the meal with a glass of their port wine.

Taking In the River ViewsCozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Lunch, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood


For us taking in those views, over lunch was pure delight.

Douro Views by the River, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood

River View, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood
Clouds & River View, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood

 Cloud Reflections, Cozinha da Clara Restaurante © Spaswinefood


Dining at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant was a very special culinary treat. After lunch we would continue on our way back to our accommodations at Quinta Manhas Douro.


A Few More Highlights from Our Adventures
Throughout our Douro Valley adventures we learned to appreciate those ever changing views across the valleys in late May.
Vilarinho de São Romão © Spaswinefood


We loved our adventuring along the Douro Valley wine route.

Ruta do Vinho do Porto, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood


We especially enjoyed those Douro Valley drives. The roads maybe curvy and narrow however, the views of the vineyards are spetcualar.

Douro Valley Vineyards © Spaswinefood
Vineyard Views, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood

Those daily drives would always took us through Pinhão.

Pinhão, Douro Valley © Spaswinefood

During our adventures we viewed both sides of the river as we explored the Douro.

Douro Valley Qunitas Along the River © Spaswinefood
Douro Valley Quintas © Spaswinefood

I never tire of making wine and food discoveries in the Douro.

Douro Valley © Spaswinefood
Discovering quintas, like Quinta Ventozelo during our travels is always a bonus.
Ventozelo Quinta © Spaswinefood
Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta © Spaswinefood

Put Cozinha da Clara Restaurante on your Douro Valley culinary hotspot list. Without a doubt, it was an highlight of our Douro Valley travels. The Douro Valley is an absolute must for wine lovers, especially if the wine lover appreciates learning about port, and the other great wines produced in this region. I so love discovering the Douro Valley's many culinary charms. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Portugal and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am looking forward to more vine-filled explorations in Portugal. 


CHEERS!


Sharon 
May 2023
Douro Valley, Portugal 
© Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Special thanks to Carol for her driving skills!

Thanks Carol, Douro Valley 2023 © Spaswinefood

#spaswinefood travels in Portugal 🇵🇹

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