Although there has long been good Italian food in Portugal, until recently there was no proper mozzarella bar. That changed with the opening of Puro 4050 on the picturesque Largo de São Domingos.
It’s the result of a trip that chef Luís Américo, of the nearby Cantina 32, took to Italy. He brought back all of this favorite things: several varieties of mozzarella, bocconcini, Italian chicory, and Parma DOP prosciutto. And so, Américo’s business partners, the Inês and Pedro Mendonça, took more trips to Italy. There, they met with producers, looked at the buffaloes in the pastures, and chose their favorite items. Each month, a shipment of those items comes to them at postal code 4050, in downtown Porto.
The idea is for guests to mix and match mozzarella varieties with vegetables such as purple leaf lettuce, Italian chicory, green lollo lettuce, or prosciutto and other charcuterie. But for those for whom too much choice is a problem there are several set combinations on the menu. Standouts include a creamy fresh mozzarella with pesto, and flavorful artichoke hearts and tomatoes (even out of season!) and a plate of laminated courgettes with affumicata (smoked) mozzarella, pepper jam, and boiled pear.
The lactose-averse can enjoy classic or toasted focaccia, pasta, risotto, and meats such as black pork and Waygu beef osso buco. Desserts include the expected tiramisu, as well as more unique options like a buffalo ricotta tart with pumpkin and cinnamon.
For more information, visit the Puro 4050 website.
Puro 4050
Largo São Domingos 84
Porto
Phone: +351 222 011 852
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12:30 to 15:00 and 18:30 to 22:30
Photos: Ann Abel/Portugal Confidential