About This Spot

Writer’s Place is a quietly charming restaurant tucked away on Travessa da Marginal in Pinhão, where the pace of life invites you to slow down and savor more than just the meal. From the moment you step onto the terrace, the gentle murmur of the Douro River mingles with the scent of blooming bougainvillea and the calm presence of surrounding vineyards. There’s an unspoken ease here—a blend of rustic warmth and thoughtful attention—that makes the experience feel like being welcomed into a well-loved local home.

The rhythm of dining at Writer’s Place is unhurried and reflective, encouraging you to immerse yourself in the simplicity and care woven into every detail. Whether you’re settling in for coffee or lingering over a shared meal, the atmosphere invites quiet conversations and moments of genuine connection. The softly worn tables, the gentle chatter of nearby guests, and the attentive gestures of the family who run the place combine to create a space where hospitality feels deeply personal.

What you find on the plate reflects the environment—flavors that honor the region’s traditional roots without pretense or rush. Freshly prepared dishes celebrate the local bounty with heartfelt simplicity, from tender seafood kissed by the river breeze to thoughtfully prepared cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. The taste of house-made olives and olive oil, alongside the subtle sweetness of almond cake or a small plate of fresh fruits, reveals the care and history poured into each recipe. Sharing a bottle of homemade wine here feels less like an indulgence and more like an extension of the family’s warm welcome.

Writer’s Place is a pause for reflection amid the natural beauty of Pinhão, where the slower pace and natural surroundings are as much part of the experience as the food itself. It’s a place to witness gentle moments of care, where the kindness of its hosts and the serene views lend a poignant sense of belonging. A visit here encourages you to breathe in the simple, honest pleasures of the Douro Valley and return for the quiet joy of genuine human connection.

What’s Available Here

  • IconOutdoor seating
  • IconOn-site services
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconGreat coffee
  • IconGreat dessert
  • IconGreat wine list
  • IconRooftop seating
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCocktails
  • IconCoffee
  • IconHappy-hour drinks
  • IconHappy-hour food
  • IconLate-night food
  • IconOrganic dishes
  • IconPrivate dining room
  • IconSpirits
  • IconVegetarian options
  • IconWine
  • IconBreakfast
  • IconBrunch
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconTable service
  • IconGender-neutral toilets
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconRomantic
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconTourists
  • IconTransgender safe space
  • IconLunch reservations recommended
  • IconDinner reservations recommended
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconOn-site parking
  • IconParking
  • IconDogs allowed
  • IconDogs allowed inside
  • IconDogs allowed outside

Location & Hours

Monday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM , 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Janine Keall 18 Dec 2025

We just had coffee but the view, service and tranquility was special. Overlooking the river and the vines amongst the bougainvilleas, who could ask for more? Only 1 negative and that is the fact 2 coffees cost 7euros.

Latrice Brent 12 Dec 2025

Absolutely beautiful place! Very unassuming but the food and views were amazing!! We truly enjoyed everything we had to eat. So freah and the flavors were perfect! Not over done everything was well balanced and delicious! If you have the chance you have to go!

Emma 05 Dec 2025

A truly heartwarming dining experience. The lovely elderly couple who run this place make you feel like a guest in their own home. The knuckles and fish were both beautifully cooked, full of flavor and care. What really stood out were their homemade olives and olive oil — absolutely amazing. To top it off, the owner generously shared their own homemade wine, smooth and comforting. Simple, honest food and genuine hospitality. Highly recommended.

Nazgol Goshtasbpour 01 Dec 2025

This place was recommended by the hotel I was staying at but I was on the fence because of the reviews. I eventually I decided to trust the hotel. I’m glad I did. One thing you must know is that it’s CASH ONLY. The service was a little slower than the average restaurant (because you are in Pinhao and must enjoy the view and life.) The staff was extremely friendly. The lady who was referred to as ‘grumpy’ in another review was super lovely and checked on the guests regularly. The food was very great too. Not fancy but full of flavour. The fish was so tender and the potatoes perfectly seasoned. The whole experience felt like you were invited to Portuguese family home and are having a meal with them. I went in late autumn when the town and tourism industry is quiet. Maybe it’s different during high season but I would give this a 5 star and would definitely go back.

Bianca Vieira Leite 29 Nov 2025

We had lunch at this beautiful restaurant, which turned out to be a hidden gem. The owner greeted us warmly at the entrance, and the staff was exceptionally kind and attentive. The terrace where we lunched offered a stunning view of the Douro River. To top it all off, the food was absolutely magnificent—it felt just like grandma’s cooking.

Meliza Lessard 14 Oct 2025

Let me start with WOW! We were greeted by the owner Antonio. He welcomed us with his Port, which is spectacular. We had the octopus and the arroz de pato, both great. But most of all it's the view and the convivialité of the venue and the owners. Marie and Antonio are great hosts. They walked the space like magicians. This lunch will hold a special place in our hearts forever and we will be back.

Adam Colvin 13 Oct 2025

Absolutely absolutely absolutely amazing food. We both ordered the schrimp. Used to the other restaurants in town we thought we knew what to expect, but this place really exceeded our expectations with their €35 plate. And yes... a generous portion of 10 beautiful schrimp per person with some perfectly toasted bread... it was so satisfying to carefully peel the shells off, revealing the most succulent scrimp meat. They even explained how fresh and premium they were, which made them so expensive and therefore incredibly tasty... the schrimp were prepared to perfection (the quality was outstanding throughout) you could tell they were cooked with care and we savored every bite. The best part of the restaurant is that the waiters are really nice. We left completely satisfied afterwards..

Leena Sabharwal 06 Oct 2025

One of best meals in Portugal, Antonio and his wife are super charming. The place has a fairy tale setting. The food was to die for - grilled cod, spinach canneloni, meat platter, kababs, the house port wine, delicious caramel cake and pudding

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