Le Monument Restaurant: a fusion of France and Portugal!
I had the chance to try out chef Julien Montbabut ‘s cuisine at Le Monument restaurant – 1 Michelin star.
The chef offers a fusion of French and Portuguese cuisine, using local, seasonal produce.
We were tempted by the 10-course menu with wine pairing. It should be noted that the restaurant does not offer a vegetarian menu. We therefore contacted the restaurant to find out if it was possible to adapt the menu to a vegetarian version.
I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about adapting the menu. However, these fears were quickly dispelled.
Even before we reached our table, we stopped off in the kitchen to meet the chef and enjoy our first “amuse-bouche”. The rest of the menu was a real discovery.
I loved the use of products such as seaweed, which I was able to find in a magnificent “risotto”. I must admit that I’m not a fan of risottos (especially in gourmet restaurants), but this time I had to admit that this risotto was really different in terms of taste. And I ate some risottos!
“
The wine pairing (all Portuguese) was PERFECT, and I stress this point because it's quite rare.
I’m often disappointed when I take a food and wine pairing. The wines on offer don’t always match the menu. But that wasn’t the case at Monument, where everything came together beautifully.
Surprise for the dessert, for which I had a real crush: the little Madeira banana bonbon accompanied by a delicious chocolate truffle.
And then, for the finishing touch, a fantastic infusion.
It was the perfect way to end the meal.
The Monument made a good impression on me from start to finish. I have fond memories of it.
Best Veggie Tables' opinion
To sum up: Le Monument Restaurant is a real favorite!
Avenues for improvement: the possibility of going even further in the vegan direction by offering an entirely vegetarian (or even vegan) menu and, why not, highlighting Portuguese products even more.
Last visit: February 4, 2023 (1 visit)
Where to find this exceptional table
Le Monument
Gourmet restaurant – 1 Michelin star
Av. dos Aliados 151, 4000-067 Porto, Portugal
Open only in the evening from 7pm to 9.30pm
Closed on Mondays and Sundays