Em Carne viva: Portuguese-inspired vegetarian restaurant!
If you’re looking for an intimate vegan restaurant in Porto, Em Carne Viva is the place to go! Em Carne Viva was one of Porto’s first vegetarian and gourmet restaurants. I say ‘was’ not because it’s no longer there, but because, since 2016, the restaurant has been vegan. It’s now 10 years since chef Victor Rodrigues embarked on the adventure, improving his recipes and offering increasingly elaborate dishes. And it’s not for nothing that the restaurant has gone completely vegan! Victor Rodrigues waited until he had completely mastered vegan desserts before taking the plunge, and he’s succeeded!
I think it’s also important to point out that the ecological aspect plays an important part in the restaurant’s design. All the materials used are recycled, the paints are organic, there’s a rainwater recovery system and solar panels have been installed.
The cuisine on offer is seasonal and essentially organic. The aim, of course, is to limit CO2 emissions by promoting small, local producers.
To celebrate the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Em Carne Viva is offering an all-vegan menu of 10 or 5 courses. The food is mostly organic and local.
We were tempted by the 5-course menu, but in retrospect I must admit I regret not having taken the 10-course option!
Example of a 10-course menu:
Snacks
Arugula, Spinach and Chorizo Bread
Falafel and Hummus Crackers
Apple Alheira
Caldo Green
Smoked potato mousse, dehydrated Portuguese cabbage
Tortellini with red onion and Beirão liqueur
Red onion with Beirão liqueur, Tortellini with roasted onion paste, vegetable cream and onion broth
Golden pumpkin
Roasted pumpkin with spices, pistachio, toasted sesame infusion
Celery and spinach puff pastry
Celeriac, puff pastry, spinach
Sweet potato
Sweet potato and skin, pumpkin and mustard cream, vegetable purée
Sarrabulho Quinoa
Black quinoa, black beans, cumin tempura
Autumn garden
Alheira, seitan, mashed potatoes, brown beer sauce
Fig leaf and sparkling wine granita
Chocolate Decadence
85% cocoa chocolate in different textures, hazelnut cream, brownie, orange, mandarin, rum and salted butter caramel.
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The chef transforms Portuguese cuisine into a plant-based version.
I loved this restaurant: the setting is really very intimate, the atmosphere is warm and the cuisine is a change from the ordinary. What really won me over here was not only the vegan cuisine, but above all the integration of Portuguese cuisine. It’s a real opportunity to discover new flavors that won’t leave you indifferent.
Best Veggie Tables' opinion
In a nutshell: modern, creative cuisine with a focus on Portuguese flavours!
Areas for improvement: I’m still looking…
Last visit: February 2023
Where to find this exceptional table
Em Carne Viva
Avenida da Boavista 868 4100-112 Porto
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 7pm to 11pm and Friday to Saturday, 7pm to 11:30pm.