Whether you prefer a formal environment or a laidback atmosphere, Pousada da Torreira provides several areas to experience the estuary with all your senses. Try the snacks by the
pool, the afternoon tea at
Garça bar, and dine at the
Búzios restaurant. Whatever your choice is, pleasant surprises are guaranteed.
Literally
on the Aveiro Estuary, right next to the S. Jacinto natural reserve,
overlooking the toil of local fishermen on traditional 'moliceiro' boats, you will find the magnificent Pousada Ria restaurant. True to its location, the restaurant presents you with most of the region's
traditional dishes. Fish and shellfish - both from the sea and the estuary - stand out from the menu and present you with the best flavors this region has to offer. Whether you are staying indoors, with its cozy fireplace during the winter, or take advantage of the warmer weather to stay on the
balcony and extend your breakfast, your experience at the Buzios restaurant will surely be memorable.
Start your meal with the Chef's snacks, which can be
codfish balls, small shrimp pies, corn bread and cheese, in addition to the local
fleur de sal (salt flower). Afterwards, order a fragrant fish soup, which combines fish from the neighboring seaside and fresh coriander in a comforting and unforgettable dish. If you want to nibble on the famed local snacks, the
clam pies and the sautéed prawns with olive oil and garlic are nothing short of delicious. Of course you will find more international options, such as salads, pastas and risottos, along with several vegetarian options.
Scattered across the entire estuary,
eels are caught in a sustainable and traditional way to preserve the species. You can try them here, cooked in a
delicious stew, from a time-honored recipe that will be worth your stay. The
'sailor-style' cod loin blends the various flavors of the sea, and it is also an excellent choice.
If you prefer other flavors, try the
duck leg confit with sweet potato puree. Dating back to the time when Aveiro was a hunting location, duck has been a staple of the region's diet for a long time. All dishes have harmonization suggestions with the most suitable wines to make the experience even more unforgettable. And speaking of unforgettable, don't miss out on the region's sweets, which also happen to be the best Portuguese conventual pastry: the
Ovar Sponge Cake (Pão de Ló) and
Aveiro's own 'Ovos Moles.' To finish, treat yourself to a glass of
port wine.
At
Garça bar you can have aperitifs and digestifs, enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail, and have a delicious afternoon tea with toast, jam and several examples of regional confectionery. You can also have light meals, on the terraces or by the pool. With a
lighter menu - perfect for those who don't want to move out of their loungers - you can order soups, grilled sandwiches, snacks and burgers, as well as children's menus, while enjoying the estuary's warm sun and cool breeze.