Sometimes the best weekend plans involve leaving the city without really going very far... And that's exactly how I felt about my quick visit to Guimarães a few days ago - rather than planning an ambitious itinerary, I wanted a slower day: brunch, beautiful streets, a little wandering and enough time to actually enjoy the city.
The first stop was Garden Guimarães Café, where I was invited to experience a delicious brunch.
The Garden Café concept began in Porto and has expanded to several Portuguese cities, including Guimarães. Its menu combines brunch favorites with Portuguese influences, alongside pancakes, waffles, eggs, salads, cocktails and café options.
The first thing that caught my attention was the atmosphere: the space has that particular Garden Café aesthetic: greenery, natural light and a relaxed setting that makes you want to stay at the table a little longer.
I believe that is exactly what works about a brunch destination - it's not only about the food, it's the whole experience: where you're sitting, who you're with how the space looks, and how long you stay. A place whether you feel like you can actually slow down.
I invited my Instagram friend Nadine to join me, which made this one of those lovely moments when an online friendship finally makes its way into real life. We've been connected virtually, exchanging messages and following each other's lives through Instagram, so sitting across from each other at a brunch table felt a little surreal—in the best possible way.
It's funny how social media can make someone feel familiar before you've ever actually met them. And somehow, over brunch, it felt completely natural.
What We Ordered at Garden Café
Now, onto the important part: the food. For the occasion, Garden Café prepared a couple of drinks especially for us that weren't on the regular menu, which made the experience feel even more personal. They were beautifully presented and the perfect way to start our brunch.
For my meal, I went for the tosta de salmão com ricota de lima, followed by the panqueca de Nutella e morangos. The toast was everything I want from a brunch dish: savory, fresh and beautifully balanced, with the smoked salmon paired with the creamy lime ricotta for a delicious combination of flavors.
And then came the pancakes... If you've been reading Theriz Journal for a while, you probably already know I have a weakness for pancakes—especially when Nutella and strawberries are involved.
The pancakes were divine: fluffy, indulgent and generously paired with Nutella and fresh strawberries. Sweet without feeling like an afterthought, and exactly the kind of dish that makes brunch feel like a treat rather than simply another meal.
Meanwhile, Nadine ordered the ovos Philly, which looked absolutely mouthwatering. Her verdict? “Scrumptious.” And honestly, from the look of it, I completely understood.
We also shared the Garden Açaí, which was fresh, colorful and wonderfully refreshing—a particularly good addition to a leisurely brunch. Everything we tried had that satisfying combination of beautiful presentation and genuinely delicious flavors, which is what I always hope for when visiting a brunch spot.
Is Garden Café Worth Visiting for Brunch in Guimarães?
If you're looking for brunch in Guimarães, Garden Café is certainly worth putting on your list! The restaurant currently has a 9.4/10 rating on TheFork based on 127 reviews, with particularly strong scores for food, service and atmosphere.
But beyond the numbers, I think it works particularly well as the beginning of a Guimarães day. You can have a leisurely brunch and then walk it off by exploring the city.
Garden Guimarães Café is located at Rua Professor Abel Salazar and describes the space as a brunch destination surrounded by greenery and natural light. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 to 19:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 19:30.
What to Do in Guimarães After Brunch
Guimarães is a city I think is best explored without rushing. Start in the historic center and simply follow the streets.
- Largo da Oliveira
One of the most recognizable squares in the historic center, and a beautiful place to stop for photographs or coffee.
- Praça de Santiago
Another atmospheric square where you can slow down and watch the city around you.
- Guimarães Castle
One of the city's most famous landmarks and an obvious stop for anyone visiting for the first time.
- Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
A natural addition to a historic-center itinerary and an opportunity to see another side of Guimarães' history.
- Just Walk
Honestly, this deserves its own section. Don't make the mistake of treating Guimarães like a checklist. Some of my favorite travel moments happen between the places I actually planned to see. A beautiful doorway, a small shop, a quiet street, a café terrace, and a patch of sunlight. You need to leave some space in the itinerary for those things.
Planning a Northern Portugal Escape?
Love,
Theriz
xx
xx
Disclosure: I was invited by Garden Café to experience the restaurant. As always, this article reflects my personal experience and editorial opinion.
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