Bob P.
Yelp
Upfront - literally the best meal we have ever had. Service, food, experience, atmosphere. About 20 different courses that the team calls "moments". Yea, sound a bit cliche, but each portion is designed to be a culinary amazement and part of a journey the chef is taking you on. Yea, I know, sounds super hoighty toighty, but it is actually true. You don't eat the food, you taste it.
Listen, we eat all types of food - street food, basic restaurants, I love to cook, and occasionally we splurge on the crazy - The Yeatmans is the crazy at its craziest - but an incredible experience. I am almost 60, have had many types of meals in many places with chefs that pour their hearts into their meals / evenings. Ricardo Costa at the Yeatman in Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river from Porto Portugal), is a maestro of the highest class. If you want the best dining experience of your life - or one of them if you are someone that drops this kind of coin to eat with some regularity - go to The Yeatman's. It is one of a kind.
I will not be able to go thru all the dishes, but, yes, it was ~20 different plates. All part of a culinary journey that started when we showed up and had complementary drinks in the ante-room that also included the first several courses. We then went to the main room where we were blessed with having a Chef's course IN THE KITCHEN. I don't care if they do this with every party - it was killer. They spoke to us like we really mattered and we got to see them prepare the next course. In the quietest kitchen I have ever seen. (Reminded me a little of the movie "The Menu" without the bad ending.) The kitchen at The Yeatman is a marvel - the staff, the process, and Ricardo. Just best in class.
We got the Yeatman wine pairing and learned a ton about Portuguese wine. (It was amazing - we took photos and are going to try to get it in the states - wish us luck). Completely worth it and Paul the sommelier was superb.
The other Ricardo, Emanuel and all the staff were over the top amazing. I dropped my napkin and picked it up in 5 secs and one of the staff came over and said - here is a new one. I said "you saw that? He said, we see everything" (in a very nice way). Insane.
My wife and I agreed this was the best meal we have ever had and was totally worth the very high price. This
Is the "Special Occasion" place you dream of and the food and experience is something most mere mortals only get a few times in their lives.
Would give 10 stars if I could. Thank you Ricardo, Ricardo, Emamuel, and all the people at The Yeatmans - you are the best at what you do.