A taste of Portugal in the fan-shaped city – Casa do José and Tasca do José

It's more than just a visit to a restaurant – at José Gregório de Mendonça Vasconcelos, it's like spending a convivial evening with friends. "When I first dreamed of this project, I knew that I wanted to open much more than just a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine. I wanted my guests to feel at home, or at least like they were in a Portuguese home," says the owner, explaining the philosophy behind his two restaurants in the fan-shaped city.  

The "Casa do José"on Kriegsstraße in Karlsruhe

With great attention to detail and warm Portuguese hospitality, José has succeeded in realizing his vision and creating a special feel-good atmosphere. When visiting José, you temporarily forget that you are in Karlsruhe: works of art and decorative elements from his home country adorn the restaurant. Casa do José on Kriegsstraße, and as soon as you open the menu, you feel as if you have been transported to the Iberian Peninsula. Portuguese cuisine is very diverse and offers numerous delicacies—a culinary variety that José also reflects in high quality. Of course, the owner also offers his guests Portuguese wines with their unique aromas to accompany the respective dishes. Homemade desserts then conjure up a sweet conclusion to a Portuguese culinary journey.

The "Tasca do José"on Waldstraße in Karlsruhe

Strolling down Südliche Waldstraße, you will come across Tasca do José . Since May 2018, it has been home to a small Portuguese tavern with an incomparable courtyard. When in Portugal, it is customary to order "petiscos." These are small, simple dishes, and José offers his guests a wide selection of these petiscos in his tasca. Whether vegetarian, with fish, or with meat, there are no limits to the flavors here.

• Pastéis de bacalhau - codfish cakes
• Rissóis de camarão - Shrimp pastries
• Tábua de queijos - Portuguese cheese platters
• Tábua de enchidos - Portuguese raw ham and sausage platter
• Tiborna de queijo de cabra, mel e nozes - Goat cheese gratin on a slice of toasted bread
• Polvo estufado em vinho tinto - Octopus stewed in red wine

A particular highlight of Tasca on Südliche Waldstraße is undoubtedly its courtyard. Cosy and unique, it invites you to end a balmy summer night in the fan-shaped city with a glass of fine Portuguese wine.

Further information is available on the websites of Casa do José and Tasca do José and the restaurant's Facebook pages of the restaurant and the tavern.