Pimm’s Restaurant

He began his career in the hotel industry. He made the journey to the warm land of Angola 33 years ago. Among the various restaurant projects he has helped create, he founded Pimm’s in Luanda, which is now 23 years old. From Angola to the Minho, in Ponte de Lima, he brought the experience of years of work and maturity, both in age and professional know-how. It was with humility and dedication that Casimiro Quintas made his mark in Angola. And in Portugal, he has the same desire: «To make Pimm’s a beacon of Portuguese gastronomy». 
But how did this new venue come about? Simple. After catching and surviving malaria in Angola, he got up the courage and took the risk of fulfilling another dream: opening Pimm’s in Portugal. Casimiro launched the project during the pandemic. He couldn't travel and saw it as an opportunity to start the new venture.
From the hotel trade to restaurants, he has gone through some remarkable challenges. He has now been in the business for 47 years. Now, in this enchanted place, in the land that he was born in, he still has a lot to fulfil.
Pimm's is located in Arcozelo, Ponte de Lima. The garden, the terrace, the 450-year-old oak tree and the great food enchant anyone who passes by. This is a project «made with a lot of love», the owner tells us. They transformed the existing cottage into an elegant restaurant. A cosy setting. In winter, it’s the fire inside; in summer, it’s the green surroundings that allow us to enjoy pleasant moments with family, clients or friends. 

The menu is 90% identical to that of the restaurant in Angola

The project was designed by architect José Luís Veloso and opened in February of this year. The dishes served reveal a traditional and comforting cuisine. «Pimm’s has given a boost to the scene here in Ponte Lima,» says Casimiro. The menu is 90% identical to that of the restaurant in Angola, so even customers from Angola feel at home here and find the same flavours. Shank, kid, feijoada bean stew, tripe, cod, octopus, oxtail, pork cheeks, aged meats and other dishes are available to order. And as for desserts? Abade de Priscos pudding, passion fruit mousse, almond tart, leite creme, rice pudding, among other regional desserts. There are plenty of options. In addition to lunches and dinners, the management is planning to hold «happy hours in the evening, something light, especially in spring, summer and autumn, as a way of putting the terrace to better use».
Joining him on this adventure are Ângelo, his partner, with whom he worked for 16 years in Angola, and Brigite, his chef. They are the bedrock. The rest of the young and dynamic team they've assembled «are the key to the success of Pimm’s». Anyone who comes in will find fine cuisine, great service, a good wine cellar, a unique, beautiful, soulful space, plenty of peace and nature. And is that all? Of course not, since Casimiro's motivation is: «I want to keep dreaming».