Two people walk past a historic stone building with four white doors and a neon sign reading "dop", showcasing its elegant architecture.

Chef Rui Paula's DOP Restaurant in Porto Straddles Heritage and Modernity

Words by Yatzer

Porto, Portugal

Located in the heart of Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, Michelin-starred Chef Rui PaulaDOP restaurant has recently undergone a transformative renovation by Atelier Sergio Rebelo (ASR). Housed within the 18th century Palácio das Artes, originally built as the Monastery of São Domingos and later serving as the Bank of Portugal, the redesigned space seamlessly bridges the grandeur of its architectural heritage with a contemporary ethos of hospitality and design. Soaring ceilings and towering arched windows are complemented by warm wood tones and soft monochrome hues while mirrors, terrazzo surfaces, and vibrant red accents add playful contrasts. The result is a sophisticated yet inviting venue that straddles heritage and modernity reflecting Chef Paula’s innovative approach to Portuguese cuisine, which encompasses fusing traditional flavours and techniques with avant-garde presentations and contemporary influences.

Interior of a modern cafe with high ceilings, elegant pendant lighting, red bar stools, and natural light streaming through large windows.

Photography by José Campos.

A close-up of a building's exterior featuring a neon sign that reads "dop," with ornate stonework and a barred window.

Photography by José Campos.

Brightly lit interior with elegant curtains, modern lighting, a wooden DJ booth, and red-accented chairs, creating a stylish atmosphere.

Photography by José Campos.

A cozy corner of an elegant room featuring two red chairs with a small table, sheer curtains, and textured wall designs.

Photography by José Campos.

Close-up of a red leather upholstered surface with diagonal stitching, casting shadows from nearby grid-like structures.

Photography by José Campos.

Brightly lit interior with elegant curtains, modern lighting, a wooden DJ booth, and red-accented chairs, creating a stylish atmosphere.

Photography by José Campos.

ASR’s renovation not only elevates DOP’s aesthetic appeal but thoughtfully reimagines its spatial organization. Upon entering, guests step into the bar area, a double-height, light-filled space that sets the tone with its understated grandeur where grey-hued terrazzo surfaces on both the floor and lower parts of the walls are paired with wood panelling providing a tactile contrast that balances vibrancy with warmth. Vertical chandeliers, custom-designed for the project, add to the scheme’s contemporary flair, as do bespoke red leather barstools and lounge chairs that boldly animate the otherwise muted colour palette, creating an inviting environment for both casual drinks and pre-dinner gatherings. These red accents subtly echo the restaurant’s neon sign, prominently displayed on the historic façade. Spelling the restaurant’s name in lowercase letters, the ‘dop’ logo reinforces the establishment’s striking visual identity, offering a taste of the bold yet harmonious design that awaits within.

A stylish interior featuring red-accented chairs, curved arches, and elegant lighting in a warm-toned space.

Photography by José Campos.

Modern lounge area featuring two red chairs, glass tables, and a DJ setup with wooden accents, set against a speckled floor.

Photography by José Campos.

A modern bar interior featuring elegant lighting, wooden accents, red stools, and a stylish shelf stocked with various bottles.

Photography by José Campos.

A chic bar interior featuring a modern light fixture, abstract wall art, and a shelf stocked with various liquors. Stylish red stools invite guests.

Photography by José Campos.

  • Bright and modern interior with arched windows, decorative ironwork, and stylish red-accented seating in a cozy setting.

    Photography by José Campos.

  • Modern bar interior with a curved upper level, red stools, wooden shelving, and stylish lighting against a terrazzo floor.

    Photography by José Campos.

  • Stylish bar interior featuring wooden shelves with various bottles, red stools, abstract wall art, and modern lighting.

    Photography by José Campos.

  • Elegant bar interior featuring a marble counter, wooden shelves lined with bottles, and red cushioned stools against a sleek backdrop.

    Photography by José Campos.

Interior of a stylish restaurant featuring wooden accents, cozy seating, soft lighting, and floral decoration in a warm atmosphere.

Photography by José Campos.

Transitioning from the bar, guests enter the main dining room, where the design shifts to a more intimate and subdued palette. Here, amber lighting reflects off mirrored upper walls, creating a warm and cocoon-like atmosphere. Custom leather banquettes in peanut hues and wood detailing define the space, while strategically placed reflective surfaces not only enhance the room’s visual depth but also enable staff to anticipate diners’ needs seamlessly. The open kitchen, visible through glass doors, becomes a stage for Chef aula’s Michelin-starred artistry, while a discreet wine cellar caters to connoisseurs with its climate-controlled displays and tasting areas.

The dining area extends to the mezzanine level upstairs where a curved balcony overlooks the bar below. Evoking the pulpits of Portuguese monasteries, this feature offers a unique vantage point whilst also tying the restaurant’s two floors together, aided further by two semicircular floor openings, thereby preventing the mezzanine’s floor plate bisecting the double-height windows.

A stylish restaurant interior features a round table surrounded by cream-colored seating and large doors opening to a lively street.

Photography by José Campos.

A cozy restaurant interior featuring soft seating, wooden accents, and a decorative floral arrangement by a large window.

Photography by José Campos.

A framed photograph of a hand with tattoos is illuminated on a wall, reflecting in a mirror within a modern dining space.

Photography by José Campos.

A cozy dining area with warm wood tones, a subtle handprint artwork, and plush beige seating, creating an inviting ambiance.

Photography by José Campos.

Interior of a modern restaurant featuring soft lighting, wooden tables, and a minimalist design with a stone wall.

Photography by José Campos.

A corner of a modern interior featuring polished terrazzo stairs and wooden cabinetry, highlighting textures and clean lines.

Photography by José Campos.

A modern dining area featuring a round wooden table surrounded by red chairs, illuminated by sleek pendant lighting and textured walls.

Photography by José Campos.

Interestingly, ASR’s most audacious intervention was reserved for the bathrooms. Accessible via a red marble staircase framed by kaleidoscopic mirrors, the bathrooms are swathed in a camouflage pattern of black and white stripes that transforms them into dazzling, three-dimensional canvases. As much a visual spectacle as they are functional, the bathrooms’ design embodies the restaurant’s commitment to delighting its guests at every turn, as well as attest to the power of thoughtful design in transforming historic spaces.

A modern café corner featuring sleek lighting, a wooden table, and stylish chairs against soft beige walls with framed art.

Photography by José Campos.

A stylish, modern cafe interior featuring wooden tables, beige walls, sleek lighting, and mirrors, with natural light streaming in.

Photography by José Campos.

Modern restaurant interior featuring warm lighting, textured walls, and a glimpse of vibrant red decor through an archway.

Photography by José Campos.

A semi-transparent door with the word "TOILETTES" engraved, alongside a glowing neon sign reading "dop" backwards. Modern design elements are visible.

Photography by José Campos.

A colorful interior view features bold striped walls, textured steps, and modern lighting, creating a vibrant, artistic atmosphere.

Photography by José Campos.

A vibrant orange stairwell features marble steps and modern circular lights, reflecting in mirror walls for a striking visual effect.

Photography by José Campos.