Here are seven must-try restaurants in Porto that will make your trip to worth every minute!
If you’ve never visited Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, there’s no better time than now.
Its historic center and port area have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the country has been dubbed one of the best places to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet.
And while you’re here, don’t miss out on its delicious food. Portuguese cuisine is known worldwide for its fine dining experiences (and not just because of Port wine).
- Tipping in Portugal: If you’re traveling to Porto, knowing that tipping is customary in Portugal is helpful. For a casual meal, a good rule of thumb is to leave a tip of about €2 to €5 or round up your bill to the nearest €0 or €5. For example, if your bill is €46, you might leave a total of €50. A 5 to 10% tip is standard for higher-end restaurants, while 15% is considered generous. At bars and cafés, if you order at the counter, rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated. A tip of around 5 to 10% is appropriate for table service.
- Restaurant Reservations: To ensure a smooth dining experience at the restaurants listed below, it is advisable to make reservations in advance. Typically, reserving a table 3 to 5 days beforehand will suffice, but for significant occasions, it is recommended to book a table weeks, or even months, in advance to guarantee availability.
- Porto Food Guide: If you have more questions about portuguese foods, wines or products, take a look at our complete food guide of Porto.
Loja das Conservas
Tourists cannot leave Portugal without purchasing tins of fish, which have been a popular part of the Portuguese diet since the mid-nineteenth century. The preserved fish travel well and come useful when attempting to cook supper with an empty cupboard. The best spot to stock up on the classic staple is Loja das Conservas.
The business sells horse mackerel, anchovies, eels, and other seafood in colorful tins from all around the nation. You’ve come to the perfect location if you want Azorean tuna, Algarvean octopus, or local sardines.
Price Range: $$
Cervejaria Gazela
Cachorrinho is Porto’s version of a hot dog. Thin crusty bread is packed with fresh sausage, then grilled and drizzled with a spicy sauce (typically prepared with piri piri and butter) before being chopped into bite-sized pieces. Several restaurants offer contemporary variations on the basic meal, but Cervejaria Gazela, a famed snack shop built in Praça da Batalha in 1962, sticks to tradition.
Price Range: $
Casa Guedes
Casa Guedes is well-known for its famous pork-leg sandwich. The beef is sliced into delicate slices and served on toasted, crunchy bread. The lengthy line snaking down the sidewalk attests to the sandwich’s popularity, but you should also line up for the shop’s Tasca-style daily dinners. For less than ten euros, consider caldo verde or papas de sarrabulho (pig-blood soup).
Price Range: $
O Buraco
If you want to eat traditional Portuguese food in a comfortable setting, O Buraco is the place to go. It’s owned by two friends who have been running it for years and serving classic dishes. In that time, they’ve mastered the menu, which includes salt cod cakes, duck rice, octopus, or rojes à Buraco, which is their version of fried pork, and ends with chocolate mousse or a “famous” carrot cake. People keep coming back because the staff is friendly and the mood is upbeat, and because the food is always good.
Price Range: $
Porto Food & Wine
Euskalduna Studio
Vasco Coelho Santos is one of the city’s greatest chefs. After working at Mugaritz and El Bulli, he returned home and created his own restaurant. Euskalduna’s tiny dining area is created around a chef’s station, giving customers the impression that they have been invited to a brilliant friend’s house. Coelho Santos travels the globe searching for inspiration while never losing sight of his country.
Price Range: $$$$
View Euskalduna Studio Website
Enoteca 17.56
If you’re going to Porto and want to try some wine, you should probably go to Real Companhia Velha in Gaia, which is the oldest wine company in Portugal. We suggest going to the restaurant Enoteca 17.56 while you’re there. The menu is full of classic, tasty dishes, so there’s something for everyone. Steak tartare, crab à lagareiro, and aged meats are all things you must try. Plus, there are a lot of different wines to choose from when you place your order.
Price Range: $$$$
Le Monument
The exquisite Monumental Palace Hotel commissioned French chef Julien Montbabut to make dishes worthy of the hotel’s restaurant. Montbabut, who has worked at Pavillon Ledoyen and Le Restaurant in Paris, plays his strengths by creating traditional French dishes with Portuguese vegetables and fish.
The butter, coming from Nantes, enters like a distinguished guest. Its sea lettuce and dulse flakes match the house-made bread in the couvert wonderfully.
Price Range: $$$$
Insider Tips for Dining in Porto
Dining in Porto is more than just savoring delectable dishes; it’s a cultural experience that immerses you in the city’s vibrant food scene. To make the most of your culinary journey, here are some insider tips for dining out in Porto:
1. Make Reservations in Advance: Porto’s dining scene can get quite busy, especially at popular restaurants. To secure your spot and avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for dinner and during weekends. This ensures you’ll have a table waiting for you and allows you to plan your dining experiences more effectively.
2. Embrace Local Dining Customs: Porto has its own unique dining customs that are worth embracing. Unlike some Western cultures, meals in Portugal tend to be leisurely affairs. Take your time to enjoy each course, engage in conversations, and relish the ambiance. Don’t be surprised if the bill isn’t brought immediately after your meal – it’s customary to linger a bit before settling up.
3. Explore Off-Peak Hours: If you’re looking to avoid crowds and experience a more relaxed atmosphere, consider dining during off-peak hours. Many restaurants in Porto offer lunch specials that are not only cost-effective but also allow you to enjoy a quieter ambiance. Exploring early for dinner or during weekdays can also grant you a more intimate dining experience.
4. Try Local Specialties: Porto is renowned for its culinary delights, and trying the local specialties is a must. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations. Indulge in traditional dishes like Francesinha (a hearty sandwich), Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with potatoes and eggs), and tripas à moda do Porto (tripe stew). Exploring the local flavors is an integral part of your Porto dining adventure.
5. Cash and Cards: While many establishments in Porto accept credit and debit cards, having some cash on hand is a good idea, especially at smaller cafes and eateries. Some places might have minimum card transaction amounts, so having a mix of payment methods ensures you’re always ready.
By following these insider tips, you’ll enjoy a delightful culinary experience in Porto and connect with the city’s culture and traditions on a deeper level. Remember that dining in Porto is a journey of flavors, conversations, and connections, so take your time, savor each moment, and relish this charming city’s diverse dining options.
Food Tours in Porto
- Porto Food Tour: Discover Porto’s best food on this delicious tour – from traditional Portuguese dishes to sweet treats and everything in between! Book your seat at Porto food tour!
- Porto Wine Tour & Petiscos: Embark on a Porto wine tour for an unforgettable culinary experience. We’ll show you the best of Portugal’s wine country, from vineyards to cellars.
You can find some amazing restaurants in Porto!
Porto is a great city to eat in. The food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable, so you can enjoy a meal at any of these restaurants without breaking your budget.
The restaurants in Porto are varied and interesting, so no matter what kind of cuisine you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone! Some places have traditional Portuguese dishes, while others offer more modern options like sushi or tapas (small plates).
The best part? You don’t have to travel far from where you’re staying at your vacation rental apartment in Porto–all seven restaurants listed below are within walking distance from each other!
Restaurants in Porto: Conclusion!
We hope this list has inspired you to explore the wonderful food of Porto. If you’re looking for more suggestions, check out our guide on where to eat in Porto.
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