Chrissy Are you looking to experience the unique flavors of Porto? If so, then you’re in for a treat with this Porto food guide!
Porto is a food lover’s paradise, filled with incredible restaurants and places where you can try from the finest dishes to the most traditional combinations available. The iconic Francesinha sandwich, a wide variety of seafood, delicious pastry treats, and many more delicacies wait for you.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best spots to satisfy your tastebuds with this Porto food guide.
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What to Try in Porto?
Porto has plenty of different options to suit every diet, preference, and budget. But before we dive into this Porto good guide, let’s start with the best dishes you should look out for.
The Icon – Francesinha
A well-known sandwich made with layers of cured ham, linguiça sausage, fresh sausage, and beef steak, all smothered in melted cheese and topped with a spicy tomato and beer sauce. It’s typically served with a side of fries and a cold beer, making it the perfect meal for a late lunch or dinner.
The Local – Seafood
Thanks to the city’s location near the coast, you can enjoy fresh seafood every day. I recommend you try the grilled sardines, which are often served with a side of roasted peppers and potatoes, as well as the octopus rice, a flavorful dish made with tender chunks of octopus and saffron-infused rice.
In many restaurants, you’ll find ‘bacalhau’ (salted codfish), served with ‘vinho verde’ (green wine), a great combination you should order sometime. Salted codfish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and can be found in many different dishes, such as “bacalhau à Gomes de Sá” (a casserole with codfish, potatoes, onions, and eggs) or “bacalhau com natas” (a creamy gratin with codfish, potatoes, and cream).
Vinho Verde
This is a young, light, refreshing wine typically consumed within a year of production. It pairs well with fish and seafood dishes.
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Porto Food Guide: Best food in Porto, Portugal
Fine Dining Porto Restaurants
If you are planning a trip to Porto, Portugal, and wondering where to experience fine dining, here’s the ultimate list of Porto restaurants you should visit during your trip. It includes a selection of spots with traditional Portuguese dishes, as well as international cuisine.
Gruta
Gruta is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Porto and has some of the best food in Porto, Portugal. Here it offers a cozy atmosphere with an extensive wine list and a modern Portuguese menu. And don’t skimp out on dessert here. I highly recommend the panna cotta. Reservations are highly recommended.
Address: R. de Santa Catarina 447, 4000-452 Porto, Portugal
Muu Steakhouse
Muu Steakhouse is known for its excellent selection of meats, including dry-aged beef and Wagyu. Apart from this, you can find a variety of seafood dishes, and salads to complement your meal.
Address: Rua do Almada 149A, 4050-037 Porto, Portugal
Cafeína
Cafeína is a chic restaurant that opened in 1994 and serves exquisite cuisine that combines traditional Portuguese flavors with modern techniques, paired with an excellent wine list.
Address: Rua do Padrão 100, 4150-557 Porto, Portugal
Enjoy food? Besides this Porto food guide, take a private food tour with locals.
Pedro Lemos
This place is elegant yet cozy and is adorned with contemporary decor and soft lighting. The menu was created by the talented chef Pedro Lemos and features traditional Portuguese flavors and modern culinary techniques.
Adega São Nicolau
Adega São Nicolau is another restaurant located in the heart of Porto with a charming and rustic atmosphere, featuring classic dishes and seafood on its menu. Reservations are highly recommended, seating is limited.
Address: R. de São Nicolau 1, 4050-561 Porto, Portugal
Cantina 32
Cantina 32 is also located in the historic center of Porto and has an electric atmosphere and classic dishes with a twist. All of this, paired with an excellent selection of wines and cocktails.
Address: R. das Flores 32, 4050-262 Porto, Portugal
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O Valentim
O Valentin has impeccable service and a menu with a wide range of local and international dishes. It is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh and locally sourced ingredients made into stunning dishes by skilled chefs. You can be sure that every dish will burst with flavor with some of the simplest ingredients.
Address: R. Heróis de França 263, 4450-155 Matosinhos, Portugal
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Best Places to Eat in Porto for Cheap
You don’t have to break the bank to experience the best food in Porto, Portugal. If you’re looking for some budget-friendly options when it comes to fine dining, you’ve come to the right place. Porto is filled with incredible spots that are excellent and affordable all together. Here’s our selection of the best places to eat in Porto for cheap.
Cafe Santiago
One of the best restaurants in Porto that’s budget-friendly is Cafe Santiago. This is the spot to try the popular Porto food the Francesinha. If you plan to visit for lunch arrive slightly before noon to avoid waiting in line.
Address: R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal
Oficina dos Rissóis
If you’re looking for another budget-friendly option and a must-eat in Porto, check out Oficina dos Rissóis. Here you can find the best fried burgers filled with meat, fish, or veggies, apart from excellent beer.
However, make sure to order rissóis, which are Portugal’s version of turnovers. These aren’t your typical turnover though. They are fried and filled with shrimp or minced meat.
Address: Passeio de São Lázaro 5A, 4000-507 Porto, Portugal
Gazela
Gazela is in this Porto food guide as it is a local favorite and is always packed. The restaurant specializes in traditional Portuguese dishes, including grilled hot dogs which I suggest you order. Be sure to wait a while to be seated as there is always a line.
Address: Tv. Cimo de Vila 4, 4000-434 Porto, Portugal
Lover of wine? Why not consider a walking wine tour with some of the world’s oldest wine brands.
Taparikas
Taparikas is a cozy little restaurant known for its tapas-style dishes, including meat, fish, and vegetarian options. The salted codfish fritters and potatoes and eggs were my favorite and would please any garlic lover!
Address: Portugal, R. de Santo Ildefonso 69, 4000-468 Porto, Portugal
Mercado Beira-Rio
This is a food market that offers plenty of food options, including seafood and pastries. It is perfect to enjoy some great dishes while chatting with locals and learning how they prepare the food.
Address: Av. de Ramos Pinto 148, 4400-261 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Porto Foodie Spots To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
A Porto food guide wouldn’t be complete without where to satisfy your sweet tooth! For those who crave sweet treats, here is a selection of great places you should visit to satisfy your cravings. Portugal is known for its rich culinary heritage and mouth-watering treats, so whether you’re in the mood for traditional Portuguese delicacies or modern twists on classic desserts, Porto has something for every sweet tooth.
Manteigaria
Pastel de Nata is a small egg custard tart that you must try when visiting Porto. Manteigaria is a small bakery and one of the best places to sample these treats, located in the heart of the city.
The crust is crispy and flaky, and the egg filling is creamy and sweet. You can enjoy these tarts with a cup of coffee or take a few to go and savor them as you explore the city.
Address: R. de Alexandre Braga 24, 4000-049 Porto, Portugal
Do Norte Cafe
Do Norte Cafe is also located in the center of Porto, and is an excellent spot to enjoy an afternoon snack. It is known for its homemade cakes, pastries and desserts, which will make your mouth drool.
Address: Rua do Almada 57/59 4000, 4050-036 Porto, Portugal
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Nola Kitchen
Nola, which stands for ‘no labels’ brings a unique and healthy concept to food. At Nola you can expect natural and processed ingredients, preservatives, and free of refined sugars. Nola Kitchen features a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, perfect for enjoying some unique pastries and other sweep options.
Address: Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 25, 4050-259 Porto, Portugal
Porto Food Guide FAQ
What Food is Porto Famous For?
Porto is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including grilled sardines and octopus. You can also find exquisite meat options like the Francesinha sandwich.
Is Food in Porto Expensive?
It depends on where you want to eat. As with any place, Porto has a wide variety of fine dining restaurants that are a bit expensive, and local spots that serve amazing street food for cheap.
What Pastry Is Porto Known For?
Porto is filled with unique pastries and desserts, and perhaps the most beloved one is pastel de Nata a small egg custard tart. These are highly addictive so eat with caution!
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What Is The National Dish Of Porto?
The traditional dish is tripas à moda do Porto, a unique take on pork intestine stew. It might look unappetizing, but it has a powerful flavor that has been in Portuguese cuisine since the 16th century.
The meal consists of slowly simmered pork intestine, with great attention given to the spices and herbs used for seasoning. It can be served either as an entrée or a main dish, and you can expect generous amounts of garlic, bay leaves, and coriander mixed in with the onion, white beans, and tomatoes.
What Time Do You Eat Dinner in Porto?
In many countries, you’d eat dinner around 6:00 or 7:00 PM, but in Porto dinner time starts late, between 8:00 and 10:00 PM. If you’re exploring the city and get hungry at 6:30 PM, there are many food carts on the street where you can have a snack before dinner.
Porto Food Guide Final Thoughts
I’m sure this Porto food guide left you hungry and you might be drooling right now. Porto is filled with incredible restaurants and spots you won’t get tired of. From traditional dishes to one-of-a-kind desserts, this country has it all.
After exploring the city and trying everything that comes your way, I promise you’ll find yourself craving the flavors and aromas long after you’ve left.
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