With centuries of trade with the world, the passing down of family recipes from generation to generation, the unique location at the intersection of the Douro and the Atlantic, and the city's proud working-class roots, Porto's cuisine is soulful, bold, and hearty. Choosing where to eat in Porto is a challenging task. Portugal, especially the North region, is rich in gastronomy.
If you are visiting Porto, don't forget to check out my guide with 40 pictures and 20 songs. If you are also going to Lisbon, you can take a look at the Affordable Food Guide for Lisbon, the best Affordable Foods in Madeira, and free things to do in Lisbon.
1. Cafe Santiago
Address: R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal
When you are in Porto, you must try the city's most famous dish, Francesinha. This dish is a sandwich filled with different types of meat and is topped with melted cheese and a special sauce that goes very well with a fried egg and cold beers. Cafe Santiago is undoubtedly the king of Porto's most famous sandwich - the portion is generous, the meat is tender, and the melted cheese layer is a true source of comfort.
Tip: Cervejaria Brasão and 'O Golfinho' are equally worthwhile places to try this dish.
2. O Rápido
Address: R. da Madeira 194, 4000-330 Porto, Portugal
If you are looking for real Portuguese comfort food, you should go to O Rápido, right next to São Bento train station. The restaurant is famous for two local dishes that require courage to try. First, Tripa Enfarinhada or 'floured tripe', is a delicacy unique to Northern Portugal; this dish is made by frying pig intestines filled with cornmeal, cumin, and pepper until they are usually crispy. Another famous Porto dish you must try here is Tripas à moda do Porto (€14); this dish includes offal, some meat, and rice along with beans and sauce.
3. Tasquinha Zé Povinho
Address: Rua de Clemente Meneres nº36, 4050-201 Porto, Portugal
Another classic tasquinha in Porto is named after Zé Povinho, created by Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. Zé Povinho is a simple peasant worker who satirically critiques the elites of Portugal.
Despite all the changes and gentrification in Porto, Zé Povinho has remained true to its working-class roots and has become one of the best value-for-money places in the city. Here, you will find the daily locals - doctors and nurses from the nearby hospital - and tourists crowded during lunchtime. On the menu, you will find well-cooked traditional dishes and comfort food at reasonable prices. At Tasquinha do Zé Povinho, you will spend about €6 for a main dish, and an additional €2.50 for bread and soup.
4. Adega Do Carregal
Address: Tv. do Carregal 102, 4050-173 Porto, Portugal
This gem takes its name from the street it is located on and has been operated by the same ownership for over 18 years. While focusing on traditional Portuguese cuisine, it also offers a stylish atmosphere and impeccable service.
5. Adega Rio Douro
Address: R. do Ouro 223, 4150-223 Porto, Portugal
The humble taverns of Porto, or Tascas, are a great place to find the city's authentic flavors. At Adega Rio Douro, you can enjoy small snacks like Bifana, Samosa, Salted Fish balls, or Prego (steak) sandwiches while enjoying the river view for prices between €2-€3; you can also taste their daily soup.
Caldo Verde
6. Casa Guedes
Address: Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal
For cheese lovers, I recommend Casa Guedes; here, you can try sandwiches made with pulled pork and melted Serra cheese (with their own produced Espadal rosé wine). They also serve the traditional Porto ‘Papas de Serrabulho’ soup and excellent Bolinhos de Bacalhau along with Caldo Verde.
7. Cervejaria Gazela
Address: Tv. do Cimo de Vila 4, 4000-434 Porto, Portugal
Cervejaria Gazela, or Cachorrinho Gazela, is a simple café in the center of Porto, famous for Cachorrinhos da Batalha (€4.60, a type of hotdog made with special sausage, melted cheese, and optional hot sauce). The steak sandwiches are also great, and don’t forget to enjoy them with local Superbock beer.
8. Tasca da Badalhoca
Address: R. Dr. Alberto de Macedo 437, 4100-206 Porto, Portugal
‘A Badalhoca’ is another classic tasca in Porto; although it is a bit far in Boavista, it is worth going for its delicious sandwiches around €1.50 and special Espadal rosé wines. The pork sandwiches are the most popular; omelet or liver ones are also available.
9. Rota Do Cha
Address: R. de Miguel Bombarda 457, 4050-382 Porto, Portugal
One of my favorite streets in Porto is Rua de Miguel Bombarda; it hosts many independent art galleries and also houses the wonderful Rota Do Cha. It is my favorite place to have tea and chat with friends in Porto. They have a beautiful backyard with a large Buddha stupa. My favorite tea here is the delicious champagne cassis tea and mango cheesecake.
Tip: For Vegetarians in Porto
Although it is a meat-loving city, there are many options for vegetarians and vegans to eat out. Himali Bachu, a resident of Porto (the former owner of the great Tattva Design Hostel), is a vegetarian and recommends:
“I’m a vegetarian and I don’t like vegetarian restaurants, I love some pizzerias in Porto: Casa D’Ouro, Il Fornaio – for the quality of their pizzas and the ambiance of the place. I also recommend sushi places that specialize in vegetable sushi; the quality ones are Sumo (Cais de Gaia).”
Himali Bachu. Porto resident
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