Where to eat in Porto

Trying the Portuguese cuisine should be at the top of your list of experiences. It may not be as famous as Italian or French cuisine, but it is characterised by a combination of original ingredients – mainly based on fish – which turn Porto into a gastronomic city.

You will have plenty of choices of restaurants in Porto. There are so many places, from open air restaurants around the Ribeira districts to small restaurants in the internal streets, to star-awarded restaurants and other places offering international dishes.

Traditional restaurants in Porto

The Portuguese cuisine has several mediterranean influences and it is mostly based on fish. Cod fish, or bacalhau as it is called in Portuguese, is the main protagonist; it may be served after a “caldo“, that is to say a warm soup.

Those who are not crazy about fish can choose the chourico – just like famous Spanish chorizo – which in Portugal is served asado, that is to say cooked over high flame.

The main specialty of Porto is the famous francesinha, that is to say a huge sandwich filled with so many ingredients going from sausages to small steaks, cheese, and fries. A real joy for the palate, but a trouble for your weight!

There is nothing better than an arroz doce for desert, that is to say a rice and cream sweet with cinnamon. How about having a pastel de nata, the famous custard tart filled with cream? You can find it everywhere in Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto.

• O Paparico1: a very good restaurant offering an impeccable menu featuring all the typical products of Portugal using only selected ingredients. It offers the possibility to try a 3-dishes-degustation-menu or to choose a la carte. Great wine list and service.
• Rui Paola DOP2: located in the city center, the key of this restaurant is the selection of its great materials. The quality of its dishes is very high, offering Porto traditional dishes as well as some more experimenting dishes.

Fusion restaurants in Porto

Portugal has dominated the world for centuries and for this reason it is still possible to feel the influence of other cultures such as its ex colonies like Brazil, Angola, Capo Verde, Macau or Goa, as well as a recent migratory wave.

The fusion Portuguese cuisine often brings some tropical flavours thanks to the strong connection with Brazil. Fresh and sweet and sour flavours dominate it. There are also some interesting Arab influences which date back to the Moorish times, featuring many different spices.

• Casa da Picanha3: one of the most popular Brazilian restaurants in town; Casa da Picanha mixes Portuguese traditions with Brazilian flavors. Its grilled and barbecued meat will seduce also the finest palates, while its smiling staff will make you feel at home.
• Restaurante Mineirão4: located along the street filled with wine cellars in Porto, on the southern shore of the Douro river, Mineirão – Rodízio offers Brazilian dishes. Sunday is the day of the traditional feijoada. Live music and a great view over the city.

Italian restaurants in Porto

In Porto there are many Italian restaurants. The less authentic ones are crowded with many tourists who love enjoying a good pizza or some spaghetti with a glass of Chianti wine.

Although overrated, Italian food in Porto is a guarantee once you have found the right restaurant. Thanks to the use of fresh and genuine ingredients, the abundance of fish products, and the knowledge of the Italian culture, Italian restaurants in Porto are a safe choice.

• Portarossa5: a real pizzeria serving pizzas stuffed with traditional Italian ingredients. The cuisine is great and the restaurant is crowded with a finely selected cliente. The main dish is pizza, but the restaurant serves also some pasta and fish or meat mains dishes.
• A Despensa6: an Italian restaurant contaminated by local influences; A Despensa is a very interesting place where to eat in Porto. It is located in the city center; being pretty small, we recommend to reserve in advance.
• La Ricotta7: another restaurant serving Italian cuisine. An interesting selection of traditional recipes. Fresh pasta with fresh fish, appetisers, and a good wine list make La Ricotta the perfect choice for those who are looking for an Italian restaurant in Porto.

Vegetarian restaurants in Porto

As we have previously mentioned, the Portuguese cuisine is mostly based on fish. However, vegetarians in Porto won’t have any problem thank to the many vegetarian options.

There are many restaurants in Porto offering vegetarian or vegan dishes; you just need to know where to go and eating won’t be a problem.

• daTerra Baixa8: this restaurant offers the all you can eat formula with buffet service. Good food and one of the best vegetarian options for very hungry travellers in Porto. The restaurant offers also some vegan dishes.
• Restaurante Essência9: located near Casa da Musica, the vegetarian dishes are prepared with special care and attention. The use and combination of some ingredients reminds of some ethnical influences. Average prices and informal atmosphere. The restaurant offers also some non vegetarian traditional dishes.
• O Caçula10: located in the Baixa district, this restaurant opened its doors in 1969; in 2005 it undertook a renovation embracing a more modern and innovative concept. All kinds of dishes, from vegetarian to traditional Portuguese recipes are served in a very interesting atmosphere.