Where to eat in Porto
Ready to discover the best restaurants in Porto? Any of them will be a safe bet for lunch or dinner in this charming Portuguese city. Some of them are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, so you will have to cross to the other side of the river by the Don Luis I Bridge.
1. Tapabento S.Bento, one of the best restaurants in Porto
The owners of Tapabento S.Bento are traveling souls who love to know different places and cultures, and their team is composed of people from different backgrounds. They strive to make everyone feel good, and they show it both in their attention and in the exquisiteness of their dishes. In 2020, it was recognized as the Best Service Restaurant Guru and has also been awarded by users on TripAdvisor for several years.
It has a very complete menu for both on-site consumption and take-out. Options include appetizers, soups, cold dishes (salads, carpaccio, ceviche, etc.), and hot dishes (omelettes, skewers, nasi goreng, etc.). Depending on the availability of the day, there are delicious seafood options. There is also a children’s menu and a wide variety of desserts.
The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Google rating: 4.7/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
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2. Brasão Aliados
If you want to enjoy a cozy yet sophisticated experience, this is one of the best restaurants in Porto. Its offer combines the past with the present and includes craft beers, the traditional francesinha (a Portuguese sandwich), exquisite starters, and different meat options.
This is a place where the Portuguese personality is definitely felt. The ambience is very nice, and together with the service, it will make you spend a comfortable and warm evening. It is located in the historic center of Porto, in the heart of downtown. It is open every day, and you can go there for lunch or dinner.
- Google rating: 4.6/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
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3. Petisqueira Voltaira, where to eat in Porto
Fish is the highlight dish in this picturesque restaurant in Porto. But the menu is very varied, and you will also find picadas, meat dishes, and traditional Portuguese food options. The grilled cod is one of the most praised dishes; there are also exquisite desserts, and the owner recommends wines!
Everything is homemade and very healthy. They themselves say that they do not use fried food in their preparations. The place is very small but very cozy, with a very relaxed atmosphere and very friendly service. If you are looking for a place to eat in Porto, be sure to stop by. They are open every day except Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Google rating: 4.8/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 5/5.
4. Casa Guedes Tradicional, try their famous sandwiches
This restaurant was founded in 1987 by the Correia brothers. In the beginning, it offered only fast food and fries. But over the years, it learned how to adapt to the context and the changing tastes of consumers. In 2019, they opened Casa Guedes, improving the experience and highlighting its exquisite taste.
Today, it receives hundreds of tourists from all over the world, in addition to local visitors. Its menu is especially famous for its roasted pork leg sandwich, which may or may not be accompanied with sheep cheese.
Currently, in addition to the traditional Casa Guedes, they have two more locations, also in downtown Porto: Casa Guedes Rooftop and Casa Guedes Progresso. All three are not to be missed!
- Google rating: 4.4/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
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5. Encaixados – Porto
This is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Porto. Not only for the exquisiteness of its dishes, but also because it is a family place with affordable prices.
Its menu includes starters to share, fresh salads, and dishes that you will not forget. Some of the highlights are the duck breast, the cod and shrimp moqueca, and the grilled tentacles. All this is accompanied by a great selection of wines, cocktails, and Portuguese craft beer.
Don’t miss a meal there on your visit to Porto. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city center, next to the Clérigos Tower. It occupies a building more than 100 years old and offers a modern atmosphere that is both warm and intimate. You can stop by from Monday to Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Google rating: 4.7/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
6. Casa Dias Restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia
If you are looking for places to eat in Porto, make a note of this family restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese cuisine. Although it is located in a very touristic area, the prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the food is top-notch!
True to its title, the place is very cozy, and, hand in hand with the friendliness of the waiters, as soon as you enter, you feel at home. Do not hesitate to visit this place if you want to taste the best flavors of Portugal represented in homemade dishes. Whether you are a fish lover, a red meat lover, or a vegetarian, here you will find options for you.
- Google rating: 4.7/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
7. Taberna Dos Mercadores
This tavern has a lot of personality, but it also has a taste of home that you will perceive as soon as you enter. It’s a small place, but it has a big heart. And with enough space for you to enjoy the best of Portuguese food, whether you go alone or with company.
An excellent wine list complements a menu full of delicacies: cod croquettes, octopus salad, and beef casserole are just a few options. Open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. If you don’t want to miss one of the best restaurants in Porto, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
- Google rating: 4.6/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
8. A Sandeira do Porto, the best sandwiches in Porto
Do you prefer to eat something lighter but equally delicious during your stay in Porto? Book a lunch or dinner to try some of the most delicious sandwiches and salads in the city. The place is very nice and is characterized by rustic-style decoration. You can choose to eat in or go.
And there are also several vegetarian sandwich options. But the menu doesn’t stop there. Be sure to try the cauliflower soup, cheesecake, and ham salad. Of course, you can accompany everything with some of the best Port wines, a delicious lemonade, or a craft beer.
- Google rating: 4.7/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
9. Gruta, amazing food in Porto
Be sure that you will love to visit this minimalist-style restaurant. In its facilities, you will be able to taste some of the best fish and seafood on the Portuguese coast. The bet is on a modern cuisine with some traditional touches. The atmosphere is very cozy.
This bar in the center of Porto proves that it is not true that it is necessary to have an overloaded decoration to create a pleasant and comforting atmosphere. From the menu, you can’t miss the cod dishes. In addition to exquisite salads and desserts. They serve lunch, brunch, and dinner.
- Google rating: 4.8/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
💡 Are you going to spend several days in the city? Be sure to take a trip around and visit one of the best places to visit around Porto. There are so many interesting destinations!
10. Café Santiago, famous for its francesinha
If you want to try one of the most famous francesinhas in Porto during your visit to the city, you can’t miss this picturesque place. Although it began operating in 1930, it was officially founded in 1959. Over the years, it underwent several reforms until 1993, when it was adapted to its current structure.
Priority is given to the quality of the food and service. This establishment is emblematic of the city, and part of its prestige comes from the care they put into all their preparations. They use only specially selected ingredients and artisanal processes.
It was so successful that in 2011 and 2017, they opened two new branches. In any of their locations, be sure to try the Francesinha Santiago and Francesinha Santiago tops.
- Google rating: 4,5/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4/5.
11. Bacalhau, eating codfish in Porto
Do you want to eat well while enjoying a very nice view? You can do it here, a place that you should not miss on your list of places to eat in Porto. The restaurant has tables both inside and on the terrace. If you are lucky enough to find a place outside, you will be able to eat with a beautiful view of the Douro River.
The staff offers first-class service, and the food is simply amazing. The most praised dishes are the cod, which could not be otherwise, and the sea bass. But the restaurant also serves exquisite starters (try the croquettes and the cheese board), not to mention the desserts! Of course, you should not forget to accompany your menu with one of the exquisite traditional Port wines.
- Google rating: 4.4/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
12. Mistu
Two friends who had prior culinary experience decided to transform a former locksmith’s shop near the Palacio de la Bolsa into one of Porto’s top restaurants. Behind its windows of black iron, within is a delectable mash-up of global influences. Not just in the décor, though.
The dishes also display this blend. You can detect elements of South American or Asian food, for example, in each recipe. Always interjected with a hint of Portuguese. When you visit Portugal, you can guarantee a visit by making a reservation. You’ll enjoy a distinctive culinary experience.
- Google rating: 4.6/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.
13. Maus Hábitos
This Mediterranean-style restaurant has everything you need to become one of your favorite places to eat in Porto. It also functions as a cocktail bar, so the experience is complete. It was founded in 2001 and currently combines gastronomy with visual art and music.
This restaurant is located in the center of Porto and has several outdoor areas to enjoy the days of good weather. The main space is decorated with art deco aesthetics and is ideal for groups, although it is also possible to create an intimate space for couples.
In the menu, you will find options for all tastes. From starters to a wide variety of dishes, including pastas, pizzas, and hamburgers, Open every day except Sundays; don’t miss it!
- Google rating: 4.4/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4/5.
14. Terreirinho Restaurant
The last restaurant on our list is not the least recommended. This place has a unique style that you will appreciate as soon as you enter. Its decoration, with a predominance of stone and wood, builds a rustic, cozy, and very relaxing atmosphere. Although it is just a few steps away from such a touristic place as the San Luis Bridge, it offers itself as an oasis of tranquility.
Its dishes stand out for their exquisiteness, which is perfectly complemented by the good service and friendliness of the staff. When looking for places to eat in Porto, do not forget this place, as it is highly recommended. The finishing touch? Toasting with a glass of the city’s traditional wine.
- Google rating: 4,5/5.
- TripAdvisor rating: 4,5/5.
Map of the best restaurants in Porto
In the map below, we have marked all the recommended establishments to make it easier for you to reach them all. You will also find other restaurants, the best cafes in Porto, and places where you can taste the best pastéis de nata.
I hope this article about the best restaurants to eat in Porto has been very useful for you to choose a place to go for lunch or dinner in Porto. If you have any recommendations, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. See you next time!
