After living in Porto, we’ve eaten our way through a lot of the city. Some places have become regulars for us, others we’ve visited once and still think about, and a few just didn’t live up to the hype. This guide is our honest roundup of the restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and other food spots we’d actually recommend to family and friends visiting Porto.
We keep this guide updated as we discover new favorites, adding the places we love and taking others off when they no longer make the cut.
🌿Local Eats
- Popina – Traditional Portuguese food done really, really well in a small, intimate spot. We loved it so much we doubled up on a few dishes! Don’t miss the cod fritters, tomato rice, steak, and lime mousse, which we gobbled up before remembering to take a photo. 😂
- O Afonso – Known for one of Porto’s best francesinhas — cheesy, meaty, saucy, and worth every bite. This is our go-to when we’re craving a francesinha, we love the tangy tomato beer sauce with just the right kick. Classic, no-frills interior but packed with locals and an Anthony Bourdain favorite.
- A Regional de Costa Cabral – One of our favorite traditional Portuguese tascas in Porto. The food is consistently excellent, the portions are generous, and it’s the kind of neighborhood spot that keeps us coming back. And whatever you do, don’t skip the couvert.
- Casa Viúva – A true local classic where tourists are outnumbered by regulars. The menu is short and all in Portuguese, tables move fast, and the food is on point, traditional, and very Porto.
- Casa Diogo – A true hidden gem for lunch. Go for the daily soup and plate special, and definitely save room for one of João’s freshly baked cakes. It feels like sitting down to a home-cooked meal at your grandma’s — comforting, unfussy, and delicious.
- Casa Guedes – Famous for its bifana (juicy pork sandwich). Add crispy fries and a dash of pica-pica hot sauce. We recommend checking out the OG location in Bonfim or the Casa Guedes Rooftop location next door. Expect a casual, bustling vibe.
- Culto ao Bacalhau – Tucked upstairs inside Mercado do Bolhão, this is one of the easiest places to try Portugal’s famous salted cod done right. A great stop for lunch if you want to a sit-down meal after exploring the market.
- Taberna Folias de Baco – Cozy and full of charm. Elevated Portuguese dishes and an excellent natural wine list. We recommend making a reservation to avoid a wait.
- Taberna dos Fernandes – Classic Portuguese food, no frills. If you want a solid, traditional meal in a local spot, this is it. Great for a casual lunch.
🐟Seafood & Ocean Views
- Bacalhau – An entire restaurant dedicated to cod, tucked away at the end of the Ribeira with views of the Douro. We’re STILL talking about their incredibly creamy rice with codfish kokotxas and loin. They don’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait and still feels like a bit of a hidden gem.
- Taberna Dos Mercadores – Seafood-focused and tucked in a tiny alley in Ribeira. Octopus rice and salt-baked fish are standouts. With just a handful of tables, the word is definitely out on this one…expect a long wait. Tip: you can make a resy, but only by phone or in person.
- Armazém do Peixe – Grilled fish, clam rice, and fried hake make this one of our go-tos. Great for big groups and still loved by locals. Come hungry and bring friends.
- Lapa Lapa – A great pick when you want ocean views with a more elevated feel. Right by the water in Foz, it’s a beautiful setting for a long lunch, sunset drinks, or a relaxed dinner by the sea without feeling overly formal.
- Zephyr – Stylish and modern, set on the beach in Valadares (~20 min uber from Porto) with sweeping Atlantic views. A great option for sunset drinks, seafood, or a nicer meal by the water when you want atmosphere as much as the food.
🥐 Must-Try: Pastel de Nata
- Manteigaria – The go-to for fresh, hot-from-the-oven pastéis. You’ll see (and smell) them being baked all day behind the counter. Pro tip: Pair one with a bica (espresso), and grab a spot near the Mercado do Bolhão location for the best views of the pastry magic in action.
- Castro – Our personal favorite. The balance here is just right — sweet, but not too sweet, with a crust that’s flaky but not dry. More boutique and low-key vibe than Manteigaria, which we appreciated.
🍽️ Date Night & Fancy Vibes
- Barro – Elevated Portuguese dishes with creative execution in a polished, intimate setting. A great pick for date night or a more special dinner, and reservations are highly recommended.
- Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (Michelin 2 Star) – The best meal we’ve had in Portugal so far. Every course showcased incredible seafood, the service was impeccable, and the dramatic oceanfront setting made the experience even more memorable. It’s a splurge, but one we’d happily recommend for a special occasion.
- Borboleta – Creative twists on Portuguese-inspired dishes with bold flavors, set near Crystal Palace Gardens. A great choice after a park stroll, with its garden space especially lovely during the day for lunch.
- Oma (Michelin Bib) – A Michelin Bib that honestly outshined many of the Michelin-starred meals we’ve had in Portugal. Creative without being overly complicated, with impeccable pacing and dishes that were, most importantly, incredibly delicious from start to finish. A special occasion spot that still feels approachable and fun.
- Euskalduna Studio (Michelin 1 Star) – A Michelin-star meal that feels warm, not fussy. Every dish surprised us in the best way — small, intimate, and full of flavor.
- Emotivo – One of our most memorable meals in Portugal. This intimate restaurant serves a tasting menu inspired by regional Portuguese traditions. Thoughtful, personal, and surprisingly well-priced.
- Genuíno – Natural wines and small plates in a laid-back, cozy setting. A neighborhood favorite for good drinks, great food, and an easygoing night out.
- Vinum – Set within the Graham’s Port lodge, this spot is perfect for a lingering lunch with dreamy views of Porto. The terrace overlooks the Douro and pairs perfectly with a bottle of wine and fresh seafood.
☕️ Brunch & Cafés
- Época – Ingredient-forward with a thoughtful menu and great coffee. Brunch-y but without the wait. Big portions, so we recommend sharing. Their dishes rotate frequently, but the bread and jam, yogurt, and eggs are always done well.
- Early – One of our newer finds and already a favorite. A great breakfast or brunch spot with creative dishes, good coffee, and a relaxed vibe. Definitely one we’ll be going back to.
- Hakko – Great for rice porridge, Turkish eggs, and matcha lattes. Stylish arts district vibe. A good place to linger.
- Protest Kitchen – Vegan-friendly brunch dishes and strong coffee game. Feels like your cool friend’s kitchen.
- Baco Coffee Lab – Pesto pastrami croissant, great coffee, and kind staff. A neighborhood favorite that deserves more love.
- Dona Mira Café – Chill neighborhood café with great coffee, focaccia sandwiches, and an easygoing vibe — perfect for a low-key brunch.
🍷 For Drinks
- Pinguim Cafe – One of our favorite cocktail bars in the city. Pedro is a genius — let him surprise you. Sit at the bar for the full experience. They also have a nice sized terrace in the back
- Bosco – Chill and tucked just below one of Porto’s top sunset spots. Come for a golden hour drink and thank us later.
- The Base – A laid-back outdoor bar right in the heart of Porto. Grab a drink, claim a spot in the grass, and enjoy beautiful city views with Clérigos Tower rising above you. Just steps from Livraria Lello, it’s one of our favorite places for a casual drink and a breather while exploring downtown.
- Flor – Fancy, refined, and serious about their cocktails. They even have a cocktail lab. Best for date night or a splurge.
- Prova – Wine bar with selections from all 17 regions of Portugal, plus international finds. Their staff really knows their stuff.
- Kopke – One of the oldest port houses in Gaia, and a great place for an elevated port tasting. You can try a range of vintages and styles in a calm, elegant setting, and don’t skip on the chocolate pairing. Pro tip: They do not take reservations so try to get there before noon to avoid a wait.
- A Cave do Vivant – Natural wines, small plates, and a cool French-Portuguese vibe. Great music and ambiance. A great spot for late dinner and drinks.
🍜 Non-Traditional Eats
- Out to Lunch Kitchen – Small menu done right. The katsu curry is comforting and crisp & the soba is delicious.
- Generosa – One of the best pizzas in town. Neapolitan-style with bold toppings. Great for takeout or casual dinner at one of their outdoor picnic table.
- TAB – Take a Break – If you’re craving Asian food, TAB delivers. From green curry to basil stir-fried pork, the flavors deliver. This spot is popular with locals, so we do recommend making a resy.
- Goela – A fun lunch spot with a different plate of the day that could be anything from lasagna to katsu curry. The menu is always changing, so you never quite know what you’ll find, which is part of why we love it.
- Incontro – Proper Italian food made by a Roman chef, and every dish was chef’s kiss. The carbonara is the real deal, the zucchini lasagna with homemade ragù was one of our favorites, and that truffle salad? Unforgettable. Cozy and seriously satisfying — you’ll definitely want a resy to snag a spot.
- Iguarias de Hanoi – Family-run Vietnamese spot. We are obsessed with their Hanoi-style noodles are a must. Everything is flavorful and made with care.
- Meu Tempo – This is our go-to weekly for our Korean fix. Go for the kimchi stew and fried rice.
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian
- DaTerra – Beautiful space inside a plant shop in Matosinhos. Great vegan and gluten-free options. Ideal for brunch or lunch.
- Fava Tonka – One of the city’s best plant-based restaurants, Fava Tonka serves beautifully plated, globally inspired dishes that feel both nourishing and inventive. The atmosphere is modern but warm, and their main location near Jardim de São Lázaro is perfect for a relaxed dinner. For something more casual, they also have a stall inside the Time Out Market — ideal for grabbing a quick (but still delicious) bite.
- Kind Kitchen – Inventive dishes and a welcoming vibe. A staple in the veg scene. Go for the rotating daily plates.
- Odete Vegan Bakery – A charming vegan bakery in central Porto known for excellent pastries, cakes, and coffee. A great stop for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or anyone looking for plant-based sweets that don’t feel like a compromise.
❌ Not Worth the Hype
- The Garden Porto Café – We’re always surprised when we see how popular this place is…it’s an overly Americanized menu and nothing special.
- The Orangerie at The Yeatman – The terrace offers one of the best views in Porto, but the restaurant hasn’t lived up to the setting in our experience. We found the food underwhelming for the price, and we’ve had billing mistakes on both of our visits. In both cases, the response from staff felt argumentative rather than solution-oriented, which made an already frustrating situation even worse. We’d happily return for the view, but we wouldn’t come back for a meal.
- Calém Port Tasting (Patio Experience) – We didn’t do the full tour, just sat on the patio for a tasting — and honestly, it was a letdown. Our server had limited knowledge of what we were drinking, and the €45 tasting felt overpriced for what we got. With so many better port houses nearby, we’d skip this one.
- Mito – Beautiful space, but the food and service didn’t match the price tag. It wasn’t bad — just forgettable. And in a city with this many great restaurants, that’s enough to knock it off our list.
- Antiqvvm – A 2-star Michelin with a stunning setting and impeccable service, but the flavors just didn’t come together for us. For the price, we expected more. That said, friends of ours loved it, so we might give it another shot.
Final Thoughts
We’ve still got plenty of places on our list, and we’ll keep updating this guide as we find new favorites. But if you’re planning a trip to Porto, these are the spots we’d confidently recommend to our own friends and family.
If there’s somewhere you think we need to try, send us a message. We always love discovering somewhere new.
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