Best Restaurants in Porto: Authentic Food Guide (2025)

The best restaurants in Porto aren’t always the ones you’ll find on every blog and tourist list. While spots serving the famous francesinha sandwich or golden pastéis de nata deserve a mention, the heart of Porto’s food scene lies in cozy tascas, riverside eateries, and family-run kitchens where tradition is the main ingredient.

We are huge foodies, and trying local dishes is a significant part of our travel experiences. It was on top of our list when we considered things to do in Porto. During our stay, we set out to discover those authentic flavors, and we weren’t disappointed.

From a small tasca that completely changed our minds about sardines, to a riverside meal where cod, duck rice, and cuttlefish became instant favorites. Every place we loved had two things in common: incredible food and genuine atmosphere.

In this guide, we’re sharing the restaurants that made our trip unforgettable, and we hope they will do the same for you. These aren’t just places to eat, they’re where you’ll find the true taste of Porto.

Why Porto’s Food Scene Stands Out

One of the things that makes Porto stand out for us from other European cities is how deeply food is tied to tradition. The city’s dining culture is built around hearty dishes, fresh seafood, and family recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Rather than flashy presentations or trendy concepts, Porto restaurants focus on flavor, comfort, and authenticity.

A few dishes you’ll see again and again on local menus include:

• Bacalhau (salted cod) – Portugal’s national obsession, prepared in dozens of ways. A must when visiting Porto.
• Sardines – often grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, a summertime staple.
• Duck rice – rich, savory, and baked to perfection. Pair it with a lovely wine and you’re in heaven.
• Francesinha – the famous layered sandwich smothered in sauce. It’s best shared if you’re not too hungry.
• Cachorrinhos – mini spicy hot dogs served in crusty bread, a favorite snack with beer.
• Pastéis de nata – golden custard tarts with a perfect caramelized top.
• Cuttlefish – honorary mention. Maybe not part of traditional dishes, cuttlefish is a popular fish in Portugal and we can see why. It is tender and full of flavorful, especially when stewed.

Markets like Mercado do Bolhão and the Ribeira riverside are also part of Porto’s food culture, filled with lively stalls and plenty of quick bites. While we didn’t personally visit the market, we enjoyed our meal at the Ribeira riverside. They’re worth visiting to experience the city’s atmosphere and see locals shopping for fresh ingredients.

But to truly enjoy the best restaurants in Porto, you need to go beyond the markets and famous sandwiches. You need to sit down in a cozy tasca, order a glass of house wine, and let the flavors speak for themselves.

Our Best Authentic Restaurants in Porto

Bacalhau – One of the Best Porto Restaurants on the Riverfront (€€ | Ribeira)

One of our best meals was served at Bacalhau, a small restaurant situated on the Douro promenade. Outdoor seating is limited, but on a lovely, sunny day, it’s worth waiting.

Their cod plates (hence the name!) stand out amongst other restaurants and house wine is superb. Still, the duck rice and cuttlefish impressed us the most with their flavours. Paired with the riverside view, the setting made the food even more special.

We recommend this restaurant for a romantic dinner date or a relaxed lunch to unwind after exploring those Porto’s picturesque places.

A Grade – Authentic Local Dining in Porto (€ | Ribeira)

A Grade is a charming family-run tasca felt authentic from the first bite. We walked in, unsure about our choice and even more about sardines (as a dish). We left completely convinced.

Their grilled sardines were delicious, and home-style plates tasted like family food – affordable, warm, and memorable. At A Grade felt like we’re part of the family enjoying the meal.

This is the no frills place that will steal your heart.

Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata in Porto (€ | Clérigos area)

Pastéis de nata are everywhere. And when we say it we mean it. Every place sells them, but if you want to try the real deal, head to Castro.

Castro makes them shine. Their flaky pastry, combined with silky custard, makes this bakery a must-stop. There might be a queue in front, but trust us, they are worth it. Make sure you have them a Portuguese way with a shot of espresso.

Bacalhoeiro – Best Porto Restaurant with a View (€€ | Vila Nova de Gaia)

Across the river in Gaia, Bacalhoeiro serves their dishes in huge portions with views over Ribeira. We ordered salted cod and grilled octopus and couldn’t finish them, but every bite was worth it.

The skyline view of Porto made it even better. It’s an ideal dinner spot after exploring the Port caves and this side of the Douro. It’s also a great pick if you’re craving Porto seafood.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau – A Porto Classic (€€ | Near Clérigos or Gaia)

There are two in Porto, and we visited the one in Gaia. Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau reinvents the cod fritter in an absolutely beautiful atmosphere.

Not only does the interior remind us of the beautiful library, but they pair this with the music as well. At least the one in Gaia does. Make sure you check the times for organ performances, as you don’t want to miss them. It makes it really special.

We recommend ordering a traditional pastel de bacalhau with cheese and pairing it with Port wine. This way, you’ll keep the engraved glass as a souvenir. At €16, it’s both a snack and a keepsake!

Taberna dos Mercadores – Hidden Porto Food Gem (€€ | Ribeira)

Tiny and tucked away, this family-owned restaurant serves fresh seafood and rustic classics. It has only a few tables, so make sure you book yours in advance or come and queue before they open.

You don’t want to miss this authentic gem.

Ode Porto Wine House – Fine Dining in Porto (€€€ | Ribeira)

For those special occasions or when you crave a more refined dining experience, Ode Porto Wine House is your best choice.

It balances tradition with elegance. Local ingredients shape refined plates of lamb, octopus, and cod. It’s pricier than tascas, but perfect for special nights.

Café Santiago – Where to Eat Francesinha in Porto (€ | Baixa)

No Porto trip feels complete without a Francesinha. Rich, indulgent, and layered with meats and sauce, it’s a rite of passage.

Café Santiago serves one of the best. If you’re searching for the ultimate francesinha Porto experience, this is where to go.

Best Restaurants in Porto – real gem

This is not a restaurant serving traditional and authentic food, but we had to mention it. Holy Sandwich Shop is renowned among residents of Porto and is gaining popularity among tourists.

They serve the most delicious burgers and also offer vegetarian options for those who prefer not to eat meat. Their portions are quite big, so come hungry or skip starters.

It is a small place, so book in advance or come early before they open and hope for a table. The food is absolutely worth it. Not to mention their amazing cocktails and the best service we had in the whole of Porto.

Must-Try Dishes at the Best Restaurants in Porto

Even if you only stick to the best restaurants in Porto, there are a few foods you absolutely shouldn’t leave the city without tasting. Some are quick bites, others are sit-down experiences, but all of them are tied to Porto’s identity.

Francesinha – Porto’s Iconic Sandwich

The Francesinha is perhaps the city’s most famous dish, a decadent sandwich layered with cured meats, melted cheese, and drenched in a rich, slightly spicy sauce. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-try at least once. Café Santiago and Brasão are two of the most popular spots to taste a classic version.

Cachorrinhos – Spicy Mini Hot Dogs

A Porto street food staple, cachorrinhos are tiny spicy hot dogs tucked into crunchy bread and served piping hot. They’re simple, affordable, and perfect with a cold beer. Locals swear by Café Gazela, a tiny no-frills spot that has turned this snack into a legend.

More Pastéis de Nata

While we loved Castro for the best custard tarts in town, other bakeries, such as Manteigaria and Nata Lisboa, are also worth a stop. Each has its own take on the classic, and half the fun is trying different versions as you explore the city and finding your favourite.

A bit of warning, however, since we visited Porto and tried fresh natas, we can no longer eat them in the cafes anywhere else… They just don’t compare!

Dining Tips for Eating in Porto restaurants

One thing that makes Porto dining so enjoyable is that it’s not just about what you eat; it’s also about how locals enjoy their meals. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your foodie experience in the city:

1. Meal Times Are Later Than You Might Expect

Lunch in Porto often starts around 1:00–2:00 p.m., and dinner rarely begins before 8:00 p.m. Don’t be surprised if restaurants feel quiet at 7:00 and then completely fill up an hour later.

2. Portions Can Be Generous

From grilled octopus to bacalhau casseroles, many dishes are served in portions big enough to share. If you’re not too hungry, consider ordering one main and splitting it, or pair smaller plates with starters instead.

3. House Wine Is Always a Good Choice

Almost every restaurant offers local house wine, and it’s not only affordable but also delicious. Whether it’s a crisp glass of Vinho Verde or a bold red from the Douro Valley, you can’t go wrong.

4. Don’t Skip the Bread and Olives

Many restaurants bring bread, olives, or small starters to the table before your meal. These usually come with a small charge (even if you didn’t ask for them), but they’re worth enjoying. They’re part of the local dining culture.

5. Reservations in Restaurants Are a Good Idea in Porto

Smaller tascas and popular restaurants like Taberna dos Mercadores often fill up quickly. If there’s a spot you’re set on trying, booking ahead will save you the disappointment of being turned away.

How to Spot the Best and Authentic Restaurants in Porto

With so many restaurant lists online, it can be hard to separate authentic dining from tourist traps. Here are a few simple ways to tell if a place is worth your time:

Signs You’ve Found the Real Restaurants in Porto

• Handwritten “prato do dia” (daily specials): Portuguese families love the daily dish, usually a complete meal for €6–10. If you see it chalked on a board or scribbled on paper, you’re in the right place.
• Menus in Portuguese first: Authentic tascas rarely have glossy multi-language menus. A menu written in Portuguese (with English as an afterthought) is a good sign.
• Local crowds: Listen for Portuguese chatter, families eating together, or business lunches. If the staff greets diners by name, you’ve found a neighborhood favorite.

Red Flags of a Tourist Trap Restaurants in Porto

• Street recruiters: If staff are standing outside trying to pull you in, it’s usually a bad sign.
• Laminated photo menus in six languages: More about selling quickly than serving well.
• Overpriced riverfront spots: A table in Ribeira with a Douro view is tempting, but often comes with mediocre food at premium prices – always check reviews first!

Rule of thumb: The farther you get from the busiest tourist streets, the better the flavor-to-price ratio becomes. A 10-minute walk from Ribeira can completely change your dining experience.

Neighborhood Guide to the Best Porto Restaurants

One of the best ways to experience Porto’s food scene is to think in neighborhoods. We already wrote a whole article about the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Porto, where each area has its own vibe.

The same applies to restaurants. Each part of the city has its own personality, and where you choose to eat will shape the atmosphere just as much as the food itself.

Cedofeita – The Local Food Hub (€–€€)

This artsy, bohemian neighborhood is where young locals and professionals actually eat on a daily basis. Restaurants here thrive on neighborhood loyalty, rather than tourist traffic, which means honest pricing and authentic cooking.

It’s also home to some of the best tascas in the city, like A Grande, where we had one of our most memorable meals. Order the prato do dia if you see it on the menu. That is a top tip for getting a full meal for a fraction of what tourist spots charge.

Miragaia – Traditional Family Cooking (€–€€)

Miragaia is one of Porto’s oldest neighborhoods, full of steep streets, tiled facades, and family-run restaurants that have been here for generations.

This is the place to try grilled sardines in summer or bacalhau dishes cooked the same way for decades. The atmosphere is cozy and no-frills. Think wooden tables, handwritten menus, and conversations between staff and locals who clearly know each other.

Vila Nova de Gaia – Dinner with a View (€€–€€€)

Just across the Douro from Porto, Gaia is most famous for its Port wine cellars. But it’s also a fantastic spot for hearty dinners with stunning views of Porto’s skyline. We had one of our most filling meals at

Bacalhoeiro, where portions of salted cod and grilled octopus were almost too big to finish. Gaia balances authentic food with postcard-worthy scenery, making it perfect for a relaxed evening out.

Foz do Douro – Where Porto Celebrates (€€–€€€)

On the western edge of Porto, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, Foz do Douro is where locals head for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, or big family gatherings).

Here you’ll find both traditional seafood restaurants and modern fine dining, often in beautiful seaside settings. It’s a bit pricier than Cedofeita or Miragaia, but if you want to experience how Porto families celebrate, this is the place.

Ordering Like a Local

One of the easiest ways to make your dining experience in Porto more authentic is to order the way locals do. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, a few simple phrases will go a long way:

• “Qual é o prato do dia?” – What’s today’s special?
  The prato do dia (daily dish) is usually the best value on the menu. You often get soup, main, dessert, and coffee for around €10.
• “O que recomendam?” – What do you recommend?
  Portuguese staff love guiding guests to their best dishes, especially seasonal ones.
• “Têm vinho da região?” – Do you have regional wine?
  Locals often skip the wine list and just ask for a recommended house wine. It’s usually cheap, delicious, and perfectly paired with the food.
• Sharing mains: Don’t be shy about splitting dishes. Portions in Porto can be generous, and locals often share plates alongside starters.

A little Portuguese effort will almost always be met with a smile. It will often lead to a warmer, more authentic dining experience.

When to Eat in Restaurants in Porto

Timing matters just as much as where you eat in Porto. Locals follow their own rhythm, and if you want to blend in, it helps to do the same.

• Lunch (1:30–3:00 pm): Portuguese lunch happens later than in many countries. Arriving at noon usually means you’ll be surrounded by other tourists, not locals.
• Dinner (after 8:00 pm): Restaurants don’t fill up until 9:00 or even 10:00 pm, when families and groups of friends gather for long meals. Eating earlier is fine, but it won’t feel as lively.
• Seasonal rhythm: In summer, terraces stay busy until midnight, with families and friends dining late into the evening. In winter, meals move indoors, often centered around comfort foods like stews and roasted meats.

For a true Porto dining experience, eat when the locals do. Not only will the atmosphere be better, but dishes are often freshest at peak hours when the kitchen is in full swing.

Best Restaurants in Porto are not necessarily expensive

Eating well in Porto doesn’t have to mean splurging. In fact, some of the most authentic meals we had were also the most affordable. Here are a few ways to stretch your budget without missing out on flavor:

• Prato do dia (daily special): At traditional restaurants, the daily dish is unbeatable value. For €6–10 you’ll often get a full meal with soup, main course, dessert, and sometimes even coffee. Always ask before ordering from the main menu.
• Lunch over dinner: Many higher-end restaurants offer lunch menus that are 40–50% cheaper than dinner while keeping the same quality. It’s a great way to try places that might feel out of budget in the evening.
• Neighborhood advantage: Districts like Cedofeita and Miragaia cater to locals, not tourists, so prices reflect Portuguese wages. You’ll pay far less here than in Ribeira or Clérigos, with no drop in quality.
• House wine always wins: Forget expensive bottles. A carafe of local house wine is usually delicious, pairs perfectly with food, and costs just a few euros.

Following these strategies, you can enjoy some of the best restaurants in Porto without ever feeling like you’re compromising on quality.

Seasonal Eats in Porto: What to Expect

While many Portuguese dishes are served year-round, some of Porto’s best food experiences are seasonal. Knowing what to look for will make your meals even more memorable.

Spring & Summer – Sardines and Street Food

From June to October, grilled sardines are everywhere. You can find them especially during the São João Festival in June, when locals gather outdoors to eat, drink, and celebrate with fireworks. Summer also brings lighter seafood dishes and long evenings at riverside or terrace restaurants.

Autumn – Harvest and Hearty Dishes

Autumn in Porto means the Douro grape harvest, so many restaurants highlight regional wines paired with hearty stews and roasts. It’s the perfect season for comfort food, with caldeirada (fish stew) and rich meat dishes appearing more often on menus.

Winter – Warmth and Tradition

In the colder months, Porto leans into slow-cooked stews, roasted meats, and chestnuts. Meals feel cozier, often enjoyed indoors at small tascas where locals gather with family.

Year-Round Classics

Some dishes remain in season all year round. One of them is bacalhau prepared in endless variations, the indulgent francesinha, and of course, pastéis de nata with a shot of espresso.

If you want to plan your trip around food, aim for summer for sardines, autumn for wine pairings, and winter for hearty comfort dishes. No matter when you visit, Porto delivers.

Summary

From our riverside dinner at Bacalhau to the sardines that changed our minds at  A Grande, they had one thing in common: they served food that felt real, rooted in tradition, and unforgettable.

The best restaurants in Porto aren’t necessarily the fanciest or the most photographed. They’re the ones where locals still gather, where recipes haven’t changed in decades, and where a simple prato do dia can rival any fine dining experience.

So whether you’re in town for a quick weekend or a full week of exploring, use this guide to taste both Porto’s iconic classics and its hidden treasures.

We hope that, armed with all the information, you will follow the locals’ rhythm. You’ll trust their house wines, and won’t be afraid to wander into that small tasca with handwritten specials on the wall. Chances are, it’ll be one of your best meals in Porto.

FAQs – Best Restaurants in Porto

What food is Porto most famous for?
Porto is best known for the francesinha sandwich, endless varieties of bacalhau (salted cod), freshly grilled sardines, and the beloved pastel de nata.

What is a tasca?
A tasca is a traditional Portuguese tavern—usually small, family-run, and focused on simple, home-style cooking. Tascas are where you’ll find some of the most authentic and affordable meals in Porto.

How much does it cost to eat out in Porto?

• Casual tasca meal: €8–15 per person (often includes house wine).
• Mid-range restaurant: €15–30 per person.
• Fine dining or tasting menu: €50–100+.
  Eating well in Porto is very affordable compared to other European cities.

Is Porto vegetarian-friendly?
Traditional Portuguese cuisine leans heavily on meat and seafood, so vegetarian options are limited in tascas. That said, many modern and international restaurants in Porto offer vegetarian or vegan dishes, especially in Cedofeita and Baixa.

Do I need to make reservations to the best restaurants in Porto?
For popular spots like Taberna dos Mercadores or Ode Porto Wine House, you have to book ahead. For casual cafés, bakeries, and most tascas, walk-ins are usually fine, though peak times can be busy.

When is the best time to eat for an authentic vibe?

• Lunch: 1:30–3:00 pm
• Dinner: after 8:00 pm (locals peak around 9:00–10:00 pm)
  Arriving earlier usually means you’ll be eating with tourists rather than locals.

Do I need to tip in Porto?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Portugal, but it’s appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving €1–2 at casual places is common. At restaurants with table service, 5–10% is generous.

Where can I eat late in Porto?
Many restaurants serve dinner until 11:00 pm or midnight, especially in Ribeira and Cedofeita. Petiscos bars and wine bars are also great late-night options.