03 Mar Restaurants in Porto you don’t want to miss…
Porto is an excellent gastronomic destination where one can either experience international cuisine or have a less expensive, yet rewarding and hearty meal with the traditional portuguese “petiscos”.
Some suggestions for restaurants in Porto…
FISH FIXE
In the riverside of the historical center of Porto you will find this restaurant with a balcony to the river douro. Choose between the codfish and fresh fish from the Portuguese coast and accompany it with the best Portuguese wines. In fact, the ambiance is great and Joaquim an excellent host!
TABERNA ST. ANTÓNIO
It’s one of those places hidden in Porto that you can’t miss. It is managed by a typical Porto family headed by Mrs. Hermínia. On Thursdays, experience the Oporto tripes and try other eye-catching dishes along the week. Its usual clients are workers from Sto. António Hospital, Court, University and, increasingly, the tourists who knock on their door. Hurry up, the codfish cakes don’t last very long.
MERCADO DO BOLHÃO (temporary)
Try Portuguese’s variety of bread, like Broa de Avintes, the colorful olives and the variety of fruits and vegetables. Also, the typical portuguese sausages, the ham of Salsicharia Leandro as well as some canned fish along with Douro wines. Meanwhile, take your time to chat with Bolhão Wine House’s hosts.
CERVEJARIA BRASÃO
Close to Porto’s City Hall and coliseu, there’s a welcoming place decorated in a rustic way where the many scents and smells associated with trains can’t fool you. Particularly, the famous Francesinha can be appreciated in halves for those who are not brave enough for a whole one!
Restaurants around Porto, in V. N. Gaia and Matosinhos…
MÁRIO LUSO
It has seventy years old and the food is still delicious. Now managed by the sons, this family restaurant remains a reference in the region. Situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, its quality of wines, famous desserts and traditional food are well worth a visit.
TASCA DA VILLA
This restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia includes a very pleasant outdoor space prepared for small events. Its menu features Francesinha between many other delicious dishes. The service is good and the drink selection is made accurately. Don’t forget to book it in advance!
PIZZERIA CIAO BELLA
You’ve got Pizzerias everywhere but this one is special regarding the dough and its high-quality ingredients. The desserts are tempting and its location is a plus; breathe the sea breeze in the typical little village of Aguda while strolling the beaches till Senhor da Pedra Chapel.
5 OCEANOS
It is in Matosinhos, on the coast of the city of Porto, that the restaurant 5 oceans is located.
The specialties of fresh fish directly from the sea and seafood are a must for gastronomy lovers. You can also taste some typical dishes of the region, such as octopus fillets, lobster rice, lagareiro cod, Bulhão pato clams, roasted sardines,…
“Portugal’s gastronomy is as diverse as the landscape where its ingredients are produced and tasted.”
If you want to know more, take a look to our Food and Wine tours in Porto
P. S: The choice of the restaurants and the opinions are the responsibility of the author.