Porto, the capital’s food-loving cousin to the north, is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. This vibrant city, situated between the Atlantic Ocean, Douro River, and mountainous countryside, offers a culinary scene that is rich in flavors and traditions. From seafood-focused marisqueiras to neighborhood tascas and contemporary restaurants, Porto has something to satisfy every palate. In this guide, we will explore the best restaurants in Porto that showcase the city’s diverse and delicious cuisine.
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova: A Culinary Masterpiece
Located in a stunning house designed by local Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner Álvaro Siza, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova offers not only a gastronomic experience but also breathtaking ocean views. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, led by acclaimed chef Rui Paula, serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a focus on local seafood and fish. The vegetarian menu features locally sourced ingredients such as potatoes, fava beans, and greens. Indulge in the exquisite flavors while enjoying the mesmerizing scenery.
Fava Tonka: A Vegetarian Delight
Fava Tonka is a pioneer in the vegetarian scene in Portugal. This modern restaurant in Leça da Palmeira has become a national reference for meatless cuisine. Built with natural elements like wood, burnt cement, and marble, Fava Tonka offers a unique dining experience. Chef Nuno Castro creates meatless recipes that blend familiar flavors with contemporary flair. Don’t miss their take on caldeirada, the famous Portuguese seafood soup, or the steamed buns with breaded mushrooms and kimchi.
Mercado de Matosinhos: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
For the freshest seafood in Porto, head to Mercado de Matosinhos. This local farmer’s market supplies the region’s restaurants with an abundance of fish, including mackerel, sardines, tuna, and black swordfish. While browsing the stalls, you can also enjoy delicious meals at the small restaurants inside the market. Mafalda’s is a popular choice, offering sandwiches, toasts, and a daily changing lunch menu featuring ingredients sourced from the market. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and taste the freshest catch of the day.
O Gaveto: A Seafood Haven
Marisqueiras, or seafood restaurants, are a must-visit in Porto. O Gaveto, located near Matosinhos, is one of the best in the area. Indulge in the freshest seafood Portugal has to offer, including percebes (barnacles), clams, carabineiros (red shrimp), and more. Start your meal with stuffed sapateira crab or clams bulhão pato-style cooked with white wine, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and cilantro. Don’t miss the blue lobster with brothy rice, a rare local delicacy transformed into a comforting and flavorful dish.
Época Cafe: A Nordic-Inspired Oasis
Época Cafe is not your average coffee shop. This Nordic-style cafe offers an organic, local, and vegetarian lunch menu that changes with the seasons. The menu is driven by the kitchen’s creativity and features dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Sit by the windows and enjoy snacks like vegetable gazpacho with rosemary and olive focaccia or the restaurant’s take on traditional Portuguese recipes. Additionally, three days a week, the cafe transforms into a dinner pop-up izakaya concept, serving Japanese snacks.
Tasquinha Zé Povinho: A Taste of Trás-os-Montes
For a taste of Trás-os-Montes, visit Tasquinha Zé Povinho. This neighborhood tasca serves comfort food inspired by the owner’s heritage. The daily rotating menu features regional dishes like breaded pork with roasted potatoes, massa à lavrador (meaty stew with pasta and red beans), and caldo verde (potato-kale soup). With its casual furnishings and checkered tablecloths, this restaurant offers a cozy and authentic dining experience away from the tourist crowds.
Cozinha das Flores: Traditional Flavors with a Modern Twist
Cozinha das Flores, nestled within Largo de São Domingos in Porto’s historic center, combines traditional Portuguese flavors with a modern twist. Chef Ricardo Costa oversees this culinary masterpiece, which boasts an open-fire kitchen in the middle of the room. Indulge in dishes like veal with tender onions and bone marrow or smoked giant squid from the Azores with a stew of chickpeas and cold tripe. Cozinha das Flores also offers creative takes on traditional Portuguese dishes, such as turnip pastéis de nata with caviar.
Belos Aires Restaurante: A Taste of Argentina
Belos Aires Restaurante brings the smoky flavors of Argentina to Porto. Chef Mauricio Ghiglione combines Argentinian classics with Portuguese products to create a unique dining experience. The menu features mouthwatering meats, including chorizo and rib-eye, as well as amazing empanadas and a dulce de leche flan that is simply irresistible. Indulge in the flavors of Argentina while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this restaurant in the buzzy Baixa neighborhood.
Mito: Haute Cuisine at Affordable Prices
At Mito, chef Pedro Braga proves that haute cuisine can be affordable. This relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant offers inventive and hearty dishes that showcase traditional Portuguese recipes and local ingredients. The menu changes weekly, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience. Explore global flavors with dishes like gnocchi and tapioca, all prepared with a creative touch. Mito is tucked away in the hip Rua da Picaria neighborhood, making it a hidden gem for food enthusiasts.
Torto: A Cocktail Lover’s Paradise
Torto is a haven for cocktail lovers in Porto. This bar, located in a Neo-Mudéjar style building, offers a wide selection of creative cocktails. Head bartender João Mendes and his team create world-class drinks that cater to all tastes. From whiskey-based batch cocktails served on tap to ingenious creations like Capeta 199 and the Picante Gang Gang, Torto’s cocktail menu is sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in the art of mixology.
The Royal Cocktail Club: Elegance in a Glass
Situated in an old bankers’ union building, The Royal Cocktail Club exudes elegance. The interior, adorned with wood, marble, and bronze, sets the stage for an unforgettable drinking experience. Head bartender Carlos Santiago and his team create modern and creative cocktails that will tantalize your taste buds. Sip on classics like the Mozzafiato or venture into the world of unique flavors with drinks like the Lady D. For an exclusive experience, visit the private room in the basement, where you can enjoy signature cocktails in a more intimate setting.
The Yeatman: A Gourmet Journey with a View
Nestled in the luxurious wine-focused hotel of the same name, The Yeatman restaurant offers a gourmet journey with a view. Led by chef Ricardo Costa, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant showcases traditional Portuguese flavors with a modern twist. The tasting menus, one standard and one vegetarian, highlight seasonal produce and local ingredients, including fresh seafood, fish, and porco preto. Pair your meal with wines from their extensive cellar, and savor the stunning view of the Douro River and Porto skyline.
Experience the Culinary Delights of Porto
Porto is a city that delights food enthusiasts with its diverse and flavorful cuisine. From marisqueiras serving the freshest seafood to contemporary restaurants pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity, Porto offers a dining experience like no other. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a vegetarian, or a cocktail enthusiast, Porto has something to satisfy every craving. Explore the city’s vibrant food scene and indulge in the best restaurants Porto has to offer.
But why stop at Porto? Immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of Portugal by booking a Private Tour across the country with Portugal Magik Tours. Discover the historic city of Lisbon, explore the enchanting town of Sintra, savor the flavors of Porto, and venture into the breathtaking Douro Valley. Experience the best of Portugal in a 10-day trip of a lifetime. Book your tour now using this link and embark on a culinary adventure you will never forget.
Disclaimer: This article is a curated guide and does not reflect personal experiences or endorsements.
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
