Where to Eat in Porto: Restaurants and Typical Food

Francesinha: Porto's Iconic Sandwich

No visit to Porto is complete without trying a francesinha, the city's legendary sandwich stuffed with cured ham, linguica sausage, fresh steak and covered in melted cheese and a spicy beer-based sauce. Here are the best spots:

• Cafe Santiago: On Rua de Passos Manuel, this is arguably the most famous francesinha spot in Porto. Expect a queue, but the rich, flavorful sauce is worth the wait. A francesinha costs around 12-14 EUR.
• Cervejaria Brasao: With locations in Aliados and other spots around the city, Brasao serves a modern take on the classic with perfectly balanced sauce. Try the francesinha with a fried egg on top.
• Bufete Fase: A local favorite near Bolhao market, less touristy and with generous portions at fair prices.
• Side Cafe: Popular among locals in the Cedofeita area, known for a lighter sauce and quality ingredients.

Seafood and Traditional Portuguese Cuisine

Porto sits at the mouth of the Douro River and close to the Atlantic, so fresh seafood is abundant:

• Restaurante O Gaveto: In Matosinhos (a short metro ride away), this is one of the best seafood restaurants in the Porto area. Try the grilled sea bass or the arroz de marisco (seafood rice). Main dishes from 18-30 EUR.
• A Grade: A tiny, family-run spot near the Se Cathedral with outstanding grilled fish and octopus. Very affordable, with mains around 10-15 EUR.
• Taberna dos Mercadores: On Rua dos Mercadores in the Ribeira district, this charming restaurant serves traditional dishes like bacalhau a bras and polvo a lagareiro in a cozy setting.
• Pedro dos Frangos: A no-frills local institution on Rua do Bonjardim famous for its spit-roasted chicken (frango assado). A half chicken with fries costs around 8 EUR.

Riverside and Fine Dining

For a meal with a view along the Douro River:

• DOP by Rui Paula: Located in the Palacio das Artes near the Ribeira, chef Rui Paula offers refined Portuguese cuisine with tasting menus from around 75 EUR.
• Bacalhau: Right on the Ribeira waterfront, this restaurant specializes in creative bacalhau (codfish) dishes with views of the Dom Luis I Bridge.
• Rib Beef & Wine: In the Cais da Ribeira area, an upscale spot for perfectly aged Portuguese beef. Mains from 20-35 EUR.

Petiscos, Markets and Snacks

Porto's food scene goes beyond sit-down restaurants:

• Mercado do Bolhao: The recently renovated historic market is the place to browse fresh produce, cheese, cured meats and grab a quick bifana (pork sandwich) for around 3 EUR.
• Mercado Beira-Rio: A food hall near the river with various stalls offering everything from sushi to traditional petiscos.
• Confeitaria do Bolhao: A classic pastry shop near the market, perfect for a pastel de nata and espresso in the morning.
• Manteigaria: On Rua de Alexandre Braga, watch pasteis de nata being made fresh and eat them warm. Around 1.20 EUR each.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Porto typically costs 30-50 EUR including wine, making it one of the most affordable food cities in Western Europe.