Discovering Where to Dine in Porto: Portugal’s Top Destination for Affordable Fine Dining

Porto, a coastal gem in northwestern Portugal, has often lived in the shadow of Lisbon, but it is now gaining international recognition for its culinary scene.

Portugal's culinary expertise is legendary. While you might associate it with classic cod dishes and pastéis de natas, there's an entire fine dining world waiting to be explored. The cuisine is deeply influenced by the sea (think lamprey, crab, trout, lobster, sardines) and is characterized by delicate, well-matched flavors, along with a spirit of creativity.

What distinguishes Porto’s fine dining experience is its refreshing lack of pretentiousness. Expect professional yet relaxed service, with knowledgeable staff who can expertly discuss the menu and wine selections. Enjoy the insights of friendly waitstaff, multilingual sommeliers, and engaging chefs, who love sharing culinary stories and inviting guests into the kitchen.

And what about the prices? They’re hard to beat. Set menus at Michelin-starred restaurants in northern Portugal, featuring multiple courses, rarely exceed €200—much more affordable than similar offerings in London or New York, which can be double that. Currently, Michelin stars are shining brightly in Portugal, with five new stars awarded to eateries in Porto and Lisbon in 2023. Notably, the Michelin Portugal 2024 guide has been commissioned, marking a historic moment as Portugal's culinary scene is finally recognized in its own right, rather than being an afterthought in the Spanish guide.

There’s much to discover in the North. In Porto, the UNESCO-listed old town along the waterfront, Ribeira, is filled with lively bars where patrons enjoy porto tonicos (a sweet regional cocktail made of white port and tonic), and bustling tascas (casual Portuguese eateries historically frequented by the working class), all set on charming cobbled streets. Porto also serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of the region. The lush Douro Valley, accessible by cruise or train, features steep terraced vineyards and fertile hillsides where sheep, cattle, and pigs graze. It’s no surprise this area is famous for its delicious meats, such as alheira (a sausage made from pork and garlic) and sarrabulho (pork and rice prepared in pig's blood). And let’s not forget the seafood—Portugal is renowned for having some of the freshest in the world, expertly prepared by skilled chefs. While cod is abundant, there are plenty of other expertly crafted fish dishes that will please even the most discerning palates.

Top 3 culinary experiences in Porto and the North

Savor sardines at Mercado Do Bolhão, Porto

To dive into Porto's food scene, make your way to the city’s iconic food market, Mercado Do Bolhão, which has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years and has recently been refurbished. While it’s not fine dining, you’ll find market vendors selling fresh cabbage and kale to chefs for their Caldo Verde soup, alongside an impressive variety of smoked meats, creamy cheeses, and both canned and fresh sardines.

Where to enjoy it: Settle in at the Bolhão Wine House and take in the sights while you indulge in fresh sardines—lightly battered, salty, and warm—paired with cornbread. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of vinho verde (green wine) for just €3.

Dig into a francesinha sandwich

Porto is renowned not only for its port wine but also for the hearty francesinha sandwich. This traditional dish features layers of toasted white bread filled with steak and ham, topped with melted cheese and a zesty tomato-and-beer sauce (molho de francesinha), finished with a fried egg and accompanied by a side of fries.

Where to enjoy it: Lado B is a casual cafe-restaurant that boldly claims to serve the best francesinha in the world, even trademarking the phrase. Pair your sandwich with a refreshing cold beer.

Unwind with a picnic in the vineyards of the Douro Valley

What could be more delightful than spending a leisurely afternoon under the shade of olive trees in the warm Douro Valley sun, savoring an array of fresh breads, cheeses, pastries, and meats, complemented by a chilled glass of white wine? Probably not much.

Where to enjoy it: Symington Family Estate, a leading producer of port and wine, boasts a vast vineyard in the Douro Valley and offers picnics on the grounds, which make for a perfect follow-up to a winery tour (around €55 per person).

Top 3 fine dining spots in Porto and the North

Bomfim 1896

This sophisticated barn-style restaurant, set against the scenic backdrop of the Douro Valley, merges exquisite flavors with effortless elegance on the Symington Estate. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Pedro Lemo, whose namesake restaurant in Porto has enjoyed great success since its 2009 debut, Bomfim 1896 offers a menu that is both comforting and of exceptional quality. At the heart of the kitchen are large wood-burning ovens, where Lemo employs traditional recipes that celebrate the best of Portuguese fare, all within a high-ceilinged, whitewashed dining space that feels fit for grand gatherings. What to try: Everything here is remarkable, but for starters, don’t miss the smoked eel brioche topped with apple and radishes; it’s a light, perfectly-balanced delight that looks almost too stunning to eat. For the main course, the lobster rice—a delightful blend of risotto and stew—features a creamy texture and generous chunks of succulent lobster. The wine list features Symington selections from both Douro and Alentejo, along with a fantastic array of ports. Anticipate spending about €100 per person for three courses, excluding wine.

The Yeatman

When it comes to haute cuisine in Portugal, few places rival The Yeatman, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Porto housed within the eponymous hotel. Here, diners can indulge in an exquisite 14-course tasting menu, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Douro River. Leading the culinary charge is Ricardo Costa, a judge on Masterchef Portugal and the youngest Portuguese chef to earn a Michelin star.

What to try: The tasting menu showcases Costa’s remarkable culinary talent, featuring numerous seafood dishes that pay tribute to his Aveiro roots—a coastal city located 50 miles south of Porto. Standout bites include a delicate seaweed tart topped with tapioca pearls, kimchi, and a sliver of salty seabass. The nitro zamburina, a creamy shell of Galician scallops accompanied by a berry confit, offers a delightful burst of sweet and mild flavors. Not to be missed is the spider crab, served in a light tomato sauce, which is simply irresistible. The seasonal tasting menu is priced at €250 per person, excluding wine.

Euskalduna Studio

At Euskalduna Studio in Porto, diners are treated to an immersive culinary experience at a marble counter designed for just 16 guests, offering a view of the bustling kitchen where the talented head chef Vasco Coelho Santos and his youthful team create dishes right before your eyes. The menu draws inspiration from Vasco’s culinary journeys in Spain's Basque region and Japan, resulting in fun, innovative, and fresh dishes that remain refreshingly unpretentious.

What to try: The tasting menu, consisting of around ten exquisite courses or 'moments,' is what secured Vasco his Michelin star. While you’ll find ingredients like sea cucumber popular in Japanese cuisine, the overall menu retains its Portuguese essence. Highlights include the oyster cream tacos, which are light, crunchy, and utterly addictive, and the amberjack fish, sliced right in front of us and drizzled with XO sauce. The trout confit was another standout, and watching Vasco at work is a delight. The set menu is priced at €145 per person.

Vegans and vegetarians

While a meat-free francesinha may be elusive, vegetarians can enjoy a variety of options in fine dining. Bomfim 1896, for instance, features delectable vegetarian dishes like spiced cauliflower and purple artichokes. Meanwhile, The Yeatman offers an entirely vegetarian 14-course tasting menu that includes items like sweet potato with lupine and salicornia, courgette noodles, and curried eggplant. However, vegans might find it challenging to locate suitable choices.