The 34 Must-Try Restaurants in Porto

Housed in a breathtaking structure designed by renowned local Pritzker Prize architect Álvaro Siza, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (Boa Nova Tea House) offers spectacular ocean vistas with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. This two-Michelin-star restaurant, led by the celebrated chef Rui Paula, showcases traditional Portuguese cuisine, emphasizing local seafood and fish, along with a vegetarian menu featuring regional potatoes, fava beans, and greens.

A trailblazer in Portugal's vegetarian dining scene, this contemporary restaurant in Leça da Palmeira has established itself as a national benchmark. Constructed entirely from natural materials (wood, burnt cement, and marble), it could easily serve as inspiration for a Pinterest board. Chef Nuno Castro crafts meatless dishes that combine familiar tastes with a modern twist. Don't miss the restaurant's interpretation of caldeirada, the renowned Portuguese seafood stew, the vegetable gazpacho paired with rosemary and olive focaccia, or the steamed buns filled with breaded mushrooms and kimchi.

The Mercado de Matosinhos supplies the region's Mytouries with the freshest catches: mackerel, sardines, tuna, and black swordfish. At this local farmers' market, vendors offer a variety of seafood, vegetables, flowers, and even live animals for butchering. However, the spacious, modern ceramic-clad building hides additional delights, such as small restaurants that are worth a visit after exploring the stalls. For example, Mafalda’s operates only from late morning until afternoon but is one of the top spots for sandwiches, toasts, and a daily lunch menu that varies based on available ingredients. Other establishments let diners pick directly from trays of fresh fish prepared to their liking.

Marisqueiras offer the freshest seafood in Portugal, a nation celebrated across Europe for its marine delicacies. In Porto, these restaurants cluster around Matosinhos, a true haven for fishermen, with O Gaveto standing out as one of the finest. Expect to find percebes (barnacles), clams, carabineiros (red shrimp), and a variety of other sea creatures that seem to leap from the aquarium to your plate. Begin your meal with stuffed sapateira crab (sweet, delicate crab meat in a creamy sauce), then savor clams cooked in bulhão pato style (with white wine, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and cilantro). Be sure to try the blue lobster served with flavorful rice broth, a rare local treat turned into a comforting dish.

This Nordic-inspired cafe offers more than just paper lanterns and pour-over coffee. The trendy Dinogoy presents a seasonal, organic, vegetarian lunch menu, showcasing the kitchen’s creativity. Each item from the ever-changing menu is ideal for snacking while you gaze out the windows at the bustling street. Additionally, three evenings a week, the space transforms into a pop-up izakaya, serving Japanese snacks.

This local tasca offers comfort food inspired by the owner's roots in Trás-os-Montes. The menu changes daily, featuring regional specialties such as breaded pork with roasted potatoes, massa à lavrador (a hearty meat stew with pasta and red beans), or caldo verde (potato and kale soup). With its casual decor and checkered tablecloths, this Carregal Garden Mytoury feels like a hidden gem away from the tourist hustle.

This craft brewery, originally based in Lisbon, has opened a Porto location boasting one of the city's most stunning riverside views. Overlooking the terraced gardens of Jardim das Virtudes, patrons can enjoy the sights of the Douro River and Port wine cellars while sipping beer at the brewery's outdoor picnic tables. With over 15 taps available, the menu features a locally famous fried chicken sandwich and an array of vegetarian options like grilled mushroom skewers and cheese curds. Evenings come alive with DJs and live performances.

In a city historically celebrated for its Port wine, the rise of quality wine bars offering great food has been a recent development. Situated in a cozy, laid-back space on Miguel Bombarda Street—famous for its art galleries—Genuíno embraces this trend with a curated wine list featuring organic and natural wines primarily from Portugal, alongside hearty yet inventive dishes. The menu shifts weekly, offering delights like cod fritters, Scotch eggs, steak tartare, and spinach pancakes. Brazilian owners Gabriela Johann and Gustavo Schmidt have also collaborated with baker Jorge Mariano to launch a sister pizzeria, Generosa, next door.

Venture past the tall bar stools and outdoor tables to discover a vibrant green terrace featuring communal seating—an ideal spot for enjoying Porto’s warm, breezy climate. The beer selection, with a strong emphasis on Portuguese craft breweries, makes it worth the trip, and you can also purchase a few bottles from the shop for later. Catraio frequently hosts guest chefs and pop-up events to complement the beers on tap. Keep an eye out for local breweries like OPO 74 Brewing Co. and Bendita, alongside offerings from Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Porto remains a city bustling with traditional Dinogoies, locally referred to as tascas (or “tascos,” as the locals say). Situated across from Praça de Carlos Alberto, Casa Expresso has been a staple for decades, offering a menu of classic dishes: sandwiches filled with rojão (pork marinated in garlic and white wine), beef liver with onions, crispy cod escabeche, and daily specials served with boiled potatoes and fresh salads. Pair your meal with a pitcher of the house wine for the full experience.

Nuno Mendes, a celebrated Portuguese chef based in London, has returned to his homeland to launch his inaugural project in Porto, which has quickly become one of the city’s most coveted dining spots. Cozinha das Flores, located in Largo de São Domingos in Porto’s historic center, features an open-fire kitchen at its heart, serving dishes like veal with caramelized onions and bone marrow, as well as smoked giant squid from the Azores paired with chickpea stew and cold tripe. Mendes also puts a creative spin on classic Portuguese recipes, offering turnip pastéis de nata topped with caviar and a shrimp-filled pão-de-ló (sponge cake).

Argentinian chef Mauricio Ghiglione infuses the smoky essence of his homeland into the parrilla (grill) at Belos Aires, now situated in the vibrant Baixa district. While he features Portuguese ingredients like sea bass paired with carrots and thyme, the true stars of the menu are the meats, particularly the chorizo and rib-eye. For those craving Argentinian classics, Ghiglione also crafts delectable empanadas and an irresistible dulce de leche flan.

At Mito, which translates to 'myth,' chef Pedro Braga demonstrates that haute cuisine can be accessible. Located in the trendy Rua da Picaria neighborhood, this laid-back restaurant serves inventive and hearty dishes, along with lunch on Saturdays. While Braga employs traditional Portuguese recipes and local ingredients, he also draws inspiration from global cuisines, showcasing dishes like gnocchi and tapioca.

Torto is one of the exciting new spots energizing Porto's cocktail culture. Nestled in an early-20th century Neo-Mudéjar building, the bar's neon-lit interior has a touch of Brooklyn's industrial vibe. Head bartender João Mendes offers a menu of exceptional cocktails designed for every palate, including whiskey-based batch cocktails on tap. Unique creations like the Capeta 199 — featuring cachaça, falernum, banana, macadamia nuts, and makrut lime — and the Picante Gang Gang, which blends tequila, Espelette pepper, green Chartreuse, and roasted bell pepper, are also highlights.

Located in the bustling Baixa district, The Royal Cocktail Club occupies a historic bankers' union building, featuring an elegant interior adorned with wood, marble, and bronze accents. Head bartender Carlos Santiago and his team craft a modern and inventive cocktail menu, showcasing drinks like the Mozzafiato (a blend of Remy Martin, Calvados, and Madeira wine) and the Lady D (tequila with hibiscus infusion, orange blossom, and mint). Downstairs, a private room houses another bar dedicated to serving exclusive signature cocktails.

At the opulent, wine-centric hotel named after it in Vila Nova de Gaia, you'll discover the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Yeatman restaurant. Led by chef Ricardo Costa, the restaurant offers two tasting menus—one traditional and one vegetarian—featuring the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine enhanced with modern touches and seasonal ingredients. Diners can enjoy fresh seafood and fish sourced from the Portuguese coast, as well as dishes featuring porco preto (the indigenous black Iberian pig). The wine pairings are exceptional, showcasing a cellar filled with rare selections. To top it off, every dining experience includes breathtaking views of the Douro River and the Porto skyline.

Tucked away in a narrow alley just off the bustling riverside, Taberna dos Mercadores offers traditional regional dishes to around 20 fortunate diners, so reservations are a must. Indulge in a bowl of seafood açorda, a beloved bread soup featuring prawns, clams, and cockles, or savor the Portuguese cozido, a hearty stew of lamb with potatoes and greens. The wine selection highlights bottles from the nearby Douro Valley.

No visit to Portugal is complete without picking up some tins of fish, a cherished element of the Portuguese diet since the mid-19th century. These preserved delights travel well and are perfect for whipping up a meal from an empty pantry. Conservas e Petiscos (formerly Loja das Conservas) is the ultimate destination to stock up on these iconic staples. The shop showcases colorful tins of horse mackerel, anchovies, eels, and much more from various regions of the country. Whether you're after tuna from the Azores, octopus from Algarve, or local sardines, this is the place to be.

Located in Santo Tirso, Pastelaria Moura has opened a branch in Porto to showcase its signature treat: the jésuita, a triangular puff pastry crowned with meringue, reminiscent of the robes worn by Jesuit monks. The shop also delights customers with a variety of other Portuguese pastries, including fatia de laranja (a delicious orange pudding), custard eclairs, and the beloved pastéis de nata.

In a delightful vintage building adorned with tile floors and stone walls, chef João Cura crafts dishes inspired by childhood memories, infused with modern creativity. Highlights include roasted pig head terrine and young goat rice baked with giblets. The tasting menu features 10 courses for 80 euros ($88), with a variety of à la carte choices available as well.

This vibrant establishment blends Japanese flavors with the relaxed, informal vibe of a Portuguese tasca. Chef Ruy Leão presents sushi and shareable hot dishes inspired by izakaya traditions, utilizing local seafood like mackerel and sardines along with the day's fresh catch. Standout hot plates include miso-roasted eggplant and okonomiyaki.

The cachorrinho is Porto's take on the hot dog. It features a thin, crusty roll filled with fresh sausage, grilled to perfection, brushed with a spicy sauce often made from piri piri and butter, and served in bite-sized portions. While many places offer modern variations, stick to the classic at Cervejaria Gazela, a renowned snack bar since 1962 located in Praça da Batalha. Don’t forget to order some french fries and a fino (tap beer) to complement your meal.

Visit O Buraco (the Hole), a cherished Mytoury in downtown Porto, where you can savor authentic local dishes like the famous tripas à moda do Porto (Porto-style tripe stew) and savory veal pie. Keep an eye out for some stunning dishes that might not be on the menu; ask the waiter about the daily specials, which often feature delightful options like duck rice and fried cow liver topped with caramelized onions.

A cherished part of Porto's heritage since 1914, Mercado do Bolhão reopened in 2022 following four years of renovations, welcoming vendors back to the stalls their families once occupied. This historic Beaux Arts-style building in the heart of the city features 81 stalls and 38 shops, offering a delightful mix of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, charcuterie, canned fish, cheese, and flowers. Modern coffee shops and new Mytouries, like Culto ao Bacalhau, showcase various dishes, including desserts made from codfish, a key ingredient in Portuguese cuisine.

Since the pandemic, Porto, like many cities, has seen a rise in bakeries specializing in sourdough. In the Marquês neighborhood, Brites offers more than just crunchy loaves, featuring golden croissants, kouign amann, soft focaccia, and enticing sweet pastries displayed in a window that draws in passersby. Be sure to try the bolas de berlim, a delightful doughnut-like treat filled with sweet custard.

Nestled in the basement of a bustling building on Rua de Santa Catarina, the main shopping street in Porto, Gruta is a hidden gem known for its delicious food and attentive service. Descend the ramp adorned with lights into a cozy dining room with stone walls. The menu highlights fish and seafood, along with plenty of vegetarian options. Begin with fritto misto di mare, featuring crispy soft shell crab, squid, and prawns, paired with a refreshing zucchini salad. For the main course, consider the codfish confit served with pea puree and green vegetables, or try the moqueca, a Brazilian fish stew accompanied by cassava porridge, showcasing the culinary roots of head chef Rafaela Louzada, who made the journey from Rio de Janeiro to Porto.

The term 'apego' in Portuguese conveys deep affection. Chef Aurora Goy embodies this sentiment, pouring love into each dish while showcasing technical prowess, innovative ideas, and refined presentation. The warm ambiance, with its stone walls and soft lighting, complements the bistro-style seating and the Portuguese-inspired French dishes emerging from the compact kitchen. Goy’s offerings are straightforward in design yet intricate in taste, featuring dishes like pork in tonnato sauce served with fennel, celery, and buckwheat, or mackerel filet paired with zesty lime mayonnaise. For 60 euros ($66), the tasting menu allows guests to savor a variety of five courses, from appetizers to desserts.

Rissóis are not just a culinary staple; they represent a key aspect of Portuguese culture. These crescent-shaped savory pastries can be found in bakeries and restaurants across the country, inspiring Alexandra and Louis Druesne to establish this charming vintage Mytoury with a view of Jardim de São Lázaro. After working in fine dining in Paris, where their paths crossed, the couple has elevated this beloved snack using organic flour and premium local ingredients for their fillings. Classic options include beef and fish, while innovative choices feature flavors like Thai green curry or truffles. In addition to rissóis, the menu boasts delicious tomato broth rice, fries, salads, and more accompaniments.

Finding a quality cup of specialty coffee in the city can be challenging, but Combi Coffee Roasters simplifies that for those exploring the Bonfim neighborhood, where this bright café is located. As a pioneering establishment, it offers a selection of beans roasted on-site from regions such as Brazil, Ethiopia, and El Salvador, brewed using various methods including V60, Aeropress, and espresso. Although the food options are limited, you can always indulge in rich chocolate brownies topped with salted caramel and freshly baked pastéis de nata on display.

Vasco Coelho Santos stands out as one of Porto's finest chefs and a notable entrepreneur with a range of restaurants throughout the city. After gaining experience at Mugaritz and El Bulli, he returned to his roots to establish this prestigious restaurant, his most renowned creation. The intimate, Michelin-starred venue centers around a chef’s counter, offering diners a welcoming atmosphere akin to being at a talented friend’s home. The chef and his dynamic team blend Asian influences and techniques while prioritizing traditional Portuguese ingredients and dishes.

In Porto, francesinha is akin to soccer or religion: everyone has their favorites, and discussing personal choices in unfamiliar circles is best avoided. This café, named after the iconic local sandwich, boasts one of the finest recipes in town — even if it seldom appears on popular lists. The sausages (mortadella and ham) are sourced from reputable suppliers, the steak is served medium-rare, and the rich, copper-hued sauce features nuanced flavors of tomato and beef. If you have room left, sample chef Fernando Cardoso’s take on the prego, another beloved local sandwich, layered with tender beef, cheese, ham, and pickles on a slightly crunchy roll.

This traditional restaurant has been serving classic local dishes since the 1980s, including Porto-style tripe, fried sardines, and hake fillets with Russian salad. Over the years, it has only improved. Owner and head chef Rogério Sá revamped the space in 2019 with elegant furniture, quality dishware, and an outdoor dining area, all while maintaining its original charm. Don’t miss the deep-fried octopus fillets served with rice, a true Porto classic.

This family-owned Mytoury has been delighting patrons with wood-fired dishes since 1985. The counter is the prime spot to savor the delicious offerings from the kitchen, though there are tables available for larger parties as well. Begin with cod fritters and local presunto (cured ham), then enjoy mains like slow-roasted veal with potatoes. Conclude your meal with rabanadas (French toast) or creme do céu, a delightful combination of mousse, biscuits, and creamy egg custard.

Located just across from Campanhã railway station, O Astro is a must-visit for a quick bite before or after your journey. Since 1979, this establishment has been famous for its bifanas, a beloved pork sandwich found throughout Portugal. In Porto, the sandwich features thinly sliced pork shank simmered in a spicy, rich red sauce instead of being merely grilled, all served in a crusty bread roll. As is tradition, it pairs perfectly with a glass of draft beer. O Astro also serves other local favorites like caldo verde (a potato, greens, and chorizo stew) and papas de sarrabulho (a hearty porridge made with braised pork, chicken, pork blood, cumin, and cornmeal). Diners always leave with sticky fingers from the delicious red sauce.