If you are looking for the best Portuguese food and more importantly the best Francesinha in Porto, then we have got you covered. Check out this list of Porto’s best eateries you don’t want to miss!
1. Bufete Fase
Bufete fase claims to serve the best Francesinhas. Francesinha is a sandwich originating in Porto made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese and a hot and thick spiced tomato and beer sauce, typically served with French fries. We think that it should be absolutely mandatory that you visit this restaurant when you come to Porto, but beware that you can only pay in cash. Opening times: Mon – Fri, 6pm – 9:30pm.
2. Maus Habitos
Maus Habitos is both nightclub, gallery, bar and restaurant. There is no sign at street level indicating this gem. You simply enter a nondescript building, take the lift to the fourth floor, ring the bell and suddenly, are welcomed at a Bohemian heaven. The food here is named after famous contemporaneous artists. We can recommend the pizzas (there are tons of vegan and vegetarian options) and the lasagna with chicken and leak. From the drinks menu, you should go and try one of their specialty cocktails. Opening times: Wed-Sun 12pm – 6pm, 10pm – 2am.
3. Bacalhau
You will find lots of nice dinner places in the old town neighborhoods of Ribeira (liveliest), Vitoria and Miragaia. One of them is Bacalhau serving great alvarinho (variety of Portuguese white wine, its grapes grow in the Northwest of Portugal) and seafood with a scenic view overlooking the Douro river of Porto. We can heartily recommend the cod fish with egg and potato and the local Portuguese cheese sampler. Opening times: 12pm – 3pm and 6:30pm – 10pm.
4. Brasao Aliados
Brasao Aliados is another great place where you can enjoy a lovely Francesinha. Here it is served together with Super bock beer for the low price of 7,40€. They also serve great Portuguese beef croquettes (croquetes de carne), cod croquettes (pasteis de bacalhau) and truffel risotto. The service is excellent and live music sometimes accompanies the food. We advise you to book in advance, because the place is very popular also among the local crowd. Opening times: 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – 12am.
5. Espaco Porto Cruz
Espaco Porto Cruz is an amazing rooftop bar where you cannot only enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner but also great wine and cocktails. We especially recommend you order the Rosemary Cruz. Then with cocktail in hand simply relax and enjoy the amazing view over the Douro river. if you arrive at the right time, you can even enjoy a lovely sunset here. Additionally, you can do some port wine tastings. What more does the heart want? Opening times: Tue – Sat: 10am – 11:30pm.
6. Taberna do Baqueiro
Taberna do Baqueiro is serving local Portugese specialties such as black pasta and shrimps. This place has won the Certificate of excellence in 2019 and is still relatively cheap for being an upper class place. It is run by a lovely couple and offers an intimate atmosphere with limited seating, great local wine and of course an excellent cuisine. Opening times: 11am – 11pm.
7. Terreirinho restaurant
At Terreirinho restaurant you can sample local tapas such as bolhinos de bacalhau and enjoy a leisurely evening with excellent service. The interior is amazing with historic stone-faced walls, low hung windows and golden mirrors. It offers a nice and cold escape from hot summer days in the city. It is located next to Ribeira and serves plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too. Opening times: 11pm – 12pm.
Make sure not to miss out on our guide for the Top 5 BEST Breakfast Places in Porto.
Of course, we haven’t spend our whole time in Porto with simply eating (although we could have, let’s be honest), so make sure to check out our 3 day Itinerary to explore this amazing city with us!