Best Restaurants in Porto for Every Meal

Porto is a city that loves food. From traditional taverns to modern eateries, every meal feels like a special experience. The best restaurants in Porto serve everything from iconic sandwiches to elegant dishes inspired by Portuguese flavors.

Start your day with fresh pastries and rich coffee at one of Porto’s charming bakeries. For lunch, try the city’s famous sandwiches, Francesinha or Bifana, both packed with bold flavors. As the sun sets, enjoy a cozy dinner with seafood, grilled meats, and local wines. Finally, end the night with a drink at a lively bar.

A cozy café with blue and white tiled countertops and wooden stools. A staff member in a chef's hat is behind the counter serving a woman in a black tank top and white shorts. Shelves with glasses and bottles are in the background. — Ordering Counter at Casa Guedes

This guide covers the best restaurants in Porto where we ate during our one-week visit. They are great options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Whether you’re craving something simple or gourmet, Porto has it all.

Table of Contents

Breakfast & Brunch: Start Your Day Right

Porto wakes up to the smell of fresh bread and rich espresso. Whether you prefer a quick bite or a long, relaxing brunch, the city has excellent options. The best restaurants in Porto for breakfast and brunch offer everything from buttery pastries to hearty, well-balanced plates.

1. Forno dos Clérigos – A Quick and Tasty Start

A bakery display filled with various pastries and desserts, including cakes, cookies, and tarts. Shelves are neatly arranged, and a person is serving behind the counter. Bright labels and packaging add color to the scene. — Morning Pastries at Forno dos Clérigos

Located near the famous Clérigos Tower, this bakery is perfect for a fast yet satisfying breakfast. The glass display overflows with flaky pastries, fresh bread, and breakfast sandwiches. We grabbed their Misto Sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant, which was warm, buttery, and perfectly crisp. Paired with a delicious espresso, it was a simple but flavorful way to start the day.

2. Confeitaria São Domingos – Classic Portuguese Flavors

A toasted croissant sandwich with ham and melted cheese, cut in half, placed on a white paper atop a white plate. The croissant has a golden brown crust with grill marks. — Misto Quente Sandwich

This traditional bakery serves a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and sweets, making it a great stop for breakfast. We tried their Misto Quente (ham and cheese panini), which was pressed to perfection – crispy outside, melty inside. Of course, we couldn’t resist a Pastel de Nata, Porto’s beloved custard tart. It was golden, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.

3. Do Norte Café – A Brunch Lover’s Paradise

A salad in a white bowl featuring shrimp, avocado slices, mixed greens, sprouts, and shredded cheese, topped with seeds. The colorful ingredients are layered and arranged appetizingly. — Shrimp and Pear Salad

For a leisurely brunch in a cozy setting, Do Norte Café is an excellent choice. Their menu features creative, well-balanced plates with fresh ingredients. We ordered the “All I Need Plate,” served with sweet potato, feta, dill, scrambled eggs, salad, and a creamy spinach sauce. Every bite was light and satisfying. We also tried the Shrimp and Pear Salad, a refreshing mix of toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado, sprouts, mixed greens, and olive oil vinaigrette. It was the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

Each of these spots offers something unique. For us, they were some of the best places in Porto for breakfast and brunch. Whether you need a quick coffee and pastry or a relaxed morning meal, these places will leave you satisfied and ready to explore the city.

Lunch & Snacks: Quick Bites and Iconic Dishes in Porto

Porto is home to some of the best restaurants for a delicious lunch or quick snack. Whether you’re craving a hearty sandwich or savory pastry, the city offers plenty of options. Here are a few must-visit spots for a satisfying mid-day meal.

4. Casa Guedes – The Ultimate Sandwiche de Pernil

Two shredded pork sandwiches on crusty rolls are served on a white plate with a brown rim. The meat is spilling out from the sides of the rolls. In the background, there's a green bottle and a basket with napkins. — Sandwiche de Pernil

Casa Guedes, near Jardim de Marques de Oliveira, offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere. This is the older and original location. We sampled the famous Sandwiche de Pernil, which featured roasted pork, goat cheese, and caramelized onions cooked in Port wine. The pork was perfectly tender, while the cheese and onions added a savory-sweet flavor. We also tried their version of Bolinho de Bacalhau (Cod Fritter), which was filled with bacalhau and goat cheese. It was crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making it a delightful treat.

5. Brasão Coliseu – A Refined Francesinha Experience

People are dining at a cozy restaurant with wooden tables and bookshelves. A man with a stroller is seated on the right, while another man reads a menu. The atmosphere is lively, with exposed stone walls and warm lighting. — Lunch at Brasão Coliseu

A plate with a black bun split open, revealing a meat and mushroom filling. It's garnished with a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce on the side. The plate is placed on a woven placemat. — Squid-Ink Rissol

A dish featuring a sandwich covered with melted cheese and an egg on top, served in a pool of rich sauce on a decorative plate. — Squid-Ink Rissol

At Brasão Coliseu, we enjoyed a gourmet version of the Francesinha, a Porto classic. This Oven-Baked Francesinha came topped with a fried egg. The layers of beef, ham, and sausage were smothered in cheese and rich gravy. It was indulgent and comforting. However, we started with a Squid-Ink Rissol, a type of empanada, with mushrooms and truffle. The earthy flavors of squid ink combined perfectly with the mushrooms and truffle, making it an unforgettable bite.

6. Conga – Budget-Friendly and Flavorful

A sandwich with shredded meat spilling out from a crusty roll sits on a white plate. There are two green glass bottles and a wine glass in the background on a dark table. — Bifana em Pão

A flan dessert with a glossy, caramelized top sits on a round white plate, surrounded by drizzles of caramel sauce. The flan is shaped like a flower and has a smooth, shiny surface. — Bifana em Pão

For a more budget-friendly option, check out Conga. We ordered the Bifana em Pão, a pork sandwich drizzled with spicy sauce. The tender pork was packed with flavor, and the sauce added just the right amount of heat. We also tried the Codorniz (Roasted Quail), which was juicy and flavorful. For dessert, we sampled Pudim Abade de Priscos, a sweet egg pudding with bacon, Port wine, and cinnamon. It was rich and delicious, offering a unique twist on dessert.

7. Mercado Beira-Rio – Quick Bites on the Gaia Side

A spacious food court features a high ceiling with exposed beams and circular lights. Various food stalls line the sides, with customers browsing and ordering. Wooden tables and benches are arranged in the center aisle. — Food Stalls at Mercado Beira-Rio

Located on the Gaia side of the Douro River, Mercado Beira-Rio is perfect for a quick snack. We visited the ‘Ingrediente’ stall and ordered Rissois (plural for Rissol), a type of empanada filled with beef and shrimp. The crispy, golden exterior gave way to a savory and flavorful filling. It made for a great bite during our exploration of the area.

These restaurants are perfect spots for a satisfying lunch or snack. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic sandwich or unique local flavors, Porto’s lunch scene will not disappoint.

Dinner: Where to Enjoy the Best Evening Meals in Porto

Dinner in Porto is a true delight, blending traditional flavors with creative culinary techniques. Whether you want a cozy tavern, a modern bistro, or a riverside meal, the city offers fantastic options. The best restaurants in Porto for dinner serve everything from fresh seafood to slow-cooked meats, all paired with excellent Portuguese wine.

8. Farro – From Bakery to Fine Dining

A sandwich with a sunny-side-up egg, greens, and meat inside a crusty bun, placed on a patterned ceramic plate with red, white, and black geometric designs, on a wooden table. — Cheese Bread with Beef, Quail Egg, and Watercress

A gourmet dish featuring sliced duck breast with sauce and garnished with microgreens, alongside a stuffed cabbage roll topped with breadcrumbs, on a white plate. A wine glass and water glass are in the background on a wooden table. — Cheese Bread with Beef, Quail Egg, and Watercress

Farro started as a padaria(bakery) but evolved into a destination for refined, ingredient-driven dishes. We began with their Cheese Bread stuffed with beef, quail egg, and watercress, a rich yet balanced starter. The Caco Sandu, a bread from Madeira made with sweet potato, featured mushroom tempura, coleslaw, and miso, offering a delicious mix of crunch and umami. For mains, we tried the Black Swordfish with banana, cassava root, leeks, and cashew sauce, a dish full of contrasts that worked beautifully. The Pork Tenderloin with savoy cabbage, morcela de arroz (blood rice sausage), and apple was hearty and packed with deep, savory flavors. To finish, the Drunk Pear with sabayon of Madeira wine and honey cake was the perfect sweet and boozy ending.

A plated dish featuring crispy fish fillets topped with a green herb crust, accompanied by roasted vegetables and garnished with fresh microgreens, all on a white sauce. Served on a white dish. — Black Swordfish with Banana, Cassava and Cashews

A gourmet dish featuring crumbled brown cake pieces, creamy yellow sauce, and small leafy greens scattered on a light gray plate. The presentation is artistic and minimalistic. — Black Swordfish with Banana, Cassava and Cashews

9. Time Out Market Porto – A Culinary Hub

A lively view of Time Out Market, with people dining at outdoor tables. The building is long with arched windows, and a modern tower structure is visible in the background. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting early evening. — The Food Hall at TimeOut Market Porto

Though smaller than its Lisbon counterpart, Time Out Market Porto is a vibrant food hall featuring top Portuguese chefs. We loved everything we tried there. The Açorda de Gambas by chef Vasco Coelho Santos was a comforting prawn bread stew with rich seafood flavors. The Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Cod Fritters) with black-eyed peas were crispy, salty, and perfect for sharing. For dessert, we tried Bolo de Côco Fresco, a moist coconut cake with tamarind crumble, created by chef Rafaela Louzada – a unique mix of tropical sweetness and tang.

A white bowl with shrimp, a poached egg, and greens on a brown sauce. The rim of the bowl has "TimeOut Market Porto" printed on it. A glass stem is partially visible on the wooden table. — Açorda de Gambas

A slice of cake topped with shredded coconut and small red flower petals, served in a white bowl on a wooden table. — Açorda de Gambas

10. Restaurante Impar Flores – Traditional with a Twist

A black dish filled with a colorful salad featuring chunks of octopus, chopped tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and herbs. It is placed on a woven table mat next to a red plate and a glass of water. — Vinaigrette Octopus Salad

Located in the heart of Porto, Impar Flores serves Portuguese classics with a refined touch. We started with Petinga, crispy fried little sardines served with parsley and lemon mayo. Then we followed it with a refreshing Vinaigrette Octopus Salad. For mains, we had Bacalhau à Brás, a comforting dish of salted cod, onions, potatoes, egg, parsley, and olives. Another standout was the Lascada de Bacalhau com Broa e Grelos, featuring oven-roasted salted cod with cornbread crust and greens. Dessert was a Mousse de Baba de Camelo, a caramel mousse topped with flaked toasted almonds and crumble – rich, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

A round serving of creamy pasta topped with sliced black olives and parsley, sits on a rectangular black plate. Next to it is a salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. — A Creative Version of Bacalhau à Brás

11. Restaurante O Buraco – Simple, Local, and Delicious

A ceramic dish filled with seasoned rice, black olives, and slices of cured meat, garnished with grated cheese. The dish has decorative leaf patterns around the edges. — Arroz de Pato

A no-frills, family-run spot, O Buraco serves affordable, home-cooked Portuguese food in a casual setting. We had Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Cod Fritters), Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice), and Fanaca (a local fish) served with rice and beans. Everything was well-prepared, flavorful, and comforting. This is a good choice for an authentic, budget-friendly meal in Porto.

12. Taberninha do Manel – A Riverside Favorite in Gaia

A cozy, dimly lit restaurant with wooden beams and stone walls. Several groups of people are dining at tables. In the background, servers wearing black uniforms attend to the guests. Ambient lighting and rustic decor create a warm atmosphere. — Indoor Dining at Taberninha do Manel

Located on the Gaia side of the river, this charming taverna offers traditional Portuguese dishes with stunning views. We tried the Bochechas de Vitela Maronesa braised in Port wine, a rich and tender veal cheek dish full of deep, meaty flavors. The Lombo de Bacalhau Assado (Roasted Salted Cod Loin) with batatas a murro (smashed roasted potatoes) was perfectly cooked, flaky, and delicious. For dessert, we had Natas do Céu, a decadent treat with layers of sweet egg custard and clotted cream on a cookie crust – sweet, creamy, and irresistible.

A clay bowl filled with a dark stew, featuring chunks of meat. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh herbs and sits on a decorated clay plate. A spoon is placed in the bowl. — Bochechas de Vitela Maronesa

A glass jar filled with layers of creamy yogurt and vibrant yellow mango puree sits on a rustic wooden table. The top layer is sprinkled with crunchy granola. The jar has a metal latch and is slightly open. — Bochechas de Vitela Maronesa

From refined dining to rustic taverns, these spots are great restaurants to try for dinner when you are in Porto. No matter what you’re craving, Porto’s food scene will leave you impressed.

Drinks: Enjoying Porto’s Best Spots for a Beverage

Porto is known for its vibrant drink scene. Here one can enjoy everything from cocktails to wine in charming settings. Following are some of the best places for drinks in Porto. These are spots where you can relax, unwind, and sip on a refreshing beverage.

13. Aduela Taverna Bar – A Cozy, Vibrant Spot

Outdoor cafe scene on a cobblestone street with people sitting at tables under a large olive tree. The building in the background is yellow with red awnings. Pedestrians are walking by, and the atmosphere is lively and relaxed. — The Popular Aduela Taverna Bar

For a true local experience, Aduela Taverna Bar is the place to be. This small, lively tavern is the most loved spot for after-work drinks in Porto. They keep it simple, serving only wine, sangria, moscatel, and beer, all at great prices. You can also order snacks made with Portuguese products, perfect for pairing with your drink. There is no table service – customers order at the counter and then find a spot on the terrace. If the outdoor seating is full, grab your drink and sit along the street, just like the locals do. The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a fantastic place to soak in Porto’s laid-back vibe.

14. Wine Cellars and Port Wine Tasting

A cozy wine cellar with wooden tables and stools made from barrel parts. Shelves and racks filled with wine bottles line the walls. Warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. — Port Wine Tasting

No trip to Porto is complete without exploring its rich wine culture, especially the world-renowned Port wine. Head across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to explore the wine cellars where you can sample some of the best Port wines. Many of the famous cellars offer tastings, allowing you to experience the unique flavors that make Porto’s wines famous. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just a casual enthusiast, these tours are a must-do for any drink lover.

15. Passeio das Virtudes – Sunset Drinks with a View

A scenic view of a city at sunset, with a river winding through numerous buildings and houses with red roofs. A bridge spans the river in the background, and the sun is setting behind a hill covered with trees. — Sunset View from Passeio das Virtudes

For a breathtaking sunset experience, head to Passeio das Virtudes, next to Igreja das Virtudes. Overlooking the Douro River and Porto’s historic center, this spot offers a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for unwinding with a drink in hand. Across the street, several bars serve wine, beer, and snacks like Tremoços (Lupini Beans), a classic Portuguese bar snack. Grab your drink, find a seat along the garden, and enjoy the golden hues of the sun setting over the city. It’s one of the best places in Porto to relax and soak in the beauty of the moment.

Savoring the Best Restaurants in Porto

Porto’s vibrant food scene offers delicious flavors and diverse options. From traditional dishes to modern culinary creations, the cuisine impresses every visitor. Whether you start with fresh pastries, enjoy a classic Portuguese lunch, or indulge in a flavorful dinner, every meal feels special.

A vibrant market entrance with Portuguese jerseys, souvenirs, and colorful textiles on display. The pink building features an ornate facade with ironwork and a wreath above the door. Tables are set up outside under umbrellas. — Mercado Beira-Rio

Beyond the food, Porto’s restaurants provide friendly service, inviting atmospheres and options for all budgets. This makes each dining experience even more enjoyable. A great meal pairs perfectly with local wine, craft beer, or a refreshing cocktail, adding to the experience.

The best restaurants in Porto invite you to explore, taste, and enjoy. Take your time, savor every bite, and create unforgettable memories!