On a first trip to Porto it is easy to feel you have more restaurant choices than meals. Every corner has a tasca (a small, usually family-run Portuguese restaurant serving simple, hearty food) or a café, locals mention dishes you have never heard of, and you’ve seen so many things on social media.
Rightly, you do not want to waste one of your limited dinners on a forgettable spot. This was exactly the situation I found myself in!
My guide does the filtering for you. It focuses on classic dishes like francesinha, bifanas, cachorrinhos and seafood, plus the best places to try them at different budgets.
I have also plotted every restaurant in this guide on a free Google Map you can download and use offline, so when you are hungry you can just open the map and walk to whichever pin suits your mood!
How to use my Porto food guide
I have built it for first-time visitors who want to eat well without over-planning. It is organised by dishes and budget, with quick area pointers, so you can either map out days in advance or open it on your phone and decide quickly, if you are less of a planner.
Under each place to eat I’ve given a quick explanation of what it is and why to go, plus a simple cost guide and my personal tips from having eaten there. Treat the prices as rough guides, but they will help you see what is a cheap snack and what is a bigger spend.
Disclaimer: This article may feature affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information
More of my Portugal guides to help plan your trip
- Where to stay in Porto: The best areas for first-time visitors, families and romantic getaways
- What to see and do in Porto: All the best activities mapped out for you on a downloadable map
- Where to stay in Lisbon: Pick your perfect area and hotel to enjoy Portugal’s capital to the fullest
- How many days to spend in Lisbon: A full itinerary for first timers to tick of all the best sights
Essential Porto foods to try (and where to eat them)
Francesinha: the classic Porto sandwich
Francesinha is a traditional Portuguese layered sandwich with meat, cheese and a beer-based sauce, usually served with chips. It is rich and filling, and most people only manage one per trip, so it is worth choosing your spot carefully.
Café Santiago
This is one of the classic places for francesinha, with several branches and a steady mix of locals and visitors. The sandwich is generous and straightforward, which makes it a good first version of the dish rather than a wild twist.
Cost about €15–€25 per person
Petisqueira Voltaria (Casa Voltaria)
Voltaria is a small, central restaurant that serves a well-regarded francesinha alongside other traditional dishes. It is normally calmer than some of the big-name spots and works well if you want to share plates so not everyone has to commit to a full francesinha.
Cost about €20–€30 per person
Lado B Café
Lado B is a casual spot near the Coliseu and Bolhão, known for a solid, no-fuss francesinha in a simple room. It is a good backup if Santiago is full and you want something central without a long wait.
Cost about €12–€20 per person
Brasão Cervejaria (Aliados)
Brasão is a modern beer hall-style restaurant that serves one of Porto’s most recommended francesinhas, in a more polished setting than the classic cafés. You pay more as a result but it is a good choice if you want the famous sandwich plus a nicer room and atmosphere.
Cost about €20–€30 per person
My Top Tip! If you want to try francesinha but are unsure about the portion size, I would share one between two with a side of chips and order something lighter alongside. Also
Cachorrinho: Porto-style hot dog
Cachorrinho is a slim baguette-style hot dog, usually filled with thin sausage and cheese, then pressed until crisp. It is lighter than a francesinha and works well as a snack or simple meal, in my opinion, even better when paired with a Super Bock!
Cervejaria Gazela / Snack-Bar Gazela
Gazela is famous for its cachorrinhos. Sausage, cheese and a thin roll are grilled until crisp, then sliced into small pieces you can share. The house special has featured on several worldwide “best restaurant” lists.
Cost about €10–€20 per person
My Top Tip! I like Gazela when I want something very local but do not feel like sitting down for a full three-course dinner. There are two branches about 30 seconds apart, so if one looks busy, check the other!
Bifana and other pork sandwiches
Bifana is a simple pork sandwich with thin slices of marinated meat in a soft roll. It is cheap, fast and an easy way to keep everyone going between sights, it was the local speciality that surprised me the most, absolutely delicious!
Conga – Casa das Bifanas
The the most famous bifana spots in Porto, with a long bar and a steady flow of sandwiches. The pork is cooked in a spiced sauce so the sandwich has a gentle kick without being too strong for most people.
Cost about €5–€12 per person
My Top Tip! If the main door looks crowded, use the left-hand door and eat at the bar, you have to eat standing, but we were served immediately vs a 15 minute wait for a table.
Casa Guedes
Casa Guedes is known for its roasted pork leg sandwich with Serra da Estrela cheese, a rich, salty combination that many people remember as a highlight of their trip. It is slightly messier and more indulgent than a bifana, and worth fitting in if you enjoy pork.
Cost about €8–€15 per person
Pastel de nata
Pastel de nata is the custard tart you see everywhere in Portugal. It is the easiest Porto food to fit into your day because you can turn almost any coffee break into a quick tasting. We had several tasty tarts in Porto, but my personal favourite was:
Manteigaria
A specialist pastel de nata bakery, with tarts baked in small batches through the day. The pastry is crisp, the custard is smooth, and you can see the bakers at work behind the counter, which is fun if you are travelling with kids (or adults who love their food like me!). We never had to queue more than one person deep and they also do takeaway.
Cost about €2–€5 per person
Bacalhau, seafood and simple plates
Much like Lisbon, Cod (bacalhau) and other seafood show up all over Porto, from simple counters to smarter restaurants. The key is to decide whether you want a casual market meal or a sit-down seafood feast.
Mercado do Bolhão – food court stops
Inside the renewed Mercado do Bolhão you will find several counters serving bacalhau dishes, petiscos (small plates) and street food snacks. It is a low-stress way to try cod, octopus or sardines in a casual setting where everyone can order something different and sit together.
Cost about €5–€20 per person
Time Out Market Porto
Time out market Porto is a modern food hall in the south wing of the Sao Bento station. bringing together about a dozen restaurants and bars in one shared space. You order at individual stalls then sit at communal tables, which makes it easy for mixed groups or families, where everyone wants something different.
There is a mix of traditional Portuguese dishes, snacks, burgers and more polished plates from well known local chefs, plus a bar and a wine focused tower space. It is open daily from late morning to midnight and is a good option when other restaurants are closed.
Cost about €10–€30 per person
Adega São Nicolau
Adega São Nicolau is a small traditional restaurant just above Ribeira, praised for classic dishes like bacalhau and octopus in a cosy room. It is a greatchoice if you want a proper Portuguese meal near the river rather than generic tourist menus.
Cost about €25–€40 per person
Bacalhau
As the name suggests, Bacalhau is a restaurant on the riverside walkway that focuses on cod and seasonal dishes, with views across the Douro. It offers a smaller, more thoughtful menu than many of the surrounding places, and works well for a relaxed dinner with a view.
Cost about €25–€40 per person
Seafood grills in Matosinhos
Matosinhos, the coastal area north of Porto (15 minute taxi), is known for simple seafood grills. Many restaurants here lay out fresh fish on ice; you pick what you want and they grill it with salt and olive oil. It is a straightforward, filling meal that works well for a relaxed lunch after a walk on the seafront.
Cost about €25–€40 per person
My Top Tip! If you have 3 days or longer in Porto I recommend taking a half day to go to Matosinhos. My personal favourite is to pick a busy spot and let the staff guide me on which fish is best that day.
Where to eat in Porto by food and budget
Budget friendly tascas and snack bars
Sometimes you just want something quick, local and affordable. In my opinion Porto is exceptional for this
Conga – Casa das Bifanas
Conga’s spicy pork bifanas are a classic example of cheap, filling Porto food. The standing-friendly bar and quick service make it ideal when you are squeezing a meal in between sights or trains.
Cost about €5–€12 per person
Cervejaria Gazela
Gazela’s small sausage sandwiches work nicely as a snack, light meal or shared plate with beer. The simple menu and fast pace make it an easy choice when you are hungry and do not want to read long menus. We also loved how friendly the staff were, sit at the bar if you have a choice and marvel at how fast they are working!
Cost about €10–€20 per person
Casa Guedes
A great option when you want something a bit more indulgent than a bifana but still fast and affordable. The roast pork and Serra cheese sandwich is rich and very shareable.
Cost about €8–€15 per person
Other good, low-key choices in this bracket include tascas like O Buraco near Bolhão and O Astro near Campanhã for simple plates of the day at sensible prices.
Reliable mid-range crowd-pleasers
These are places where you can expect good food and a relaxed room without the formality or cost of fine dining.
Voltaria
Voltaria sits in that useful middle ground: traditional dishes, careful cooking and a nice space that works for couples or small groups. It is a good pick if you want to try local food without feeling rushed.
Cost about €20–€30 per person
Gruta
Gruta’s short menu but excellent cooking make it a solid choice for a sit-down dinner that still feels distinctly Portuguese. There’s a reason it is in the Michelin guide. It is also a handy option if you are staying central and do not want to travel far at night. I do recommend booking if you are there at the weekend or in peak season.
Cost about €25–€40 per person
Tapabento (São Bento)
A small, buzzy restaurant near São Bento station that mixes Portuguese ingredients with global flavours. It is one of those places many people end up calling their favourite meal of the trip, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Cost about €25–€40 per person
If you prefer something more traditional, or are struggling to get in, Adega São Nicolau and Antunes are good mid-range choices for classic dishes.
Special-occasion dinners and best views
When you want to mark a birthday, anniversary or final night in Porto, it is worth building your evening around one special meal. I was very impressed by both the quality and relative cost of the high end restaurants in Porto.
Blind
Holding one Michelin star, Blind’s tasting menu works as the focus of an evening. Once you sit down, there is very little to decide, and the team guide you through each course. It suits travellers who enjoy trying several small plates rather than one large main. It is as theatrical as it is tasty, never before have I been blindfolded for an entire course!
Cost about €150–€200 per person
Antiqvvm
This is a two-star restaurant overlooking the river, pairing careful plates with a strong wine list. The view from the gardens is spectacular and the food surpasses this. An exceptional special occasion spot.
They do lunch and dinner sittings and the service throughout is a perfect mix of friendly and informative, it didn’t feel too formal. I was lucky to have a birthday meal here on my first trip to Porto, it is one of my favourite restaurants in Europe. You definitely need to make sure you book.
Cost about €150–€250 per person
Chama
A small, relaxed restaurant with a chef’s-choice tasting menu and a slightly more playful feel. It is a good option if you like the idea of a special dinner but prefer a cosy room and a lower price than the most formal spots.
Cost about €40–€60 per person
Fauno
They offer a focused, seasonal tasting menu with a strong wine pairing in an intimate space. It works well for food and wine fans who want something serious without going to the very top end of the price range.
Cost about €60–€90 per person
Vinum at Graham’s (Gaia)
This choice sits inside Graham’s port lodge in Gaia and pairs Douro-inspired dishes with wine and views back across Porto. It is a neat way to combine a port visit with a special dinner in one place.
Cost about €50–€80 per person
My Top Tip! We regularly use the Michelin Guide on our travels and Porto was a great place for this. The beauty of it is that it recommends options across different price ranges, and is totally free to use. If you are struggling to find something that appeals, take a look.
Downloadable map of the best places to eat in Porto
Food tours in Porto
A food tour in Porto gives you local knowledge, that is hard to pick up from menus and Google maps alone. In such a great city for food, a good guide steers you towards the best places to try specialities and explains both the locations and the food.
They also take over all the planning and ensure you arrive at the best times in the best places. I love to hear the stories behind the food and neighbourhoods from locals, adding a bit of depth and giving you some great tips for your other meals in the city, this is how we found a few of the venues on this list!
Here are some of the best for all budget ranges
Where to eat near Porto’s main sights
You do not need to learn every neighbourhood name in Porto. Most first-time trips will be around the same handful of areas. Use this as a quick cheat sheet if you’re hungry, then tap the matching pins on my free offline Google Map and follow!
If you haven’t yet booked your hotel, I have written about the best areas to stay in Porto, with some great hotel options.
Near Ribeira and the Dom Luís I Bridge
- Simple food with river views: Ribeira riverfront terraces for grilled fish, basic meat dishes and drinks
- Better sit-down meal close by: Adega São Nicolau (traditional dishes in a cosy room just above the river) or Bacalhau (cod-focused menu with Douro views)
- Snack close by: head a little uphill towards Baixa for Cervejaria Gazela (cachorrinhos)
- Port and views: cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for port lodges and riverside restaurants
By São Bento, Aliados and most central hotels
- Fast, local and cheap: Conga for bifanas, Casa Guedes for roast pork sandwiches, Gazela for cachorrinhos, Time Out Porto for more choice
- Pastel de nata and coffee stop: Manteigaria (Baixa branch)
- Sit-down Portuguese dinner: Voltaria (cosy, traditional plates) or Gruta (more modern, seasonal)
- By-the-station tasca: O Rápido, next to São Bento, for daily specials and traditional dishes before or after a train
- Tasting menu night: Blind or Tapabento for booked, central dinners within walking distance of many hotels
Near Mercado do Bolhão and Rua de Santa Catarina
- Easy, flexible meal: Mercado do Bolhão food court
- Traditional tasca lunch: O Buraco, a long-running local favourite a short walk from the market
- Light breakfast or lunch: pastelarias and cafés along Rua de Santa Catarina
Near Gaia’s port lodges
- Port + meal in one area: choose a port lodge for your tour and tasting, then eat along the Gaia riverfront
- Views back to Porto: Gaia terraces and rooftops overlooking Ribeira work well for a slower lunch or dinner
- Special meal with wine focus: Vinum at Graham’s, pairing Douro valley dishes with wine and skyline views
One to three day Porto food itineraries
Plan how many days you need in Porto with my guide to the best activities, queue hacks, hidden gems and easy to follow itinerary.
1-day taster: classic dishes and riverside views
If you only have one full day, focus on a few essentials within walking distance of the centre.
Start with coffee and pastel de nata at Manteigaria, have a francesinha lunch at Café Santiago, Lado B or Brasão, wander through Mercado do Bolhão in the afternoon, then finish with an early cachorrinho and drink at Gazela before a riverside walk in Ribeira.
Cost about €35–€60 per person
2-day weekend: markets, port and sunset dinners
With two days you can slow down a little and add Gaia and a special dinner.
Day one can follow the 1-day plan. On day two, start at Bolhão, cross over to Gaia for a port lodge tour and tasting, then have lunch or an early dinner with river views. For your “big” evening meal, book somewhere like Gruta or Blind depending on whether you want classic, creative or a full tasting menu.
Cost about €80–€150 per person
3-day foodie break: neighbourhood gems and day trips
Three days lets you add Matosinhos and at least one fine-dining or view-led meal.
Keep the first two days similar to the weekend outline. On day three, head out to Matosinhos for grilled fish and a beach walk, then return to the city for a final night at Antiqvvm, Fauno, Chama or Vinum at Graham’s, depending on whether you prefer formal tasting menus, wine-focused pairings or something more relaxed.
Cost about €140–€250 per person
My Top Tip! Porto is an excellent city for foodies. I recommend you anchor each day around one key meal and keep the other two flexible so you can react to how you’re feeling, and importantly how full you get!
Dietary needs and family-friendly places in Porto
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants
Porto has more plant-based choice than many first-timers expect, including fully vegan spots and mixed menus that cater for parties who aren’t solely veggie.
Apuro – Vegan Bar
A vegan bar serving plant-based burgers, tapas and snacks alongside craft beer. It is a good choice if you want somewhere fully meat-free that still feels like a normal, lively bar.
Cost about €10–€20 per person
daTerra Baixa
daTerra Baixa is a buffet-style vegetarian restaurant in the centre, with a rotating selection of salads, hot dishes and desserts. It is useful when you want a balanced, mostly plant-based plate after a lot of sandwiches and pastries.
Cost about €10–€15 per person
Gluten-free aware spots and bakeries
If you need to avoid gluten, it helps to know a couple of places where almost everything on the menu is safe, these two have you covered.
Com Cuore
Com Cuore is a fully gluten-free bakery and café in central Porto, with cakes, light lunches and coffee. Knowing everything on the counter is suitable can make life much easier if you are coeliac or travelling with someone who is.
Cost about €5–€15 per person
Padaria Celícias (Vila Nova de Gaia)
Padaria Celícias in Gaia is another dedicated gluten-free bakery, handy if you are already visiting port lodges and want to combine a tasting with safe pastries or bread.
Cost about €5–€15 per person
Relaxed, family-friendly cafés and restaurants
Travelling with children often means looking for space, simple food and flexible service rather than the most talked-about menu. Porto, is relaxed enough for this not to be a real problem, but in my opinion both of the markets are the stand out options, catering for the whole family and any fussy eaters.
Mercado do Bolhão with kids
The market is family-friendly because you can walk around, look at stalls, then pick a counter that suits your group. There is usually something for even picky eaters, from simple grilled meat and chips to fruit and pastries.
Cost about €5–€20 per person
Time Out Market Porto with kids
Everyone can pick their own stall, yet you can still eat together at the long shared tables. It feels relaxed and informal, so you can keep things quick, mix simple dishes with treats and leave whenever the little ones have had enough
Cost about €8–€20 per person
Practical tips for eating in Porto
Do you need reservations in Porto?
You do not need reservations for every meal in Porto, but they help in busy seasons and at popular restaurants. As a rough rule, book ahead for tasting menus, river-view restaurants and weekend dinners. Snack bars, markets and many weekday lunches are fine as walk-ins.
Typical food prices and daily budgets
Prices vary, but you can build a rough daily food budget to avoid surprises. Think about one cheap meal (snack bar or pastelaria), one mid-range sit-down meal and coffee or drinks.
As a simple guide, budget travellers should allow €20–€30 per day, mid-range visitors €30–€50, and food-focused trips €50–€80 or more, especially if you add tastings or michelin star dining.
Best times to eat to avoid queues
Lunch in Porto usually runs from around 12:30 to 14:30, with dinner from about 19:30 onwards. The busiest times are around 13:00–14:00 and 20:00–21:00, especially at well-known spots like Café Santiago and Gazela.
Arriving 20–30 minutes ahead of peak time often makes a big difference to waiting. For famous places, I like to go slightly earlier for lunch and slightly later for dinner.
Simple Porto food etiquette for first-time visitors
Couvert, bread and small plates: what to expect
Couvert (bread, olives, cheese or small snacks) often appears on the table at the start of a meal. In many places you only pay for what you eat, but if you do not want it, you can politely ask the server to take it away.
If you are unsure what is charged, ask “Is the couvert included?” before you start eating it. Staff are used to that question.
Tipping and paying the bill in Porto
Tipping in Porto is usually modest. Rounding up or adding around 5–10% is common in restaurants if service has been good, and less for cafés or snack bars. You can usually pay at the table, but in some simple places you may go to the till instead.
To ask for the bill, a simple “A conta, por favor” is enough. There is no need for waving or clicking
FAQs about where to eat in Porto
Eating in Porto is generally good value. Simple meals in tascas and snack bars are often €5–€12 per person, mid-range restaurants around €20–€30, and nicer dinners usually under €40–€50 unless you add lots of wine.
Porto is a great city for food, with classic dishes like francesinha, bifanas and bacalhau, busy markets, port lodges in Gaia and a growing number of small modern restaurants and wine bars. It is compact, so you can try a lot in a short stay.
Most visitors are happy with 2–3 full days in Porto. Two days covers the main sights and a port visit in Gaia. Three days gives you time for markets, a trip to Matosinhos or an extra slow meal without rushing. My guide will help you choose how many days you need in Porto.
