Don’t get shocked upon hearing how the Portuguese are major meat-consumers. In many places all around the country, the concept of a fun family Sunday still revolves around the idea of slaughtering a domestic pig before a meal! Yeah, we are kind of weird that way – we invented Fado, probably the saddest music ever created… but give older generations a bull and a glorified dancer/acrobat wearing spandex pants while handling small harpoons and they go nuts! Like we said – weird people. Fortunately, younger generations are finally broadening their horizons and raising awareness for animal rights, and though change is often arduous and slow, the amazing vegetarian restaurants you’ll find in Porto stand as the ultimate proof of this paradigm shift.
HERE ARE 5 INCREDIBLE VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS YOU SHOULD TRY WHEN IN PORTO
Em Carne Viva
Don’t let the name of this place fool you! Located in Boavista, this beautiful and whimsical restaurant has some art nouveau details decorating the walls and ceilings, a backyard terrace where yoga classes take place and one of the most exquisite vibes for foodies, hence winning the title of best vegetarian fine dining place in Porto. The garden outside, the eccentric décor, the plating techniques and all the little mice around your table (don’t be scared, it’s just ceramics) will make you feel like you are stepping into an Alice in Wonderland meets Coraline type of place. Em Carne Viva is open from Monday to Saturday between 7pm and 11pm.
READ ALSO: 10 Must Go To Restaurants in Foz (Porto)
Quintal Bioshop
Photo courtesy of: Quintal Bishop
Imagine a sunny day and a delicious veggie lunch outside, camellias decorating your surroundings and a cute black cat named Rucula stretching under the sun. On your way out, after enjoying a colourful meal, you can buy some organic products and even sign up for their next amazing veggie workshop! Sounds idyllic? If you visit Quintal Bioshop this is how a casual lunch looks like! It is also a Tea House and a cool place for you to give a little boost to your Instagram account. Quintal Bioshop is open from Monday to Saturday between 10:30am and 8pm.
READ ALSO: Discover the Secret Backyard Gardens of Porto
Essência
Dear vegetarian friends across the world: the struggle is real! Not only must we endure the inaccurate speeches of those suddenly concerned with our health (who, by the way, are literally smoking while talking about the dangers of Vitamin B12 deficiency) but also fight against the leftie rastafary-drug-lover stereotype. If you are in Porto, you have meat eating friends and if you want to WOW them with fanciness – Essência is the way to go! They have some fish and meat options, a fancy and intimate décor and an extensive array of pastas, risottos, curries and many other vegetarian options. It is elegant, delicious and vows to make an impression! Essência is open from Monday to Saturday during mealtimes (Noon – 3pm and 8pm – 10:30pm).
READ ALSO: Five Cute Porto Bakeries You Can Go to For Cake
Casa Da Horta
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
What would be the result if you mixed a typical portuguese tavern vibe with a very modern approach on food and health? Enter Casa Da Horta – as its name suggests, this is a cosy house and a vegetable garden, a place where you can simultaneously strengthen your body with vitamins and colourful foods, while taking part in an extended array of cultural activities regarding nature and the environment such as debates, workshops and other artistic activities. Their lunch menu includes soup, main course and drink for just 5,5€ – what’s not to like about it? Casa Da Horta is open Tuesday to Saturday from from 12:30pm to 12am.
READ ALSO: Secret Café And Restaurants In Porto You’ve Got To Check Out
Cultura dos Sabores
Photo courtesy of: Cultura dos Sabores
Stop everything you’re doing! Who said veggie and healthy people can’t be foodies?! At Cultura dos Sabores you get to fulfill all your cravings for the modest sum of 11,95€ – yes you read it right, it’s not a typo! Their buffet includes soup, tea, many different types of appetizers and several mains – ALL YOU CAN EAT STYLE! And if those reasons are not enough to convince you, know this: you can enjoy these dishes while sitting on the swings by the window. Yup, we know: an irrefutable proposal. If by any chance their buffet is not enough you can also take a look at their menu and choose some à la carte options. What are you waiting for? Cultura dos Sabores is open from Tuesday to Sunday during mealtimes (12pm – 4pm and 6pm – 12am).
And there you have it! Portuguese people may fall into every latin-meat-lover-weirdo category but we are proud to say Porto is a very welcoming city for our veggie community. Have you tried these places before? What’s your favorite? [insert broccoli joke to wrap-it-up] Let us know on the comments below!
Como é possível publicarem este artigo e não incluir o Fava Tonka que é, sem sombra de dúvida, o melhor restaurante vegetariano da região do Porto?
E mesmo que possa ser subjectivo, não estar num grupo de destaque de 5 restaurantes vegetarianos no Porto é ainda mais surpreendente…