Folks aren’t kidding when they say Porto is Portugal’s gastronomical capital. The truth is that you’re in the right place to find glorious Portuguese food in traditional settings. From tender bean and meat stews to a mixture of rich codfish dishes, and obscure seasonal delicacies, the journey of traditional cuisine will make your taste buds soar in joy. These are the city’s best-kept secrets for enjoying a genuine bite of Portugal’s gastronomy:
Casa Guedes ($)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Casa Guedes is by far one of Porto’s must-visit eateries. The place has been kept as is for decades, both in the quality of their incredible roasted whole pig’s leg (pernil) and in Mr. César’s attention to detail of every dish he serves. The golden slices of pork lie magnificently inside bread, and should be sided by the sparkling Espadal wine. For dessert, nothing beats the sweet and salty combo of requeijão (ricotta-like cheese) and pumpkin jam.
Where: Praça dos Poveiros, 130
When: Mon—Sat: 8 am—10:30 pm
READ ALSO: 8 Places In Porto To Get The Most Succulent, Savoury, Full Bodied Pernil Ever
Rei dos Galos de Amarante ($$)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
This humble mom-and-pop restaurant specializes in providing diners with a homely feel. The menu changes regularly, but the divine fish soup is always present. The main meals cover some Portuguese favorites like roast veal or pork, delectable cuttlefish bean stew, or the house specialty arroz de cabidela (chicken & blood rice). Make sure you save some appetite for their desserts, namely their sericaia (cake from Alentejo) with candied plums.
Where: Rua das Taipas, 121
When: Mon—Tue: 12:30 pm—3 pm; Fri—Sat: 12:30 pm—3 pm, 8 pm—10 pm
READ ALSO: 7 International Food Restaurants in Porto You Must Try Before You Die
Adega Rio Douro ($)
With amazing views over the Douro river, the modest family-run Adega Rio Douro has been around for three decades. During the afternoon, the petiscos (small portions of Portuguese food) are the main reason to pay a visit, where you can choose from the tasty bolinhos de bacalhau (cod fritters), caldo verde (kale soup), stewed gizzards, or the unavoidable iscas de bacalhau (codfish fried in batter). On Thursdays and Saturdays, attention turns to the popular fado sessions.
Where: Rua do Ouro, 223
When: Mon—Sat: 8:30 am— 10 pm
READ ALSO: Where to Satisfy Your Late Night Food Craving in Porto After 3 am
Zé Bota ($$$)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Zé Bota is a small family run eatery that focuses on traditional Portuguese food. Staple dishes include excellent codfish meals such as the bacalhau na telha (codfish served in a roof tile) or bacalhau à Zé Bota (Zé Bota style codfish), roasts such as pernil (pork leg), and juicy steaks. For dessert, start dreaming with the sinful chocolate pavé, an assortment of sponge cake and chocolate mousse. Reservations are recommended with at least one week advance to avoid disappointment, and they only accept reservations of parties up to 6 people.
Where: Travessa do Carmo, 16-20
When: Mon—Fri: 12 pm—2:45 pm, 7:45 pm—10:45 pm; Sat: 7:45 pm—10:45 pm
READ ALSO: 10 Great Places in Porto You Can Take A Date If They Love Tapas
O Buraquinho ($)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Open since 1927, the old Buraquinho is a one of kind a tavern. Funnily enough, it is literally located underground, and the atmosphere is cozy. Buraquinho specializes in skillfully serving pig from snout to tail. The best experience is in ordering the pratinho misto (mixed plate) for a full experience, which includes an assortment of blood sausage, tripe, belly, and ear. Other dishes are also available, like sautéed mushrooms or peixinhos da horta (green beans in tempura).
Where: Praça dos Poveiros, 33
When: Tue—Sun: 12 pm—10 pm
READ ALSO: 8 Bucket List Fast Food in Porto That Are Better Than Sex
Casa Nanda ($$)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Casa Nanda has been an indisputable local favorite for several decades, so you know you’re onto something. The menu changes daily and according to the season. You mustn’t miss the John Dory and roe açorda (sautéed bread) or the cockle rice, while other fishy delights include Zé do Pipo style codfish, fried roe, and hake dishes. In the meat section, the shoutout goes to the tripas à moda do Porto (typical and local tripe dish). If you have a sweet tooth, ditch the calorie count and jump into the rich Abade de Priscos pudding or the heavenly seasonal Colares peach salad.
Where: Rua da Alegria, 394
When: Tue—Sat: 12 pm—3 pm, 7 pm—10 pm; Sun: 12 pm—3 pm
READ ALSO: 5 Francesinha Spots In Porto You Need To Try
Antunes ($$)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Antunes is one of the most renowned traditional restaurants in Porto, and is a great place for family meals. The unique and revered house specialty is the roast smoked pork knee, a true delight. The menu is well packed with delicious Portuguese food, some served on specific weekdays. Specials include hearty bean stews (feijoadas and tripas), roast goatling, duck rice, and house style codfish.
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 525
When: Mon—Sat: 12 pm—3 pm, 7 pm—10 pm
READ ALSO: Top 3 Port Wine Tasting Experiences Of Porto
Adega São Nicolau ($$$)
Photo courtesy of: Adega São Nicolau
With a privileged location in the narrow streets of Ribeira, Adega São Nicolau is Porto’s old school with a contemporary and intimate decor. Sporting a versatile wine offer, the menu leans towards fish dishes, with zingy Bolhão Pato clams, tuna steak, small fried sardines, or the seasonal lamprey. On the meat side, all eyes are on the exquisite pot stews, such as oxtail or cheeks. Take your time and stay for dessert to try their special quindim de côco (jiggly coconut heaven).
Where: Rua de São Nicolau, 1
When: Mon—Sat: 12 pm—11 pm
READ ALSO: Where To Go Wine Tasting In Porto
O Buraco ($$)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Located in the heart of Porto’s downtown, this is the place where locals roam for homelike food and atmosphere. The decoration is strictly unpretentious, old-fashioned Portuguese, which goes in tune with the service. The food revolves around staple Portuguese dishes, most memorably the duck rice, hake fillets, roast veal, rojões (fried pork belly), or the bean and meat medleys like feijoada à Transmontana and tripas. Plus, this is one of the few places that serves seasonal specialties like sável (allis shad) and lamprey. For dessert, don’t skip the famous rabanada (Portuguese french toast).
Where: Rua do Bolhão, 95
When: Mon—Fri: 12 pm—3:30 pm, 7 pm—10:30 pm; Sat: 12 pm—4 pm
READ ALSO: 5 Seafood Restaurants In Matosinhos You Need To Go To ASAP
A Cozinha do Manel ($$$)
Photo courtesy of: A Cozinha do Manel
Away from the tourist route lies A Cozinha Do Manel, a restaurant built for the working class and residents. It is praised for their long wood fire oven roasts, such as goatling, veal, and rooster (these require reservation). The weekday specials change daily and include the duck rice, cozido à portuguesa (assorted boiled meats), and rojões, while the everyday options include codfish, hake, and octopus. This restaurant was part of Anthony Bourdain’s itinerary in Porto, where he had the pleasure to taste tripas à moda do Porto.
Where: Rua do Heroísmo, 215
When: Mon—Sat: 12:30 pm—3 pm, 7:30 pm—10 pm
Which of these traditional restaurants have you tried? Let us know!
whoah this blog is wonderful i love reading yoir posts.
Stay up the great work! You realize, many persons are hunting around for this information, you can aid them
greatly.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your feedback. We’re happy to hear that the information is useful!
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would
rrally enjoy your content. Please let me know.
Cheers
Hi Teeka! Yes absolutely and thank you for your feedback and for stopping by. Anything else we can help you with let us know!