Sometimes eating out is all about the appetizers. And more times than not, those include the wonderful Portuguese tradition of eating large, hearty boards filled with an army of different cheeses and presunto, and also other cured meat delights.
Check out below our ultimate selection of Porto’s best cheese and presunto platters:
Tábua Rasa
Photo courtesy of: Tábua Rasa
Tábua Rasa specializes on Portuguese artisanal cheeses, and also some pretty damn good enchidos (cured meats). The house specialties are the cheese and enchidos platters that can be mounted according to your taste. The selection includes a huge variety, amongst which are Serra cheese, cabra (goat), São Jorge, Alentejo pata negra presunto, and also chouriço! The special platter gives you a whopping selection of 5 kinds of cheese, 5 types of cured meat, and also honey, olives, bread, pickles, and nuts.
Where: Rua da Picaria, 68
When: Tue—Sun: 7 pm—12 pm
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Brick Clérigos
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
You know a restaurant is up to something when it only has two tables, and its 22 seats are never empty. Other than delicious, fresh, and vibrant food, Brick Clérigos offers luscious cheese and presunto platters. The selection of cheese may include Brie, chèvre, sheep, presunto, and also alheira (special sausage), salpicão (loin) and other enchidos, beautifully garnished with seasonal fruits, and nuts.
Where: Rua do Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 103
When: Mon—Fri: 12 am—4 pm & 7:30 pm—11 pm; Sun: 12 am—4 pm
READ ALSO: 10 Great Places in Porto You Can Take A Date If They Love Tapas
Casa Guedes
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
In a house that’s famous for their mouth-watering pernil sandwiches, you’ll find kickass cheese and presunto, and more! It’s all very straightforward: the platter is sold according to weight, and can be filled with amazing cured or buttery queijo da Serra, presunto from Baião, salpicão, and also paio from Alentejo or Trás-os-Montes.
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
Xico Queijo
Yet another cheese-lovers abode, the laid-back Xico Queijo is located in the middle of Baixa’s bar scene so you can grab a bite before —and after—your drinking binge. Here, you can pick from a variety of platters, that offers fine presunto and chouriço, and that also focus either on Portugal’s best cheeses, or international delights like the gorgonzola or emmental. Side your platter with their zesty grape and cucumber sangria.
Where: Rua de Galerias de Paris, 79
When: Tue—Wed: 5 pm—1 am; Thu—Sat: 6 pm—2 am; Sun: 5 pm—1 am
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Reitoria
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
There’s a reason for Reitoria being one of Porto trendiest restaurants: incredible ingredients and food. Italy plays a strong role in the cured meats section, with savory prosciutto and bresaola. As for cheese, you can find international favorites like pecorino or manchego, or the Portuguese terrincho, and Seia.
Where: Rua de Sá Noronha, 33
When: Sun—Thu: 12:30 pm—11 pm; Fri—Sat: 12:30 pm—12 am
READ ALSO: 3 Best Pizza Places in Porto
Rei dos Queijos
Photo by: WOW
The king of cheeses has reopened and is restored to its former glory, and now you can buy your cheese and eat it too. If you order a mixed platter, you’ll find smoked presunto, Bísaro pig salpicão, jam, and dried fruits. The astonishing cheese selection means you platter may include Azeitão, 36-month old S. Jorge, Serpa, Serra, and much more.
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 154
When: Tue—Fri: 5 pm—11 pm; Sat—Sun: 1 pm—11 pm
READ ALSO: Top 3 Port Wine Tasting Experiences Of Porto
Beher
Photo courtesy of: Beher
Someone said the Spanish are the kings of ham, and they’re probably not too far off from the truth. That’s something you’ll have the chance to assess at this Spanish store/restaurant. Beher offers platters with the insanely unctuous bolota or cebo Ibérico ham sided by umami-rich manchego cheese.
Where: Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 589
When: Mon—Thu: 11 am—11 pm; Fri—Sat: 11 am—1 am
READ ALSO: 7 International Food Restaurants in Porto You Must Try Before You Die
Celta Endovélico
If you prefer a meatless platter, then the Celtic-inspired Celta Endovélico has a pretty amazing cheese medley to make your dreams come true. Imagine buttery Serra cheese, spicy S. Jorge cheese, milky requeijão (cottage cheese), the French connection of soft camembert and brie, sided with crackers, apple, and pumpkin and walnut jam. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a proper apple cider or craft beer.
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 680
When: Tue—Thu: 7 pm—11 pm; Fri—Sat: 7 pm—1 am
Which cheese and presunto platters make you lose your mind? Let us know!
