When talking about the oldest restaurant in town, Porto’s inhabitants always name a similar list of places. That’s how we know these are truly the most authentic places where you’ll be welcomed with open arms and find the best food. This is just to remind you that these oldest restaurants are also a mandatory stop during your journey as they could certainly be considered institutions!
Which one is the oldest restaurant? Find out below!
Restaurante Abadia do Porto
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Founded in 1939, Restaurante Abadia do Porto is located in the heart of the city center. The space is wide (it has two different floors) with details that provide that old-fashioned vibe: a stone wall combined with wooden furniture and azulejos. Their menu includes the best Portuguese dishes like roasted lamb, codfish or tripas à abadia (tripe) and a vegetarian option, always inspired by a traditional recipe. Finish off with some dessert, like their moist sponge cake, praised as the best one in the universe!
Check their facebook page
Where: Rua do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 22
READ ALSO: 10 Traditional Portuguese Food Restaurants You Really Need to Try
Opening hours: Monday 06:30 pm-10:30 pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12:00-03:30 pm 06:30 pm-10:30 pm; Closed on Sundays
Restaurante Cunha
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Cunha has over 100 years of history and it’s the oldest restaurant on our list even though it first opened up as a bakery. Little by little it built an iconic reputation and is now a mandatory stop in the Porto city center. With a unique decor, the space really captures that old school ambiance and it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy your meal on the counter or private booths, with that same old style as in the good ol’ days. Besides traditional dishes like arroz de pato (duck rice), roasted veal or octopus fillets, their francesinha is also a must-try, especially if accompanied by a glass of their Marbella sangria.
Check their facebook page
Where: Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 676
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00 am-10:00 pm
READ ALSO: Five All-You-Can-Eat Buffet For Every Taste In Porto
Adega de São Nicolau
Photo courtesy of: Adega de São Nicolau
Adega de São Nicolau is located in Ribeira, so at first, you’ll immediately know you’re walking into the roots of true Portuguese cuisine. Their intent is to serve the best food, dishes that are not pretentious but that have a touch of sophistication. And this seems to be the recipe for success, as the place has been open since 1930! Some of the classics that are always on the menu, are their tender veal chop from Arouca and savory octopus that are both cooked following rustic methods in order to bring out the best flavors. They also have a great selection of Portuguese wines – and they will be more than happy to help you with pairing. Thanks to all these small details, you’ll definitely feel at home.
Check their facebook page
Where: Rua São Nicolau, 1
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00-11:00 pm
READ ALSO: 5 Seafood Restaurants In Matosinhos You Need To Go To ASAP
Adega Rio Douro
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Since 1939 and with an amazing view across the river, Adega Rio Douro is also known as “Tasca da D. Piedade” a name given after the owner, who is almost like a star, prepares all the dishes with love and dedication. The specialties include bolinhos de bacalhau (small fried codfish snacks), sandes de iscas de bacalhau (breaded cod fish fillet) and moelas (chicken gizzard). Following true Portuguese decorum, you can have your wine from a bowl (old school Portuguese style – just like grandpa used to drink it!) and enjoy some Fado on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Check their facebook page
Where: Rua do Ouro, 223
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 08:30 am-09:00 pm
READ ALSO: 10 Must Go To Restaurants in Foz (Porto)
Restaurante Casa Aleixo
If you’re getting off the train at Campanhã Station and want to begin your journey through Portuguese cuisine, Casa Aleixo has been welcoming travelers since 1948 with some of the best regional dishes. Stone walls and typical Portuguese sidewalk cobble-stones adorn the space, creating a rustic but relaxed environment where you’ll feel like you’re inside a traditional Portuguese house. Their specialty is definitely the octopus fillet with rice,but other optional dishes include ‘cabrito’ (goatling) or ‘tripas à moda do porto’ (Porto style tripe).
Check their facebook page
Where: Rua da Estação, 216
Which oldest restaurant will you be adding to your itinerary? Let us know in the comment section!
