Before you know it, 2019 will be just around the corner. What better way to celebrate it than with an amazing meal on New Year’s Day? Well, in truth it’s easier said than done because most restaurants close down as it is a public holiday. But fear not more, to help you out we made an eclectic selection of some of the city’s finest restaurants that will be open on January 1st, 2019 -New Year’s Day.
A Brasileira
There are many ways to approach your first meal of 2019, but if you’re looking to go monumental, then why not try A Brasileira. Not only was this Portugal’s first coffee shop way back in 1903, but its recent reopening made a clear effort to bring back its lavish interiors and grandiose history. Just in the side of the original coffee shop, you’ll find the Restaurante A Brasileira, that counts with chef Rui Martins as the culinary maestro (who won Portuguese Cook of the Year in 2016). The menu proposes a creative and contemporary approach to Portuguese soul food, such as the caldo verde (kale soup) or the bacalhau à Brás (Brás style codfish).
Where: Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 75
When: Mon—Sun: 12:30 pm—3:30 pm & 7:30 pm—11 pm
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Capa Negra II
If you’re still postponing your new year’s resolutions, then maybe Capa Negra II is the sendoff you need to start that diet. This popular cervejaria is known for its delicious meat rissoles and its iconic francesinha, slathered in sauce, egg atop and circled with homemade french fries. You should also keep an eye out for seafood, codfish dishes, steaks, roasts, and stews. Expect a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere, filled to the brim with chatty locals. Remember to call in advance to book a table, as it is usually very busy.
Where: Rua do Campo Alegre 191
When: Mon—Sun: 12 pm—2 am
Frida – Cocina Mestiza
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Who would’ve guessed that Mexican new year’s traditions include the Portuguese’s beloved salted codfish, so popular in this time of the year? But once you step inside Frida (after Kahlo), you’ll be given a chance to celebrate ethnic cuisine and dig into some of the most appraised Mexican dishes. Options might include tamales (also a New Year’s tradition), fresh ceviches, flavorsome tacos, and warming chiles. And what better than a good old tequila in the form of a margarita to pair with your meal, or perhaps some fiery mezcal.
Where: Rua Adolfo Casais Monteiro 135
When: Mon—Sun: 8 pm—12 am
READ ALSO: 7 International Food Restaurants in Porto You Must Try Before You Die
Restaurante Confeitaria Cunha
If there’s a cake that speaks to tradition in Porto’s end of year season, it’s the bolo rei (king cake). In particular, the delicious bolo rei of Confeitaria Cunha, for which locals form long waiting lines on Christmas Eve. In the 1970s, Cunha moved across the street and suffered a revolutionary architectural intervention, resulting in one of the most beautiful mid-century modern eateries in Porto. Due to this rich background, the 102 years-old Cunha was recently protected by the city as a historic restaurant. Here, you can dine in old-style Porto tradition, by quenching your appetite with a hearty francesinha and with a jug of their famous sangria, but also try the arroz de pato (duck rice) or the steaks. At lunch, the round-table buffet offers good price-quality. And don’t forget to order a slice of bolo rei for dessert!
Where: Rua Guedes de Azevedo 41
When: Mon—Wed: 12 pm—1:30 am; Thu—Sat: 12 pm—2 am; Sun: 12 pm—1 am
Barão Fladgate
Photo courtesy of: Barão Fladgate
New Year’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat yourself to a marvelous meal. So why not step over to Barão Fladgate, located in the amazing Taylor’s port wine lodge. This high-end restaurant offers exceptional views over the river Douro, the Luís I bridge and the landscape of Ribeira. Through the hands of chef Ricardo Cardoso, the menu revolves around exclusive seasonal ingredients with prime execution, as is the case of the monkfish with crustacean risotto, lobster medallion, cuttlefish-ink tapioca, and sea urchin foam. The wine list is (as expected) excellent. Oh, and don’t forget to end your meal with a toast of some of Taylor’s most amazing port wines.
Where: Rua do Choupelo 250 (Gaia)
When: Mon—Sun: 12:30 pm—3 pm & 7:30 pm—10:30 pm
Are you excited about your first meal of 2019? Where are you planning to go? Let us know in the comments!
