Porto is a city of charm, history, and unforgettable flavors.
Beyond its famous wine cellars and riverside streets, the city is home to restaurants that capture the true soul of Portuguese cuisine.
From hearty codfish dishes and rich stews to freshly baked pastries, these eateries offer authentic flavors and warm, welcoming atmospheres.
In this article, we’ve selected 10 traditional restaurants in Porto where you can experience genuine Portuguese food, culture, and hospitality, perfect for locals and travelers alike:
Café Santiago
Located in the heart of Porto, Café Santiago is one of the city’s most iconic eateries and a must-visit for anyone who wants to taste the authentic francesinha, Porto’s most famous (and indulgent) dish.
The café has been open since 1959 and is beloved by locals and travelers alike for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere and mouthwatering comfort food.
Why It’s Special:
Café Santiago is renowned for serving one of the best francesinhas in Porto, a legendary sandwich layered with steak, ham, and sausage, smothered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich, slightly spicy tomato and beer sauce.
It’s often served with a side of crispy fries and a cold beer, the perfect combination. This simple yet deeply satisfying meal represents the heart and soul of Porto’s culinary tradition.
Location:
Rua de Passos Manuel 226, Porto, just a short walk from the famous São Bento Station and Rua Santa Catarina shopping street.
Tip:
Go early or outside peak hours , the café is always full!
For the full experience, order the Francesinha à Santiago with fries and a local Super Bock beer, and enjoy watching the buzz of locals and travelers sharing this Porto classic.
Casa Guedes
Casa Guedes is a beloved iconic eatery in Porto, renowned for its signature sandes de pernil (roast pork sandwiches).
Established in 1987, this traditional Portuguese tavern offers a warm, no-frills atmosphere where locals and visitors alike savor hearty, flavorful dishes.
Why It’s Special:
The standout offering at Casa Guedes is the sandes de pernil, featuring tender, slow-roasted pork leg served in a rustic roll.
The addition of Serra da Estrela cheese, a creamy, sheep’s milk cheese from Portugal’s mountainous region, adds a rich, tangy contrast to the savory pork.
This combination has garnered the sandwich a dedicated following and numerous accolades.
Beyond the famed sandwich, Casa Guedes also serves other traditional Portuguese fare, including cod dishes, chorizo, and a selection of local wines.
The establishment’s commitment to authentic flavors and quality ingredients makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring Porto.
Location:
Praça dos Poveiros 130, Porto 4000-393, Portugal
Tip:
To fully enjoy the Casa Guedes experience, pair your sandwich with a glass of local wine and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
The nearby Jardim de São Lázaro park offers a pleasant spot to enjoy your meal al fresco.
Adega São Nicholau
Adega São Nicolau is a charming, traditional Portuguese restaurant tucked away in the historic Ribeira district of Porto.
Originally established as an adega (wine-cellar) many years ago, it now welcomes guests seeking authentic regional cuisine in a cozy setting.
Why it’s special:
It serves genuine Portuguese home-style dishes using fresh, local ingredients, from seafood rice to classic Porto-style tripe.
Located right by the Douro River, it features a small terrace offering lovely views of the waterfront, ideal for an atmospheric meal.
The ambiance is unpretentious and warm, perfect for immersing yourself in the city’s culinary culture without pretense.
Location:
📍 Rua de São Nicolau 1, 4050-561 Porto, Portugal.
Tip:
Arrive for lunch or early dinner to enjoy quieter times and river views from the terrace.
Since the restaurant is popular and small in capacity, booking ahead is a good idea.
Choose a classic dish like arroz de polvo (octopus rice) or tripas à moda do Porto, and pair it with a local Douro wine for a fully authentic experience.
Semea by Euskalduna
Semea by Euskalduna is a standout dining spot in Porto, born from the creative vision of arguably Porto’s most famous chef, Vasco Coelho Santos.
With roots in the acclaimed Euskalduna Studio, Semea offers a more relaxed, sharing-style experience of modern Portuguese cuisine.
Why It’s Special:
The concept emphasises fresh Portuguese ingredients, inventive twists on classic dishes, and a warm, communal atmosphere.
Chef Vasco Coelho Santos brings his refined experience, having trained at renowned restaurants like Mugaritz, Arzak and El Bulli, to create Semea’s approachable yet beautifully crafted menu.
Semea earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction from the Michelin Guide, recognising its excellent quality-to-price ratio.
Location:
📍 Rua das Flores 179, 4050-266 Porto, Portugal.
Tip:
Make a reservation if possible, Semea is small and popular.
Go with the sharing menu style: order several dishes to share and allow the team to recommend wine or craft beer pairings.
Since the menu is seasonal and ingredient-driven, ask what’s special that day.
Lado B Restaurant
Lado B Café is a vibrant eatery in the heart of Porto, near the iconic Coliseu do Porto.
Known for its modern ambiance and musical-themed décor, it blends cultural charm with a dedication to serving some of the city’s most beloved traditional dishes.
Why It’s Special:
The café is famous for its Francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich layered with steak, sausages, and cheese, smothered in a rich, spicy sauce.
They’re so confident they serve the best that they named their signature sandwich A Melhor Francesinha do Mundo, which literally means “The Best Francesinha in the World”!
Beyond this star dish, the menu includes burgers, grilled meats, and seafood, all paired with an extensive selection of Portuguese wines and beers.
Its commitment to quality and authentic flavors has earned a loyal following among both locals and visitors.
Location:
📍 Rua Passos Manuel 190/192, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal
Conveniently located near public transportation and within walking distance of downtown Porto’s main attractions.
Tip:
Visit in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Pair your Francesinha with a local wine or Portuguese beer, and consider arriving early or checking opening hours, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting.
Digby Restaurante Bar
Perched on the upper floors of the Torel Avantgarde Hotel, Digby Restaurante-Bar is one of Porto’s most elegant dining spots, offering a blend of modern Portuguese cuisine, refined ambiance, and breathtaking views over the Douro River.
Named after Sir Kenelm Digby, a 17th-century philosopher and inventor who inspired the hotel’s avant-garde theme, this restaurant perfectly balances creativity with sophistication.
Why It’s Special:
Digby is known for its beautiful panoramic terrace, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes while overlooking Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River.
The menu celebrates local ingredients with a contemporary twist, featuring delicacies like octopus, Iberian pork, and seasonal vegetarian options.
Its curated wine list highlights Portugal’s finest regions, and the cocktails are both artistic and refreshing, ideal for sunset moments.
Location:
Rua da Restauração 336, Porto: inside the luxurious Torel Avantgarde Hotel, just a short walk from the Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal).
Tip:
Book a table on the terrace for golden-hour dining, it’s one of Porto’s most stunning viewpoints.
Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, this spot is perfect for a romantic dinner or sunset cocktail with a view.
Esplanada do Teleférico
Perched atop the Gaia Cable Car station near Jardim do Morro, Esplanada do Teleférico is a popular wine bar offering sweeping views of Porto’s historic center and the Douro River.
This elevated terrace provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying drinks and light bites while soaking in one of the city’s most scenic panoramas.
Why It’s Special:
The venue’s charm lies in its combination of stunning vistas and a laid-back ambiance.
Guests can savor a selection of Portuguese wines, including the renowned green wine (vinho verde), along with cocktails and traditional snacks such as codfish cakes, moelinhas (pork giblets), and francesinha sandwiches.
The location is particularly enchanting during sunset, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable experience.
Location:
Rua Rocha Leão, Vila Nova de Gaia, 4430-210, Portugal
Situated adjacent to the Gaia Cable Car’s upper station and Jardim do Morro, the esplanade is easily accessible via the cable car or a short walk from the Gaia riverside promenade.
Tip:
For the best experience, visit during late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over Porto’s skyline.
The terrace can become busy, so arriving early or making a reservation is advisable.
If you’re in the area, consider combining your visit with a ride on the Gaia Cable Car for a unique perspective of the city.
Abadia do Porto Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Porto, Abadia do Porto is a longstanding institution of traditional Portuguese cuisine, having opened its doors in 1939.
The restaurant’s name, “Abadia,” hints at its origin as a resting place for pilgrims headed to Santiago de Compostela, a connection that still echoes in its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Why It’s Special:
Abadia do Porto is celebrated for delivering a deeply authentic gastronomic experience rooted in Porto’s culinary traditions.
Highlights include classics like Tripas à Moda do Porto (Porto-style tripe), Bacalhau à Lagareiro, and fresh seafood dishes prepared with care.
The ambience complements the menu: thick stone walls, old-style lamps, azulejo tiles, and wooden furniture transport guests into a timeless Portuguese “casa de pasto” feel.
It’s also a favorite recommendation among locals for full-on regional cuisine.
Location:
📍 Rua do Ateneu Comercial do Porto 22-24, 4000-380 Porto, Portugal. The restaurant sits in the Santo Ildefonso area of the city centre, easily accessible while exploring downtown Porto.
Tip:
Go for lunch or early dinner to enjoy the atmosphere with fewer crowds; note that the place is closed on Sundays and has more limited hours on Mondays.
If you’re keen to try special dishes like the traditional “cozido à portuguesa,” consider visiting at lunchtime on a Saturday when they feature this dish.
Also, arrive with an appetite, the portions are generous, and the rich, traditional flavours are best savoured slowly.
O Astro
O Astro is a beloved traditional tasca (Portuguese informal eatery) tucked in the Campanhã area of Porto. Founded in 1979, it has become a local institution, especially known for its hearty and no-frills Portuguese comfort food.
Why it’s special:
What makes O Astro stand out is its dedication to two simple but iconic Portuguese dishes: the bifana (thinly-sliced pork in a bread roll) cooked in a simmering sauce visible through the front window, and the caldo verde (traditional kale soup).
According to legendary status among locals and food writers, the bifana here hits the mark with garlic, bay leaf, wine and a gentle touch of spice.
The atmosphere is exactly what you’d hope for in a true local tasca, a counter, one or two interior tables, and a terrace outside which comes alive during the day.
Location:
📍 Rua da Estação 16-18, 4300-171 Porto, Portugal
Located just across from the Campanhã train station, making it a convenient stop if you’re arriving or departing by rail.
Tip:
Arrive during the late morning or early lunch hours to avoid bigger queues, especially if you want a seat rather than standing at the counter.
The bifana here is best enjoyed hot, fresh from the pan, pair it with a “fino” (small draft beer) for the full local experience. Note: Saturdays are typically closed; check the current hours before going.
Cervejaria Gazela
Cervejaria Gazela is a historic and beloved eatery in Porto, established in 1962 and famed for its signature snack: the cachorrinho.
Why it’s special:
- The star dish is the cachorrinho da Gazela, a toasted baguette filled with fresh sausage (linguiça), melted cheese and a special spicy sauce. It’s become a cult item with locals and visitors alike.
- The place gained international recognition when it was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, helping to cement its status as a foodie must-visit in Porto.
- Despite its fame, the setting remains casual and authentic, a beer hall (“cervejaria”) atmosphere, affordable prices, and plenty of local character.
Location:
📍 Travessa Cimo de Vila 4, 4000-171 Porto, Portugal (one of the main locations)
Tip:
Go around noon when they open to avoid longer queues. Get the cachorrinho with a “fino” (small draft beer) or a local wine for the full experience. Bring cash or card, service is quick, and don’t expect a fancy sit-down dinner, but rather a fantastic bite in a genuine local setting.