Where to eat in Porto: what to order and where
Porto eats big and local: francesinha, roast pork sandwiches, tripe and salt cod. Go for lunch at a tasca, and coffee in a historic cafe in the afternoon. Dinner is later and quieter, so book anywhere you really want to try.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- Baixa and Bolhão for lunch, Ribeira for the view, Cedofeita for something quieter.
- Order this
- A francesinha, a sandes de pernil, and a pastel de nata.
- When to eat
- Lunch from 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
- Book or walk in
- Book for the popular cafes at weekends. Sandwich counters take walk-ins.
- Tipping
- Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5 to 10 percent.
What to eat in Porto
- FrancesinhaA sandwich of bread, ham, sausage and steak, covered in melted cheese and a beer-tomato sauce.
- Sandes de pernilRoast pork in a roll, a cheap Porto lunch.
- Tripas à moda do PortoTripe stewed with beans, the dish that gave Porto people their nickname.
- BacalhauSalt cod, grilled, baked or in fritters.
- Pastel de nataA custard tart, best warm.
- Port wineA fortified wine from the Douro, drunk before or after dinner.
Where to eat in Porto, by neighborhood
Baixa and Bolhão
Cafes, sandwich counters and the market. The best lunch choice.
Ribeira
Quayside restaurants. Pick carefully.
Cedofeita
Galleries, cafes and small restaurants away from the crowds.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Café Majestic
€€€Historic cafe · Baixa
OrderCoffee and a pastry in the Belle Époque room
A cafe from 1922 in an Art Nouveau room. It is as much a visit as a meal.
- Book
- Walk in, or book for lunch
- Closed
- Sunday
Confirmed open: cafemajestic.com
-
Café Santiago
€€Sandwich restaurant · Baixa
OrderThe francesinha
A francesinha specialist since 1959. Come early for lunch.
- Book
- Walk in; queue at peak times
Confirmed open: cafesantiago.pt
-
Casa Guedes
€Sandwich counter · Praça dos Poveiros
OrderSandes de pernil with sheep's cheese
A tile-lined counter serving roast pork rolls since 1987. Eat standing or at a small table.
- Book
- Walk in
Confirmed open: culinarybackstreets.com
-
Mercado do Bolhão
€Market and food stalls · Bolhão
OrderFresh fish, fruit and a coffee from the market bars
The restored 1914 market, with stalls and restaurants.
- Book
- Walk in
- Closed
- Sunday
Confirmed open: mercadobolhao.pt
Food markets in Porto
- Mercado do BolhãoA restored 1914 market of fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers, with restaurants upstairs.Monday to Friday 8:00 to 20:00, Saturday 8:00 to 18:00Source: mercadobolhao.pt
How Porto eats
- Meal timesLunch from 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
- CouvertBread and olives are charged if you eat them.
- TippingTipping is optional. Round up or leave 5 to 10 percent.
- CoffeeAsk for a bica for an espresso or a galão for a latte.
Signs of a place to walk past
Francesinha on a menu with a photo and flag by the door.
Waiters inviting you in along the Ribeira.
A very long menu with every cuisine.
Eating in Porto: questions people ask
What food is Porto known for?
The francesinha, roast pork sandwiches, tripe and salt cod. Port wine is the drink.
Where can I eat the best francesinha in Porto?
Café Santiago is the best-known. Many cafes serve it, and each has its own sauce.
Do you need to book restaurants in Porto?
For dinner at popular places, yes. Sandwich counters and the market need no booking.
How much do you tip in Porto?
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5 to 10 percent.
Is Porto cheap for food?
Yes. Lunch menus and sandwiches cost less than in most of western Europe.