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Eating Porto food is a highlight of any trip to Portugal! From meaty sandwiches to hearty casseroles to sweet treats, there is a long list of must-try Porto dishes. During our trip to Portugal, we ventured into the best restaurants in Porto in search of the most delectable local cuisine. We are sharing our top tips for what and where to eat in Porto, Portugal to help fellow travelers in their quest to find the best food in the city.
Traditional Portuguese Food in Porto
To be honest, it took us awhile to warm up to Portuguese food. Some of the translations – hot dogs, cod balls, nail in bread and kale soup – just didn’t sound very appetizing. However, once we got a taste of the food in Porto, we were hooked.
Porto typical food is often classified as heavy comfort food. Delicious casseroles and stews are made from potatoes, cod and sausages. Sandwiches piled with meat and cheese are combined in a variety of unique ways to create the best cheap eats in Porto.
Of course, not all traditional food in Portugal is savory – the country is well-known for its delectable egg custard desserts, too.
Although the best food in Porto, Portugal is – no doubt – laden with calories, there are plenty of hills to work it all off. So, go ahead and indulge in the best Porto food!
Where To Eat in Porto, Portugal
In our search for the best food in Porto, we also sought out the best places to eat in Porto. Therefore, our list of What To Eat in Porto includes specific dishes – as well as a recommended restaurant to eat them at. As we were mostly interested in sampling Porto food specialties that Portuguese people actually eat, we aimed to find spots with a mix of locals and visitors.
Best Restaurants in Porto
We think the best Porto restaurants are ones where visitors can dine side-by-side with locals. The places we include on our list are typical Porto establishments – and most are far from fancy. That said, they are not without character and a big dose of charm.
Porto Restaurant Tips
For foreigners, dining habits and table service can appear to be quite different in Portugal.
Some things to be aware of when eating in Porto is that there are often lines (either to order or for seats). English menu translations can still be difficult to understand. Meals are brought to the table when each dish is ready and checks are not always delivered to the table (diners walk to the register to pay).
Service is usually delivered with a smile, but waitstaff tend to leave you on your own until you call them to your table. Many of our recommended Porto food dishes can take time to prepare, but – trust us – it’s worth the wait!
Best Porto Food
For all of our recommended things to eat in Porto, we include a description of the dish, as well as a recommended restaurant. For each Porto restaurant, we include a link to Google Maps, so you can easily locate it.
At the end of the post, we include a map of all our recommended Porto Restaurants. Visitors can use our guide to create their own self-guided Porto food tours – and we include a few top-rated guided tours at the end of the article as well.
Our Porto Food Guide contains everything about Porto, Portugal food. Save, Pin or Bookmark this post so that you can access it on your trip to Porto!
#1 Cachorrinhos
We didn’t think we would kick off our list of “Best Food Porto” with a hot dog…yet here we are. To be honest, at first, we were skeptical of the iconic Porto fast food hot dog – but let us assure you: it is a must-try!
A Cachorrinhos hot dog is utterly simple, yet truly tasty. The sausage is grilled to sizzling perfection then it’s popped inside crusty bread and covered with cheese. After being pressed on the grill, the sandwich is cut into bite-sized pieces and topped with a tangy sauce. That is all there is to it…but it is amazing!
Where To Eat Cachorrinhos: Gazela Cachorrinhos da Batalha
MAP. Far and away the most popular place for Porto hot dogs is the famous Gazel Cachorrinhos da Batalha. The eatery attracts patrons from all walks of life – from Porto foodie to office worker to tourist…and everyone comes for the hot dogs.
Diners belly up to the counter and watch the busy crew crank out piping hot cachorrinhos and plates of salty fries. We recommend getting at least two hot dogs – they are just that good – and a plate of fries to make it a meal.
Pro Tip: There are two locations, but we recommend going to the original diner…even if the line is out the door.
#2 Francesinha Porto Sandwich
What is Porto famous for? The Francesinha! For many people, Porto Food is the Francesinha. A staple of Porto cuisine and listed on nearly every café and restaurant menu, the Francesinha is the mother of all sandwiches. The name translates to ‘Little Frenchie’ and is somewhat similar to a Croque Madame – only thicker and messier.
While each Porto restaurant has their own unique variations of the sandwich, standard ingredients include bread, cured ham, smoked sausage, fresh sausage, steak, cheese and a specialty sauce. The sandwich is layered with the meat and cheese and then grilled. As a final preparation, cheese is melted over the top of the sandwich (and usually a fried egg as well!) then drowned in a tomato and beer sauce.
The first time we tried this sandwich was in Lisbon – which was a mistake; the Francesinha is a Porto specialty food and, as such, the best Francesinhas are made in Porto.
Where To Eat Francesinha: O Afonso Porto Restaurant
MAP. O Afonso is ranked as one of the Porto best restaurants for a Francesinha – and it does not disappoint! From the welcoming waitstaff to traditional snacks to the main dish as well as the complimentary post-meal port wine, we were impressed every step of the way. The place is so well-known for their version of the sandwich that the late Anthony Bourdain dined at O Afonso.
The well-pressed, stacked Francesinha held its form and was complimented by the sauce – and the fries (served on a separate platter) were the perfect accompaniment. Some people say that the Francesinha is big enough for two people…and they might be right, but we had no problem devouring our own!
Pro Tip: Café Santiago is another Porto institution that excels at making a fabulous Francesinha sandwich. While we thought it was certainly a tasty and decadent meal, no Francesinha is made the same…and we give the nod to the sandwiches at O Afonso. Lado B is another Porto food institution known for their version of the sandwich (they even make a veggie Francesinha!) and we look forward to trying it on our next Porto visit!
#3 Bacalhau com Natas
Dried and salted cod – called Bacalhau in Portuguese – is a very traditional food in Porto; in fact, it is the national dish of Portugal. The local joke is that there are 365 ways to make Bacalhau, one for each day of the year. It is one of the traditional Portuguese dishes that is a must-try when visiting Porto.
Initially, we were turned off by Bacalhau. The dried fish is stacked in the grocery stores and omits a pungent fishy aroma. We couldn’t imagine how they made it taste good…but we were finally proven wrong when we ate our first bite in Porto.
For a taste of the Porto traditional food, there is nothing better than Bacalhau com Natas – or Cod with Cream. The creamy cod casserole is layered with bacalhau, onion, fried potatoes and cream. The oven-baked dish is spiced with nutmeg and white pepper…yes, it’s rich and absolutely divine!
Another popular Salted Cod dish that I love is Bacalhau a Bras. It is very popular in Lisbon, but appears on many menus in Porto, too. This Portuguese dish features cod, potatoes, eggs, onions, parsley and garlic – and is more like a scramble than a casserole.
Where To Eat Bacalhau com Natas: Bacalhau do Porto at Mercado Beira-Rio
MAP. The best Bacalhau com Natas we ate was at the namesake Bacalhau do Porto at the Mercado Beira-Rio along the waterfront in Vila Nova de Gaia. The cod casserole was almost velvety and full of flavor…just be careful of the fish bones!
Pro Tip: We talk more about the amazing food markets in Porto later in the post.
#4 Porto Bifana
Considered a Portuguese snack, the Bifana sandwich is a common fast food in Porto that can serve as a quick meal or late-night snack.
The sandwich – which consists of only seasoned pork on bread – is incredibly simple, yet it tantalizes the taste buds. The best bifanas are piled with meat that has been simmered in a pot along with spicy seasonings that soak into the bread roll. Although I’m usually not a fan of soggy bread, it worked magically in a Bifana.
Where To Eat the Best Bifana: Conga
MAP. Conga is, hands down, the best-known place to eat Bifanas. In operation since 1976, Conga takes pride in simmering their pork to perfection. Bifana em Pao Sandwiches are assembled over the steaming pot of pork; bread is stuffed with a heaping portion of meat and then partially dipped into the sauce for good measure.
Arriving just ahead of the lunch crowd will help ensure you get a seat – either at the counter or in the upstairs restaurant dining room. We got to Conga at about 12:30pm and breezed right in, but by the time we left, every table was occupied and there was a long queue at the door.
Pro Tip: While I loved the Bifanas at Conga, Kris actually preferred the ones he ate at Taxca, a Petiscos restaurant that we feature later on our list.
#6 Pernil com Queijo Sandwich
All pork sandwiches are not equal…and, in Porto, the Pernil com Queijo is proof of that. Similar to a Bifana, the Pernil com Queijo is almost a basic pork sandwich. What makes the Pernil com Queijo one of the best Porto eats is that it is made with roasted pork shoulder and covered in the famous regional Serra da Estrela cheese.
The contents are stuffed inside a rustic roll that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The aromatic cheese melts into the tender pork, ensuring every single bite is supreme.
Where To Eat Pernil com Queijo: Casa Guedes
MAP. There is no better place in Porto to get a Pernil com Queijo than Casa Guedes. Ideal for a quick lunch or to satisfy a late-night craving, at Casa Guedes they excel at the Pernil com Queijo.
We loved the sandwich so much that Casa Guedes quickly became one of our favorite Porto restaurants. There is often a line, but it moves fast. We recommend ordering the sandwich with fries and either a Super Bock light beer or white Porto wine.
Pro Tip: Casa Guedes is so popular that they opened a second 3-story restaurant just a few doors down in 2019. The much larger (and sleeker) restaurant has an expanded menu and a rooftop terrace. Then, defying all obstacles, the new Casa Guedes Progresso opened in 2020 near the Carmo Church. Truthfully, we still prefer getting our sandwiches from the original Casa Guedes Tradicional corner spot.
#7 Prego no Pao Sandwich
The Prego no Pao is Portuguese cuisine that we almost skipped – simply because we couldn’t figure out what it was. The name translates to Nail in Bread, which – let’s face it – doesn’t sound appetizing at all. The unfortunate translation is a huge injustice, because the Prego no Pao sandwich is actually heavenly.
Like many other Porto sandwiches, it is quite simple: a Prego no Pao is a Porto steak sandwich – consisting of meat, bread and cheese.
What makes it fantastic is that it is a perfectly marinaded, garlicky, cheesy, tender steak sandwich. The name ‘Nail in Bread’ comes from the art of using a mallet to tenderize the steak and pound the pieces of garlic into the meat before grilling it. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich.
Where To Eat Prego em Pao: Venham Mais 5
MAP. Prego sandwiches are found on many Porto restaurant menus. We ate (devoured) ours at Venham Mais 5: Casa dos Pregos, where they specialize in the art of the Prego.
At Venham Mais 5 – a name that translates to ‘Bring Five More’ – they make incredibly tender Prego no Pao sandwiches that are covered in gooey Serra da Estrela cheese. Had we not ordered fries and Alheira (more on what that is in a minute), we definitely would have ordered five more!
If you order more than one sandwich, just be sure to leave room for a slice of their famous – and oh-so-decadent – chocolate cake. The sweet treat balances out the savory feast!
Pro Tip: Two other Porto food restaurants are well known for their Prego no Pao sandwiches – Lareira and Pregar – and we are looking forward to trying them on our next Porto trip!
#8 Rotisserie Chicken Porto Style (with Piri Piri Sauce)
Grilling meat over hot coals is a specialty in Porto – as evidenced by the number of churrascarias (barbecues) found around the city. The scent of grilled chicken often floats out of restaurant doors, luring in hungry patrons.
While the rotisserie chicken alone is delicious, many vendors use the local Piri Piri sauce to add a little spice to the meal. Piri Piri sauce – a combination of chilis, citrus, onion, garlic, pepper and other spices – was created by Portuguese settlers in Mozambique in the 15th century – and it is now a staple condiment in Portuguese cuisine.
Where To Eat Piri Piri Chicken in Porto: Pedro dos Frangos Churrascaria
MAP. Pedro dos Frangos is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Porto, Portugal for rotisserie chicken…as evidenced by the line out the door. In fact, the restaurant is so popular (with both locals and tourists) that they opened a second location across the street. In both restaurants, they grill whole chickens on a spit right at the entrance.
The portions are enormous – and the well-dressed, mild-mannered waiters are helpful in making sure patrons don’t over-order. The rotisserie chicken is served with fries – and guests can ask for Piri Piri sauce on the side.
Pro Tip: While chicken (frango in Portuguese) is the star at Pedro dos Frangos, they offer a full menu of typical Portuguese food at their restaurant. We highly recommend trying the Octopus Salad (Salada de Polvo) as a starter!
#9 Alheira
Alheira, a famous Porto food, is a porkless sausage – usually consisting of fowl or game meat and bread. It was created in the late 15th century when Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or face expulsion from the country.
Many Jews were baptized as Christians in order to stay in Portugal, but secretly practiced Judaism. As they do not eat pork, they created Alheira – a non-pork sausage – which they could freely eat and appear as if they no longer followed Jewish laws. The cuisine remains popular today – and Alheira is now a common Portuguese food.
Where to Eat Alheira in Porto
Poultry sausage is a Porto best food and is commonly found on menus around the city – and is a popular Petiscos item, too. We ate Alheira at several Porto restaurants – but our favorite was at Venham Mais 5.
Pro Tip: Because of the softer poultry meat and bread, Alheira can be a bit mushy in consistency…but the flavor is great!
#10 Petiscos (Small Plates)
Often referred to as tapas, Portuguese Petiscos are part of the unique food culture in the country.
Unlike bite-size tapas, Petiscos are small plates of traditional Porto food that are often shared as a snack while drinking. Served in both taverns and restaurants alongside beer or wine, Petiscos provide a leisurely way to dine with friends or family.
Common Petiscos dishes include Salads de Polvo (Octopus Salad), Pipis/Moelas (Chicken Gizzards), Bifanas (pork sandwiches), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (cod balls), Presunto (cured Iberian ham) and Pica Pau (which translates to Woodpecker, but refers to bite-sized marinated meats and pickled vegetables that are eaten with toothpicks).
That said, Petiscos can be as simple as a basket of bread, a bowl of olives or Conservas (Portugal’s famous tinned fish).
One of our favorite Petiscos is Chourico Assado – a flaming sausage cooked table-side in a terracotta dish.
Visitors should have no problem finding places where to eat Petiscos in Porto. There are dedicated Petiscos restaurants all over Porto – and almost all taverns and cafes offer the snack plates, as well.
The Best Petiscos Restaurants Porto, Portugal: Taxca
MAP. It would be impossible to name just one as the Best Petiscos Porto. That said, for travelers, we think the best place to eat Porto-style tapas is at Taxca.
The restaurant specializes in petiscos meals, offering an array of options and a rotating menu of goods. We feasted on plates of bifanas (these were Kris’ favorite), codfish cakes, ham-and-cheese sandwiches and Alheira sausages. They also make daily stews, salads and casseroles.
Guests can order one plate at a time or order several items at once. Although much more spacious than most taverns in the city, in typical fashion, diners place orders at the bar.
Pro Tip: For an upscale petiscos experience complimented with craft cocktails or delicious local wine, go to Drogaria Bar (MAP). The cozy ambiance is superb – as are the food and drink! Or, for a casual, riverside meal of Petiscos, try Gourmet da Emilia, which is located outside the Mercado Beira Rio (where they also have inexpensive Port wine tastings).
#11 Caldo Verde Soup
Portuguese Green Soup – or Caldo Verde – is a simple concoction of leafy greens (such as Kale or Cabbage), potatoes and olive oil. The soup is sometimes spiced with onion or garlic and a slice of sausage can be added right before serving.
Caldo Verde originated in northern Portugal and is usually eaten at celebrations – such as weddings and holidays. However, the satisfying dish is found on most menus and is one of the best cheap eats in Porto that is somewhat healthy.
Where To Eat Porto Caldo Verde
We tried Caldo Verde as an accompaniment to numerous of our meals in Porto…and don’t have one that stands out as a favorite. In some places, like Conga, the broth was thin, while at Pedro dos Frangos, it was thick and packed with kale.
That said, Lareira gets rave reviews for their Caldo Verde Soup (but we have yet to try it there!).
#12 Snacks and Street Food Porto
Porto street food can be sweet or savory – but it is always inexpensive. Bakeries are the best places to eat when it comes to on-the-go snacks and street food. On countless occasions, the treats piled high in the bakery windows persuaded us to take a break from sightseeing for a quick bite.
Likewise, at many of the Porto taverns, it is difficult not to indulge in the snacks perched on the bar. Genuis, right?!
Cheap Eats Porto
While there is a seemingly endless list of pastries and fried morsels to eat in Porto, we are highlighting a few of our favorites.
Pasteis de Bacalhau (Codfish Cakes)
Bacalhau is so ingrained in the Porto food scene that some version of the salted cod can be found almost everywhere…even in pastry shops. Savory codfish cakes take on a variety of forms – including cod balls, salt cod fritters and cod croquettes.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau – cod balls – are perhaps the most common cod snack. Made with potatoes, codfish, eggs, parsley, onion and sometimes spices, the batter is formed into balls and deep fried.
Cod balls and cod cakes can serve as street food in Porto, but it is also common for people to sit down at a café to consume them. Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau in Gaia is, by far, the fanciest place in Porto to eat cod cakes.
Rissoles (Portuguese Meat Pie)
The Portuguese version of dumplings or pierogies, Rissoles are deep-fried, half-moon pastries filled with meat or shrimp.
Pastel de Chaves is another meat pastry that originated in the town of Chaves in northern Portugal in 1862 and is commonly found in taverns. The flaky pastry is filled with minced veal, bread and onions.
Broa de Avintes Portuguese Bread
One of the best things to eat in Porto (and nearly everywhere in Europe, in our opinion!) is fresh bread. There is a great variety of Portuguese bread – which is sold in Porto bakeries and offered at restaurants (often for an extra fee, even though it is brought to the table…so ask).
One bread to try in Porto is Broa de Avintes. Created in the nearby town of Avintes, the dense bread is made of corn and rye and has a strong, spicy taste. Pao de Centeio – another northern Portugal bread – is similar to Broa de Avintes and is just as filling.
Tremocos (Lupins Bar Snacks)
Most often served with beer, Tremocos are salty, pickled lupin beans. The bean has a skin, which can be removed by biting into it (and spitting out the skin) or pinching it with your fingers before popping it into your mouth.
Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart)
Egg custard tarts are a specialty in Portugal. Originating in Belem near Lisbon, Pasteis de Nata are now found throughout the country and world (especially in former Portuguese colonies, but we even ate them in Hong Kong!).
The creamy custard tarts are a must-try in Portugal – and our favorite place to get them in Porto is at Natas D’ouro.
Rather than imitating the Pastel de Nata from Belem, at Natas D’ouro, they have altered the shape of the tart to resemble a traditional Porto Rabelo Boat. To truly make the treat a unique Porto egg tart, they make a custard treat topped with port wine flavor. That said, our favorite version is their Pastel de Nata with chocolate.
That said, several bakeries churn out fresh Portuguese egg tarts – and our second favorite place for the treat is at Fabrica da Nata, where they are often served hot straight from the oven.
Pro Tip: There are two Natas D’ouro locations – one in Baixa (MAP) and another on the riverside in Gaia (MAP). Fabrica da Nata is located on Rua de Santa Catarina (and we pass right by it on our Self Guided Porto Walking Tour!)
Bola do Berlim
Born from the Berliner Pfannkuchen, the Bola do Berlim (or Berlin Balls) are unique to Portugal. Unlike the Berliner donut that is filled with jam, the Bola do Berlim is a donut cut in half, filled with Portugal’s typical sweet egg cream and topped with powered sugar.
The sweet treats are prepared both with full-size donuts and mini bite-size portions. Some are dipped in chocolate (like the ones at Molete Bread and Breakfast – MAP), but we think the best ones come from Confeitaria Serrana (MAP) or Neta 3 Padaria e Confeitaria (MAP) near the Sao Bento train station.
In Porto during the summertime, it is common for roving vendors to sell the small confections on the beach from baskets!
More Must-Eat Porto Food
A few more suggestions for your Porto Foodie Tour!
Fresh Seafood Porto
Fresh Porto fish (usually hake, mackerel or sea bass) can be grilled, fried or steamed. Oysters, seafood rice, sardines, crustaceans and shellfish are all popular menu options at seafood restaurants in Porto.
The coastal town of Matosinhos is declared The Place to eat the best seafood in Porto (but, be aware, many restaurants are only open for lunch and dinner and close in between…like when we visited the town in the late afternoon!).
For a city center, family-run spot to eat Porto seafood, Adega Mercearia Bebe Se Mal (MAP) comes highly recommended by locals.
Cozido a Portuguesa (Traditional Portuguese Stew)
Considered to be one of the national foods of Portugal, Cozido a Portuguesa is a mix of boiled vegetables and meats. The Porto slow food includes common ingredients like beans, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, rice, chicken, various pork parts and smoked sausages (including blood sausage). The concoction is spiced with red pepper and cinnamon.
While we did not eat Cozido a Portuguesa, we did try a similar stew called Feijoada when we visited Pinhao in the Douro Valley. We are not exactly certain of how the two stews are different, but we can confirm that Feijoada is delicious!
Another hearty and delicious stew-like dish is Rancho a Portuguese, which is sometimes found on Porto menus. The dish is made by cooking bacon, meat, pasta, chickpeas and vegetables (like cabbage, carrots and potato) in a broth.
Tripas a Moda do Porto (Portuguese Tripe and Beans)
A legendary Porto food dish, Tripas a Moda do Porto is a meal of tripe, sausages and beans. The classic cuisine – from which the people of Porto get their nickname, “Tripeiros” – was invented during the Age of Discoveries.
It is said that a ship was setting sail from Porto and all of the available meat was stocked on the boat, leaving only the casings behind for the people to eat. Rather than despair, the citizens created a meal of tripe, Tripas a Moda do Porto, which has been famous ever since.
More Porto, Portugal Best Restaurants
We have already highlighted our favorite places to eat in Porto, but fellow travelers looking for specialty restaurants might want to check out these places.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Porto
Porto food and drink are among the best in the world – so it’s not surprising that there are several Porto Michelin Star restaurants. Visitors who want to dine at a Michelin Star restaurant in Porto have many options – and we are highlighting just a couple of the top picks. (Here’s the full list of current Michelin Starred Porto Restaurants.)
Casa de Cha da Boa Nova
With waves crashing against the rocks below, Casa de Cha da Boa Nova is one of the incredibly atmospheric restaurants in the Matosinhos district. The 2-star Michelin chef offers a multiple course tasting menu.
The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant
Headed by Chef Ricardo Costa, the Yeatman offers an inventive menu, excellent wine pairings and superior service. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the restaurant offers fantastic views of the Douro River.
Best Breakfast in Porto, Portugal
Travelers have many choices for places to eat breakfast in Porto. The most popular – and one of the most expensive – Porto breakfast spots is Majestic Café (MAP).
The landmark restaurant is considered to be one of the most beautifully decorated establishments in the city. It opened in 1921 – and is complete with chandeliers, mirrors and marble. There is often a long wait at Majestic Café.
If you don’t want to wait, go to Café A Brasileira (MAP) instead. The décor is similar, but it is less expensive and there are seldom lines.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a hip breakfast spot, check out The Happy Nest (MAP), which comes highly recommended by our friends for both the food and outdoor space.
Vegan Food Porto
Being a vegan in Porto is not easy. Meat and seafood are part of the Porto food culture – which often leaves vegan and vegetarian visitors wondering where to eat in Porto, Portugal.
However, with an influx in tourism, digital nomads and a surge of healthy eating around the world, there are now a few Porto restaurants that cater to (or at least include a few options for) vegetarian and vegan diets.
Em Carne Viva (MAP), meaning Raw Flesh, is a Porto restaurant that creates traditional Portuguese food…without meat or other animal products.
Fast Food Porto
Not all Porto cheap eats come from bakeries…there are a handful of local and chain fast-food restaurants in Porto, too. The pork sandwiches from Casa Guedes or pizza-by-the-slice (check out Mr. Pizza – MAP) are great Porto fast food choices.
While we won’t actually recommend eating at McDonald’s in Porto, the Golden Arches on Praca da Liberdade (MAP) is a site to behold. The space – previously home to the Imperial Café – is lavishly decorated with stained-glass windows and chandeliers. The opulent décor is reason enough to take a peek inside.
Food Delivery Porto
Although we think it is best to dine out at restaurants while visiting a destination, Porto food delivery is available via Uber Eats.
What To Drink in Porto, Portugal
Now that you know what and where to eat in Porto, we have a few tips for drinking in Porto as well!
Port Wine
Sipping a glass of port wine while in Porto, Portugal is almost mandatory! The drink is, after all, named after the city.
Visitors can learn about the long history of port wine at one of the cellars on the south side of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. A range of daytime cellar tours and guided tastings are available (and should be booked in advance!) but sampling the best port wines (like 40-year Tawny or a Vintage) will get pricey.
For a more comprehensive port wine experience, go on a day trip to the Douro Valley where the vineyards line the hillsides. Tours can be planned with guides in advance (like this popular tour!). However, we took a day trip to the Douro Valley on our own (which we feature in our Porto Itinerary!)
Visitors less interested in learning and more interested in sampling have many options, too! Every restaurant, café and bar in town serves port wine (sometimes it is even free with the meal!).
Wine Quay Bar – on the Ribeira Waterfront – offers a large selection of Port Wine, regional wine and petiscos and ranks as one of the top Porto restaurants with a view. However, for a quick and cheap introduction to Port, visitors can try a €5, 5-port wine tasting at one of the cafes surrounding the Mercado Beira Rio.
Vinho Verde
Lesser known than port wine, Vinho Verde is another regional drink that is a must-try when in Porto. The name – Vinho Verde – translates literally to Green Wine, but really means Young Wine.
The wine is meant to be consumed within 3 to 6 months of being harvested. Produced in northern Portugal, Vinho Verde wine can be red, white or rose – and is sometimes sparkling.
Porto Craft Beer
The craft beer movement has been slow to catch on in Portugal, but Porto is seeing a surge of craft breweries and dedicated craft beer bars opening in the city. Read our Porto Craft Beer blog post for our tips on the best places to find craft beer in the city!
Best Porto Food Markets
Porto food markets are a great place to get a feel for the local cuisine. There are several food markets in Porto where visitors can get a glimpse of the regional products for sale. Some Porto markets have dedicated food courts, featuring kiosk restaurants that dish out local and international food.
Bolhao Food Market Porto
MAP. Dating to the late 1800s, Bolhao Market in Porto is the largest market in the city. Filled with fresh produce, fish and snack stalls, the market has long served as a central meeting point for the people of Porto for years.
Bolhao Market is a great option for lunch in Porto, and the current building (built in 1914) has just reopened after an extensive renovation.
Pro Tip: The Bolhao Food Market is one of the stops on our Porto self-guided tour. Find the complete route to more than 25 attractions on our Porto Walking Tour!
Bom Sucesso Market
MAP. The Bom Sucesso Market has a long history in Porto, and has recently been revitalized into a Concept Market. In addition to the Fresh Market, where local produce is sold, there are 44 stall restaurants and numerous locally owned shops, too.
The Bom Successo space is also used for music performances (like Fado on Sunday nights) and workshops.
Mercado Beira Rio
MAP. Located along the riverfront in Gaia, Mercado Beira Rio (or Mercado Municipal de Gaia) is an excellent place to get a taste of Porto food. The renovated market features restaurant stalls of some of the best Porto restaurants – as well as a small produce market.
A perfect place to gather with friends and sample various famous Portuguese cuisine, this Porto food hall also has live music performances and a Super Bock self-serve beer station!
MAP: Where To Eat In Porto, Portugal
Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive Porto map that will help you eat your way through Porto! 
Porto Food Tour
Using our recommendations and provided map, it is easy to create your own Self-Guided Porto Food Tour. However, visitors who want a guide to lead the way into Porto gastronomy should join one of the top-rated food tours in Porto, Portugal.
Secret Food Tour Porto
Let a guide lead the way through the atmosphereic streets on a Secret Food Tour Porto, Portugal that will delight the taste buds. Try local specialties – including a taste of regional beer, wine and port. Reserve your spot!
Porto Food and Wine Tour
This 3-hour walking food tour provides an introduction to the best food in Porto. Learn about the history of Porto food while sampling the local delicacies and sipping regional wine. Book it now!
Planning a Trip to Porto
Looking for more things to do in Porto besides just eating? We highlight the best way to spend your vacation in our Porto Travel Guide blog post: A Perfect Porto Itinerary! In addition to sharing day-by-day details for planning a trip to Porto, we also share advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.
Additionally, travelers arriving from overseas can use our helpful tips for Planning a European Vacation.
As you begin researching plans and making reservations, staying organized is key! We recommend using a travel planner – like our Travel Planning Printables – to stay on top of all the details of your trip!
A Summary of our Porto Foodie Guide
We have shared heaps of tips on the best food and drink in Porto – including what and where to eat. This quick-reference, summary list of Best Places to Eat Porto will help you quickly find the best of the best!
Porto Famous Food Cachorrinhos Hot Dog | Where to Eat: Gazela Cachorrinhos a Batalha
Porto Food Francesinha | Best Restaurant in Porto for Francesinh: O Afonso
Bacalhau com Natas | Best Bacalhau in Porto: Bacalhau do Porto at Mercado Beira-Rio
Bifana | Best Restaurants Porto Bifana: Conga and Taxca
Pernil com Queijo | Must Eat in Porto Restaurant: Casa Guedes
Prego no Pao | Porto Famous Sandwich Restaurant: Venham Mais 5
Piri Piri Chicken Porto | Best Piri Piri Chicken in Porto: Pedro dos Frangos
Alheira Porto, Portugal Food | Eat Alheira at Venham Mais 5 and Petiscos Restaurants
Porto Petiscos | Best Restaurants Porto: Taxca, Drogaria Bar, Gourmet da Emilia
Caldo Verde Soup | Best Portuguese Restaurant Porto Caldo Verde: Lareira
Best Street Food Porto | Bakeries and Bars offer Best Cheap Eats Porto
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
We Want To Know: What is your favorite Porto food? Do you have any recommendations for where to eat in Porto? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments!
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