Over the years, Portugal has transformed. It’s as if the country had been rediscovered. In the first seven months of 2022 alone, Portugal received more than 14.2 million foreign tourists. And just like Lisbon, Porto is on the boil. Dozens of hotels were opened and restaurants opened. So, if you want to know where to eat in Porto, you’re in the right post! We made a selection of 12 bars and restaurants approved by YMG!, divided by regions. They certainly deserve to be on your list.
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Where to eat in Porto
Downtown Porto – Center
The Brazilian
Open since 1903, it is one of the most iconic cafes in Porto and naturally super touristy. It was there that they sold coffee by weight, from special batches imported from Brazil, as well as being a meeting point for artists, politicians, writers and journalists of the time. Located inside the Pestana hotel, in a historic building, finally, it’s worth having a hot drink, a draft beer or even an out-of-hours snack. Certainly an excellent suggestion for where to eat in Porto!
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End: R. do Bonjardim 116
The Butter Shop
Original Lisbon bakery in the center of Porto that is a success! In other words, for 1 euro you can probably eat the best pastel de nata in the city. In addition, there are two units: one inside Café da Delta and another near the clergy.
End: R. by Alexandre Braga 24
The monument
Michelin-starred restaurant at Le Monumental Palace, led by French chef Julien Montbabut. With an elegant atmosphere and good space between tables, the chef uses all his know how French to enhance Portuguese delights. In addition, there is a simple à la carte menu and also some tasting menu options, paired or not.
End: Av. dos Aliados 151
The Royal Cocktail Club
Charming drinks bar, with contemporary decor and an all-marble counter. Furthermore, it has an intimate atmosphere and excellent cocktails.
End: Rua da Fábrica 105
Where to eat in Porto
Vogue Café
Restaurant at Infante Sagres, one of the first luxury hotels in Portugal. An elegant space, with outdoor tables. Furthermore, present in Dubai, Moscow and Bangkok, Vogue Café in Porto is the only one on the Iberian Peninsula. Meanwhile, the menu features a fusion of Portuguese and international cuisine, approved by the renowned publisher Condé Nast. In addition, it also has a beautiful bar and a shop.
End: R. of Reviews 10
Mouth
Habitat – Earth from Fogo
Great option for those looking for well-prepared salads and sandwiches. In the Foz neighborhood, in an old two-story house, Habitat is famous for its brunch, has a cozy atmosphere as well as a beautiful view of the Douro River and tables on the sidewalk during the summer. On the menu, which offers focaccias as well as tapas, meat and seafood are also present. Meanwhile, in the drinks section, wines, signature drinks and assorted juices.
End: R. do Passeio Alegre nº 350
Ichiban
How about trying a Japanese restaurant for a change of Portuguese cuisine? Ichiban is considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in Porto, led by chef Masaki Onichi. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the decor is casual, while the fish comes out very fresh from the counter.
End: Off. do Brazil 454
Matosinhos
Boa Nova Tea House
Certainly one of the best restaurants in Porto when it comes to haute cuisine. Next to the Leça Lighthouse, in the parish of Matosinhos, is a stunning house designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. In fact, the view is stunning and the food is exceptional! In addition, it has a tasting menu or à la carte dishes. In other words, set aside a few hours of your day to enjoy this unique experience in Porto, led by renowned chef Rui Paula. In other words, one of the few restaurants with two Michelin stars in the city, which features signature food focused on seafood.
End: Off. Liberation 1681
O Gaveto
Founded in 1984, the seafood restaurant offers traditional food from Porto and the North of Portugal. In other words, you can expect fresh seafood and sensational wet rice. The seafood one, by the way, is spectacular. Recently renovated, the environment is comfortable while the service is super friendly! Certainly a great tip on where to eat in Porto!
End: R. Roberto Ivens 826
The Lusíadas
Another traditional restaurant in Matosinhos, now in the third generation of the family. Refined, the house’s specialty is a variety of seafood and very fresh fish. Meanwhile, with exceptional service, it has a decor inspired by the book Os Lusíadas and a spacious atmosphere, with a seafood showcase. In addition, the restaurant also has a consistent wine list.
End: Rua de Tomaz Ribeiro 257
Riverside
Cider
For a change from Portuguese food, this is a very nice Spanish gastrobar in the Ribeira area. Therefore, on the menu, created by chef Iñaki López de Viñaspre, authentic Basque food with a variety of tapas, fresh fish and vegetables that come straight from the garden.
End: R. de São João 54
Tavern of the Merchants
A very well hidden secret that is worth uncovering. Traditional and family restaurant, with just eight tables. Therefore, reservations are essential! With excellent Portuguese cuisine, especially from the center and north of the country, the atmosphere is welcoming while the food is sensational.
End: R. dos Mercadores 36
Where to stay in Porto
- Infante Sagres: founded in 1951 and with five stars, the hotel was one of the first luxury hotels in Portugal and carries the Small Luxury Hotels seal. There are 85 rooms and suites divided into eight categories. Vogue Café is open for lunch and dinner. Finally, the hotel also has a pleasant outdoor space, with sun loungers and a small swimming pool.
- Pestana Palácio do Freixo: a real palace built in 1742 transformed into a luxury hotel belonging to the Pestana group and with the Leading Hotels of the World seal, an association that represents more than 300 luxury hotels around the world. Finally, it’s worth trying the restaurant, bar or spa, with phenomenal views of the Douro River.
- Maison Albar Le Monumental: the hotel, which bears The Leading Hotels of the World seal, is located in a 1925 building, which underwent a 30 million euro renovation before opening at the end of 2018. The traditional café de 1930 gives its name to this magnificent hotel, complete with a spa as well as a gastronomic restaurant, led by the star French chef Julien Montbabut.
- The Yeatman: located in the historic area of the city, where the oldest Port wine cellars are located, the hotel is on a beautiful hill, with stunning views of Porto. Furthermore, it has the seal Castles Relaythere are 109 rooms and suites decorated with items from a Portuguese winery (and named after that winery) and all have panoramic views of the city.
- Vila Foz: With the Design Hotels seal, Vila Foz is located in the homonymous and residential neighborhood in Porto, in front of the beach. In a true mansion, with modernized and welcoming environments. Furthermore, the restaurant is starred and signed by chef Arnaldo Azevedo.
The journalist traveled connected with the Omeuchip chip and insured by GTA.
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
