Once a key Roman settlement and later a powerhouse of maritime trade, Porto has played a big role in the global wine trade as well as Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends grand Baroque churches with medieval architecture beautifully. It’s a charming city that’s been shaped by seafaring, resilience, and centuries of cultural exchange. While there’s a lot of things to see in Porto, many people are often left wondering where to eat in Porto as a first time visitor.
Recently, Porto has evolved into one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe. Traditional dishes are being pushed to their limits thanks to a new wave of creative chefs, making Porto’s food scene one that blends authenticity with innovation. From humble tascas serving comfort food to fine-dining establishments and modern brunch spots, dining in Porto has quickly become an essential part of experiencing the city in its entirety.
When’s the best time to visit Porto?
The great thing about visiting Porto is that it’s the perfect destination throughout the year. The best time to visit Porto depends on the experience you’re looking. Late spring and early autumn is when you’ll find warm temperatures and fewer crowds, which is why the shoulder seasons are ideal for exploring the city on foot.
Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Porto, but you’ll also have higher temperatures and a lot more people throughout the city – especially its historic centre. If you plan to visit Porto in the winter, the weather is milder compared to much of Europe, though it’s more likely to rain than during other times of the year. Travellers who prioritize food may want to visit outside of the summer season to have better access to the attractions and restaurants.
Where to eat in Porto
Casa Guedes
What started out as a modest tasca where locals would grab a quick bite to eat has grown into a favourite in the city for visitors too. Casa Guedes is famous for their legendary pork sandwiches as well as other traditional Portuguese dishes such as the Francesinha sandwich and Cachorrinho. You can find Casa Guedes located just a short walk from Rua Santa Catarina, and it still retains much of its traditional charm which is great.
The service here is very quick, but you should be prepared for a small queue during lunch hours. However, you won’t have long to wait as they have both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Natas D’Ouro
The classic Portuguese pastel de nata is more associated with Lisbon, however, you can still find some fantastic places to order them in Porto too. Natas D’Ouro have several locations around the city, and their charming downtown location, in the heart of the Baixa district, is a must-visit. If you have a sweet craving and you’re wondering where to eat in Porto, this is the place.
Natas D’Ouro offer both traditional and inventive flavours of pastel de nata such as chocolate, lemon, and Port wine variations. I’d recommend ordering a small box of different flavours to either take on the go or bring back home to snack on. This is one of the most iconic desserts in Portugal, so even though you’re not visiting Lisbon you need to try at least one.
Time Out Market Porto
Located within the famous historic São Bento railway station is Time Out Market Porto. This is one of the city’s most exciting modern dining destinations, and it shouldn’t be left off your list of where to eat in Porto. Inside this vibrant food hall you’ll find a collection of some of Porto’s best bars, restaurants, and chefs – all under one roof. Everything from Portuguese dishes to global cuisine like sushi and gourmet burgers are available to try. It’s the perfect foodie destination for travellers wanting to explore different flavours without committing to a single sit-down meal.
Comum
Not sure where to eat in Porto for breakfast? Comum is a good option if you want simple food and specialty coffee at affordable prices. This cozy cafe is a favourite among locals due to its relaxed vibe and small but thoughtful menu. Whether you’re a casual lunch goer or a brunch lover, Comum’s seasonally-focused menu will have you wanting to return time and time again. I tried the Turkish Eggs and they didn’t disappoint, but the prawn sandwich could have been better.
If you’re simply looking for a nice coffee spot in Porto, Comum’s focus on high-quality coffee has made it a go-to casual spot throughout the year.
Apego Restaurante
One of my favourite places to eat in Porto is Apego Restaurante. It’s a fine dining restaurant that gives you an elevated dining experience without the Michelin Star prices – though it does continuously appear in the Michelin Guide. Apego Restaurant has quickly earned praise for its refined, modern dishes that use seasonal ingredients, as well as its wine pairings featuring Portuguese labels.
They have two options for set menus at different prices, depending on the number of courses. Both menus are definitely worth the price though, and it’d be hard to find a better money-for-value fine dining set menu in Porto. If you’re wondering where to eat in Porto for a special occasion or to treat yourself, Apego Restaurante is one to try.
Cookie Club
Traditional Portuguese desserts may take all of the limelight, but nothing quite beats a freshly baked cookie. One of the best places to grab a cookie on the go in Porto is at Cookie Club. Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip cookie or something more unique, their menu has a great selection of indulgent bites that pair perfectly with a hot drink from a nearby cafe – especially if you’re visiting Porto in the winter. The cookies are a little on the pricey side, but that doesn’t take away from the quality and flavour.
Mercado do Bolhão
An iconic and must-visit spot in Porto is Mercado do Bolhão. Even if you don’t eat anything at this historic food market, you should take some time to explore its stalls filled with fresh produce, meat, fish, and artisanal goods. This market has been in operation since the 19th century, and it’s been central to food culture in the city for generations. Today you’ll find food vendors on the main floor, with the upper level being home to a few restaurants where you can enjoy lunch with an elevated view.
You can always take a food tour if you can’t decide where to eat in Porto too. Chances are one of the stops will be Mercado do Bolhão.
Taxca
Just a short walk from the historic city centre’s core is Taxca – a lively eatery that perfectly blends traditional Portuguese flavours with a contemporary twist. This spot is very well known with the locals due to its budget-friendly prices and generous portions. If you’re unsure where to eat in Porto for good traditional food, Taxca offers a range of creative small plates that are perfect for sharing.
We stopped here as part of our food tour in Porto, and we were able to try a local wine paired with a Bifana – an iconic Portuguese pork sandwich served on a soft roll.
Boa Bao
For something a little different from Portuguese cuisine, head over to Boa Bao (located near Taxca). This unique restaurant in Porto brings the vibrancy of Southeast Asian flavours to Porto’s food scene. A popular choice on the menu are their freshly made bao buns, but I’d recommend ordering one of their noodles dishes (vegetarian options available) alongside some gyozas to share.
Boa Bao is a great choice for travellers looking for a menu that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and bold flavours. There’s plenty of seating available inside so you don’t necessarily need to book ahead, even in peak times.
Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker
Brunch spots are becoming more and more popular in Porto by the day. If I had to pick just one that should make your list of where to eat in Porto, it’s Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker. It sits in the very heart of the historic old town, not far from Torre dos Clerigos. The entire cafe has a relaxed vibe to it, and they have a big focus on fresh, quality ingredients.
Their French toast is delicious, made with a thick slice of brioche and topped with a mixture of fruits. Another dish I’d recommend trying is the breakfast sandwich which is sure to fill you up for the day. Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker is the perfect midday stop as you make your way around Porto.
Pedro dos Frangos
It may surprise you to learn that rotisserie chicken is one of the top-rated foods to try in Porto. You’ll find plenty of places selling rotisserie chicken around the city at affordable prices. Pedro dos Frangos is where we ended up based on reviews and it turned out to be a fantastic option. It was mostly locals dining here, but the menu is available in English too.
For under €10 per person you can order a whole rotisserie chicken, a large portion of fries, and two drinks. Pedro dos Frangos is easily one of the best places to eat in Porto on a budget, and you won’t find it overcrowded with tourists either.
Bango Sushi
Sushi isn’t the most affordable thing to eat while travelling, but it’s always nice to find a good sushi buffet that’s worth the money. Bango Sushi is located a short taxi ride from the historic centre of Porto, and their menu ranges from classic nigiris to inventive sashimi, sushi rolls, and side dishes. While this isn’t the best sushi I’ve ever had, for the price you really can’t complain. They use a tablet to place your order, so their menu is easy to navigate even though it isn’t in English.
Places to stay in Porto
If you’re the type of traveller that enjoys staying in apartments rather than hotels, Moov Apartments Boavista is the perfect fit. It’s located slightly outside the historic centre, but it’s very well connected by metro and bus. Even an Uber ride won’t cost you a lot. These modern apartments are ideal if you want a quieter place to base yourself from without sacrificing easy access to the main sights in Porto. We stayed here for four nights and had a great experience.
However, if you prefer to stay closer to the historic centre of Porto, you can still find accommodation that fits your budget. For example, The Central House Porto Ribeira is a nice budget-friendly hostel with private rooms available. If hotels are more your thing, Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel is an elegant choice with great customer reviews.
Is Porto a good foodie destination?
Hopefully this guide has given you a better indication of where to eat in Porto. It’s a fantastic foodie destination, especially for first-time visitors who want to experience a mixture of authentic flavours and modern dishes. Porto’s food scene is deeply rooted in its history, but it’s constantly evolving too. What really sets it apart are the high-quality, affordable meals you can find in quirky places, generous portions, and local pride that shines through every plate. The food in Porto is just one of the many reasons to visit the city, and it might just impress you more than a trip to Lisbon.
If you have any questions about where to eat in Porto or where the best location to stay is, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Remember to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll find more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to travel to next.
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