Porto Restaurants

The people of Porto eat mostly traditional Portuguese fare. The cuisine is extremely authentic and can be found in restaurants everywhere. There are a large number of high-quality eateries located throughout the city as well as many riverside cafés which are great to visit, for sitting and watching the world go by.

Local cuisine

Tripas à moda do Porto is a local dish consisting of tripe with beans and sausages. Tripe is traditionally eaten, as it is said that in the 15th century, the people of Porto gave all of their meat to the armies who went off to conquer Ceuta.  Only tripe was left for the city folk to eat, and it has been a popular dish ever since.

Caldo verde is a potato and cabbage soup that is impossible to avoid, as it is found everywhere. It is a delicious way to begin a meal or a lunchtime snack, as it is full of flavour and incredibly good value for money. Bacalhau à gomes de sá is salt cod baked with potatoes, another delicacy of the region. Cabrito asado is roast lamb and was traditionally served during royal feasts.

Porto's infamous desserts include pão de ló, a sponge cake; biscoito da Teixeira, a type of biscuit and papos de Anjo (Angel’s chins), sponge desserts which are covered in syrup. Many desserts have a religious connection such as being related to a particular holy day.

Where to eat

The Barredo quarter is home to a whole host of excellent restaurants, pizzerias and local cafés serving numerous delights. You will be able to experience traditional cuisine here, with many restaurants looking out onto the stunning little lanes and alleyways that make up the wonderful Old Town.

Rua de Santa Catarina and its surrounding streets, is one of the central areas in Porto. You will find many restaurants here serving food from around the world. Once you have eaten, you may want to sample one or two of the trendy bars. There are also the usual fast food chains here, which are very popular with children.