Note: this guide to Porto contains affiliate links. I was also invited on a press trip with Jet2Holidays to review their flights and hotel in Porto. This is not a paid post and all opinions are my own. Thank you for the support!
If there’s one thing Porto does exceptionally well, it’s food. From traditional Portuguese dishes to modern small plates and epic cocktails, the city’s dining scene is just as memorable as its viewpoints and architecture.
During my 4 day trip to Porto, I spent a lot of time eating and sipping. Whether you’re after local classics, food markets, or somewhere to sip a Porto Tonico by the river, these are the best places to eat and drink in Porto.
Time Out Market Porto
If you want a quick introduction to the best food in Porto, this is the place to start. Time Out Market brings together some of the city’s top chefs and restaurants under one roof, making it ideal if you’re travelling in a group or simply can’t decide what to eat.
Expect everything from elevated Portuguese dishes to more casual bites, with a strong focus on quality. I headed straight for chef Rui Paula’s stand (of Casa de Chá da Boa Nova fame), where we shared a selection of small plates. The garlic prawns were rich and messy in the best way, and the Francesinha – Porto’s famous sandwich – lived up to the hype.
It’s busy, buzzy and a great first stop in the city.
Manteigaria (for pastel de nata)
Ask a local (or two), and they’ll likely point you to Manteigaria for the best pastel de nata in Porto. After trying them myself, I’d have to agree.
Served warm with a DIY dusting of cinnamon, they’re simple but ridiculously good – and at around €1.50 each, it’s hard to stop at one. The location near Mercado do Bolhão is particularly worth visiting, with an in-house bar and a glass-fronted kitchen where you can watch them being made.
I also picked up some surprisingly chic souvenirs here (pastel de nata socks, obviously). If you want to compare, Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata is another name that comes up often.
Rua da Picaria (for variety)
Rua da Picaria is one of the best streets in Porto for food, especially if you want variety in one place. It’s packed with independent restaurants with menus from around the world.
I ended up here more than once. Ramen Me! was a fun, laid-back option with a great playlist and even better noodles, while Muti delivered excellent Italian plates – the Spaghetti alla Nerano was a standout.
Other spots worth noting include Mirone – Cachorrinhos da Baixa for quick bites, Grouttu Porto for something more contemporary, and Candelabro, a cosy second bookshop café / wine bar.
Conga (for a traditional bifana)
For something properly local, head to Conga and order a bifana. This traditional Portuguese sandwich is made with thin slices of marinated pork, served in a soft roll and dripping in spicy sauce.
It’s not fancy – the setting is more canteen than restaurant – but that’s part of the charm. The bifana is a staple of Portuguese street food, and this is one of the most well-known places to try it.
Mercado do Bolhão
No Porto food guide would be complete without mentioning Mercado do Bolhão. Recently restored but still rooted in tradition, it’s one of the best food markets in Porto for experiencing local produce.
You can wander between stalls picking up cheeses, cured meats and pastries, or simply grab a glass of wine (served in proper glassware!) and soak up the atmosphere. It’s also a great place to learn about regional ingredients – especially if you visit as part of a food tour.
I visited with Do Eat Better Tours, which gave helpful context around the market’s history and Porto’s food culture.
Encaixados (for Portuguese small plates)
Encaixados is one of those places you’d happily return to. Tucked away on Rua do Conde de Vizela, it’s cosy, welcoming and centred around sharing plates.
We ordered a mix of dishes including piri-piri chicken, prawns, sardines and breaded green beans. The mushrooms cooked in Porto wine were a highlight, especially alongside truffle mash. Even the desserts impressed – we should know as we ordered all three to share.
Porto’s cocktail scene
Porto might be known for wine, but its cocktail scene is quietly impressive.
Apotecario Speakeasy is one of the most memorable. Hidden behind an apothecary-style entrance, it’s an intimate space where drinks are built around seasonal ingredients and creative techniques. You won’t find classic menus here – instead, you order based on flavour profiles and preferences.
You can also try The Royal Cocktail Club, regularly ranked among the world’s best bars with a menu inspired by the elements.
Rua das Flores (for brunch and dining)
Rua das Flores is another standout street for eating in Porto, particularly for brunch and relaxed meals.
Floresta Cafe by Hungry Biker is perfect for a slower start to the day – good coffee, generous portions and a cosy atmosphere. I ended up here with a hot chocolate and a book after a late morning shopping in the nearby boutiques.
For lunch or dinner, Cantina 32 offers a more refined take on Portuguese dining, with a stylish interior and a menu built for sharing. Nearby, Vinte Vinte Café Flores and Botânico Restaurante & Bar are also worth a look.
Drinks by the Douro River
One of the simplest (and best) things to do in Porto is grab a drink by the river. Along Ribeira and across in Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll find plenty of bars with outdoor seating and views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Order a Porto Tonico (the new way to drink tonic) or Sangria made with local port and watch the light change over the city. Ribeira Square bars and Gaia riverside bars are perfect for catching up in the sun.
Cálem Cellar (for port tasting)
To properly understand Porto’s most famous export, head across the river to Cálem Cellar Port House.
Here you can tour the cellars, learn about the history of port production and, most importantly, taste it. The experience is relaxed but informative, and pairing the wines with cheese or chocolate makes it even better.
You can book a tour of the museum and Port tasting here, or add on a chocolate and cheese tasting to your experience.
McDonald’s Imperial (yes, seriously!)
Unless you’re in the need for a late-night/early hours Big Mac, there’s no pressure to actually eat here. But McDonald’s Imperial Porto is worth stepping inside.
Housed in a former 1930s café, it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, with Art Deco interiors that feel far removed from your average fast-food spot.
From bustling food markets to hidden cocktail bars and traditional Portuguese dishes, Porto’s food scene is as varied as it is memorable.
Don’t miss my full Porto itinerary, where I cover what to see, where to stay and how to make the most of your time in the city.
FAQs
What are the best places to eat in Porto?
Some of the best places to eat in Porto include Time Out Market for variety, Manteigaria for pastel de nata, Conga for a traditional bifana, and Encaixados for Portuguese small plates. Streets like Rua das Flores and Rua da Picaria are also packed with great restaurants.
What is the best food to try in Porto?
Don’t miss the Francesinha (a rich layered sandwich), bifana pork rolls, pastel de nata, and fresh seafood. Porto is also known for its port wine, often served with cheese or chocolate.
What are the best food markets in Porto?
Time Out Market is ideal for trying dishes from top chefs in one place, while Mercado do Bolhão offers a more traditional experience with local produce, pastries and wine.
Where can you get the best pastel de nata in Porto?
Manteigaria is widely considered one of the best spots, serving warm tarts with cinnamon. Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata is another popular option.
Where should you go for port tasting in Porto?
Head to Vila Nova de Gaia, where most of the port cellars are located. Cálem Cellar is a great choice for guided tastings and learning about production.
Does Porto have good cocktail bars?
Yes — Porto’s cocktail scene is growing fast. Apotecario Speakeasy offers creative, seasonal drinks, while The Royal Cocktail Club is one of the city’s most well-known bars.
