Porto gastronomic tour.
Welcome to a culinary journey through Porto, Portugal's vibrant city known for its rich gastronomic heritage! This guide is your gateway to some of the best dining experiences Porto has to offer. Let me take you through some traditional Portuguese dishes, innovative takes on classic meals, and the finest seafood, all while exploring the city's renowned sandwich culture and barbecue specialties. But that's not all - to complement your meal, I've put together a list of Porto's top wine bars where you can savor exquisite Portuguese wines. Let's embark on this flavorful adventure!
Important note: Some of the recommendations are repeated, as they fit multiple categories!
Traditional Portuguese Dishes:
For Bifanas and Caldo Verde: Visit "Astro" or "Conga" to savor Porto's traditional "Bifanas" and "Caldo Verde" soup.
Pernil: Enjoy this local specialty at "Restaurant Antunes".
Regional Portuguese Cuisine: Check out "Manel's Kitchen" or "Martinho's Kitchen" for hearty local dishes.
Ham and Egg Sandwich: Try the ham sandwich with a fried egg at tavern "A Badalhoca", accompanied by typical house wine.
Classic Portuguese Cooking: Finish your culinary tour at "Restaurant Caetano" for great Portuguese cuisine.
Sandes de Pernil: For a renowned pork sandwich, visit "Casa Guedes" which is known for its excellent "sandes de pernil".
Historic Charm and Local Flavors: Enjoy traditional Portuguese food in a historic setting at "Cozinha do Manel", a family-run spot known for its meat and fish dishes.
Sandwiches and Street Food:
Roast Beef Sandwich: Enjoy a classic at "Casa Guedes" with their roast beef sandwich topped with mountain cheese.
Porto's Hot Dogs: Head to "Gazela" for their unique "cachorrinhos".
Francesinha Experience: Dive into Porto's iconic "Francesinha" at "Santiago" or "Afonso". Yuko Tavern is where I go, for a more authentich and local experience.
Preguinhos: For very tender steak sandwiches, "Venham mais 5" is the place to go.
Traditional Eatery: Experience local flavors at "O Buraco".
Seafood:
Fresh Fish in Matosinhos: A typical recommendation is "Tito 2" for some of the freshest fish around. I personally enjoy O Tubarão or even Mar'Co.
Seafood in Afurada: Cross to the Gaia side to "Taberna de São Pedro" in Afurada for an authentic seafood experience.
Seafood by the Sea: In Matosinhos, "Os Lusiadas" is famous for its fresh, straight-off-the-boat seafood.
Regional Specialties:
Northern Portuguese Specialties: Travel outside Porto to "Má Fama" for a taste of the region's best codfish, octopus, chouriço, and cheese.
Barbecue and Piri Piri Chicken: For roast chicken with piri piri sauce, go to "Churrasqueira Portuguesa do Amial" - this one is close to where my parents live and I've been going there all my life! Another great recommendation is "Pedro dos Frangos".
Fine Dining and Contemporary:
Fine Dining with a View: Experience Michelin-starred dining at "The Yeatman" in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering exquisite Portuguese cuisine with stunning views of Porto.
Another great option (and for me, the best Michelin Gastronomic Experience in the north of the Country) is "Casa de Chá da Boa Nova", by the ocean and the Leça lighthouse in Matosinhos.
Creative Portuguese Cuisine: For a modern take on Portuguese classics, "Cantinho do Avillez" by Chef José Avillez is a must-visit for inventive dishes.
Tapas and Petiscos:
Petiscos: For a taste of Portuguese tapas, visit "Chico dos Presuntos".
Regional Cuisine: "Rito" offers a selection of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Wine Bars in Porto:
Wine Quay Bar: Situated along the picturesque Ribeira district, this bar offers a variety of Portuguese wines by the glass with unbeatable river views.
Prova: Known for its focus on natural wines from local small-scale producers, Prova provides an intimate experience with a knowledgeable staff eager to share their passion.
A Cave Do Bon Vivant: This wine bar, founded by a Frenchman, offers an extensive selection of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines accompanied by seasonal snacks.
Bacchus vini: A cozy spot near the iconic Dom Luis bridge, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine with a rustic interior or on a riverside terrace.
The Wine Box: My favorite. Located steps from the Douro River, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a diverse selection of Portuguese and international wines.
These lists provide a comprehensive guide to dining and wine tasting in Porto, capturing both the traditional and modern culinary scenes of the city.