WHERE TO EAT IN PORTO - OUR SELECTION

WE KEPT IT SHORT

   
​  The following list is not about gourmet experiences. It is not about a search for the best food or the most authentic, nor about the cheapest prices or the most expensive meals. It's really not. There's also no partnership with us or commissions from their side. This is simply a list of places I enjoy having a meal in the company of friends or family. And these are the places I return to because, for some reason, I happen to like them :) 

1. ÁRVORE Restaurante

Overlooking Horto das Virtudes, the old arborium of Porto turned into a pleasant public garden, this restaurant is included in the Art School and Association called cooperativa Árvore. Therefore, more than good quality and relatively inexpensive food, you have the view and the opportunity to visit any of the temporary art exhibitions in one of the school's galleries, maybe even have a small glimpse of an ongoing paint or ceramics class...! 

link: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantearvore/

​2. YOURS GUESTHOUSE

 A few years ago, I was taken over by curiosity and entered this door in Rua dos Caldeireiros 135 (city historic centre). The narrow corridor led to me to a wonderful pateo on the back, where I just sat back and enjoyed my meal outside, away from all the street noise. Oh and... I couldn't get enough of that view over the rooftops and to Porto's cathedral...!! 
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If you want to know their daily menu beforehand, just pay a visit to facebook here. Simple traditional Portuguese cuisine (and fado shows, every now and then, at dinner time) 

​3. THE NEW FOOD COURTS

There are 3 great fairly recent and urban looking spaces for people who need a quick meal and want to eat traditional Portuguese food in small portions :) Two of them were old fresh produce markets now turned into modern food courts and both have kept this tiny area where you can still get your supply of fresh vegetables! The three of them also regularly have live music...!

Mercado do Bom Sucesso - Central Porto/Boavista area.

Tasty District, part of the District Offices building. This is located near the square of Batalha, in the historic center

Mercado Beira Rio - in Vila Nova de Gaia - across the river, next to the river cruises dock & the cable car ​

​4. THE BEERHOUSES

If you did your homework before your arrival in Porto, you certainly came across the infamous Francesinha. If you didn't, here's the chance to get acquainted :

One piece of advice: get it down with a large beer & never (ever!) eat one for dinner.

Here are 2 of the many many options in the historic centre of Porto (they don't serve only Francesinhas, of course - you'll also have steaks and some traditional Portuguese meals á la carte and some seafood options):

Cervejaria Brasão - there is one next to the Aliados avenue or you can visit the one near the music venue Coliseu.

Capa na Baixa - Next to the Rivoli Theather. You may want to check out the larger room in the back! 

​5. HOTEL ROOFTOPS and RESTAURANTS

Most hotels have affordable 'executive' menus for lunch and some of them have their restaurants located on the top floor. And that only means one thing: great views! Important that you book ahead because sometimes large events may 'occupy all of the restaurant.

Hotel D.Henrique, for instance, has its restaurant in the 17th floor and it has this amazing view over downtown Porto...!!

For 13 Euros (excluding drinks) you can get away with a great lunch at 33 Alameda, part of Vincci Porto  Hotel, in a building that was the fish warehouse of Massarelos, one minute away from the Douro river.

Hotel Premium Porto Downtown's restaurant also has a privileged location, near Batalha

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...to be continued....! :)