What to Eat in Porto: The Ultimate Food & Drink Guide
Porto, Portugal, is rich in culture, architecture, and history. In addition to the many visual delights, the city’s gastronomic scene is equally impressive and enticing.
From savory meats and tender seafood to irresistible desserts and drinks, Porto really is a foodie paradise. If Portugal is on your European itinerary, read on to discover what to eat (and drink) in Porto.
Pastel de Nata
Fábrica da Nata - Lisbon, Portugal
Whether you visit Porto, Lisbon, or venture south to the Algarve, an absolute must-try for your journey through Portugal is pastel de nata. These baked custard tarts are sold in bakeries on every corner in major cities as well as in supermarkets and coffee shops. Try them when they are warm, right out of the oven!
The history of pastel de nata dates back to the 18th century, when monks created it to use up leftover egg yolks. If you are wondering if these rich treats are better for breakfast or dessert, the answer is yes and yes! It is totally acceptable to enjoy a tart whenever your heart desires. For a delicious pastel de nata (or three) in Porto and Lisbon, visit Fábrica da Nata.
A Jesuíta (bottom) and Galette (top), Pasteleria e Confeitaria Moura
You may like to try one of the other delicious creations from Portuguese bakeries, such as the Jesuíta, which originated from Santo Tirso in Northern Portugal. This is a flaky puff pastry filled with sweet egg yolk cream and topped with cinnamon-sugar glaze.
The Galette is another flaky pastry featuring thin layers of dough folded or rolled into a spiral, then filled with a smooth egg-and-sugar cream. An authentic institution in Porto serving both is the beloved Pastelaria e Confeitaria Moura.
Bacalhau
Mercado do Bolhão - Porto, Portugal
Perhaps as famous as the pastel de nata is Portuguese salted cod, or bacalhau. Interestingly, bacalhau is not sourced from Portuguese waters but actually from the North Atlantic Ocean. The history of dried cod dates back to the Vikings, and Portuguese bacalhau dates back to the 14th century, when the Portuguese Navy discovered that salted cod is a safe, reliable staple for international voyages.
Today, Portugal consumes 20% of the world’s salted cod, and you will find hundreds of variations here, from fried cod fritters to baked bacalhau with olives, onions, and potatoes. To taste a variety of Porto’s cuisine, including Bacalhau, book a fabulous foodie tour through Taste Porto.
Grilled Seafood
In addition to cod, you’ll find many other delicious seafood options in Portugal, including octopus, canned sardines, turbot, and more.
For the freshest catch in Porto, take a short taxi or bus to the seaside town of Matosinhos. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches and local restaurants that grill freshly caught seafood steps from your table. Watching the grill is definitely part of the experience!
I had the delight of eating at Restaurante O Valentim twice during my trip and indulged in their exceptional turbot.
Bifana
Sol e Sombra Bifanas - Porto, Portugal
Pork is a common ingredient in Portuguese cuisine, and some of the best uses are in sandwiches. A local street-food staple found across the country is the bifana. This savory sandwich is made with slow-roasted pork simmered in spices, then served on a crusty roll.
In Porto, you’ll find the best bifana at Sol e Sombra Bifanas. Whether a bifana is served with or without mustard is debatable by region, but everyone agrees that nothing complements it better than a cold Super Bock beer.
Take on the Francesinha
Francesinha and Super Bock, Café Santiago - photo credit: Jakub Martin
In Porto, the francesinha is famous as well, but it is not for those looking for a light meal. This hefty sandwich is made with toasted bread, layers of meat & cheese, then drenched in a tomato-and-beer sauce. To finish, it is topped with an egg and served with French fries.
A local place to have a tasty Francesinha in Porto is Café Santiago. And yes, this sandwich pairs beautifully with a Super Bock beer also. Good thing you’ll be burning off all those calories on those famous Portuguese steps!
Taste Portuguese Cheese
Queijeira de Praca, Porto
A lesser-known but fantastic food category in Porto is cheese. From creamy goat cheeses to bold cow cheeses, these gems are highly underrated. You’ll find a good variety at local markets, including the famous Mercado do Bolhão, but for a truly artisanal experience, schedule a wine-and-cheese tasting at Queijeira de Praca in Porto. The owner, Diana, is an exceptional cheese expert and provides a lovely, delicious experience.
Taste Portuguese Wine
Port tasting flight, Porto Ferreira
Portugal has a multitude of fantastic wines. The perfect option to have on a warm day is vinho verde, a young effervescent wine from Northern Portugal. Most commonly, vinho verde is served as a white wine, but it can also be in rosé and red varieties. There are ample opportunities to order fantastic wines at Porto’s restaurants for 2-4€ per glass. Pair them with local cheese and savory Presunto (Portuguese prosciutto) for the most authentic experience.
During your time in Porto, be sure to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and indulge in a port tasting in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. Port is Porto’s famous fortified wine, made from grapes sourced from the nearby Douro Valley. If it’s not made here, it’s not port. You’ll find numerous port producers in Vila Nova de Gaia, including major names such as Graham’s and Taylor’s.
For my tasting, I chose to tour Ferreira, Porto’s only port producer that has consistently remained Portuguese-owned. Ferreira’s tour was interesting and educational, and I really enjoyed the port tasting flight at the end.
For a deeper dive into the wine scene, venture to the beautiful Douro Valley. You can rent a car and drive to the Douro Valley from Porto in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, book a Douro River cruise, like this one, departing from Porto to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the area’s world-class wine.
The Douro Valley, Portugal
Enjoy your Portuguese adventure. Saúde!
Slicing presunto at a traditional Portuguese lunch- Porto, Portugal
Looking for a guide to Porto? Read here to discover how to explore this beautiful city!
Published: August 25, 2024 - Updated June 19, 2026
