When talking about Porto, it is inevitable to mention francesinhas and tripas à moda do Porto, but there are many other specialities you have to try.
There are many that you can try, but we leave you with the seven restaurants in the centre of Invicta (“Invincible”) that are essential stops, either for lunch or dinner.
There are hundreds of recipes for francesinhas but, for us, none like the one at Café Santiago. Considered the city’s most famous restaurant when it comes to this delicacy, thousands of people go to Café Santiago every day to try the typical francesinhas. So much so that there are now three of them: the original Café Santiago, the Santiago F and the Santiago da Praça, all located in the centre of the Invicta city and only a few metres apart.
Café Santiago
“At Café Santiago there are no bosses. There is family, which is key for everything to happen. Demanding people, with a big heart and a tireless dedication to work”. This is how the team responsible for the restaurant “reveals” the secret of the business on its official website.
Despite preparing other dishes, Café Santiago is known among the people of Porto and visited by tourists for its francesinhas.
Cervejaria Brasão
When you reach Rua Ramalho Ortigão, the first street on the right for those going down Avenida dos Aliados, you will find Cervejaria Brasão, a top restaurant for those looking for a good francesinha.
The menu offers various types of francesinhas and, apart from this delicacy, the steaks and some types of seafood are also good options. Regarding drinks, the name of the restaurant leaves no doubt: try a beer, there are national and foreign beers. The success of Brasão is reflected in the four restaurants open in the centre of Porto and one in the neighbouring city of Gaia.
Adega São Nicolau
As Porto’s gastronomic culture is not only made of francesinhas, at Adega São Nicolau you can taste the famous codfish fritters, which are served hot. The restaurant with typical Portuguese dishes is also very popular for its octopus fried fillets and rice, the sardine “chops” and bean rice or the stewed oxtail.
Located right in the Ribeira, the restaurant excels in traditional Portuguese dishes, introducing everyone to part of our country’s gastronomy. The terrace, although small, has a view over the Douro River. As it is also one of the most sought-after restaurants, we advise you to book a table.
Restaurante Pombeiro
“Eat well and homemade is in Pombeiro”. This is the motto of one of the most iconic restaurants in Porto for those seeking to taste the famous Tripas à moda do Porto.
The recipe is kept secret, but the truth is that this house speciality has already won several gastronomic awards.
As it is a restaurant dedicated to traditional Portuguese food, you can also find other typical dishes such as the various types of alheiras (sausages) or the Açorda de morcela (black pudding) with rapini and egg, for example.
Tapabento
Known for its local and daily products, the Tapabento team has a menu with various options for those who just want a snack, but also for those who prefer a long meal surrounded by family and friends.
In this restaurant, whose motto is “being a welcoming house, with good and fun people”, you can choose dishes from fish to meat, seafood or salads.
Tapabento, which welcomes every day not only people from Porto, but also many tourists, is located right next to São Bento train station.
Casa Guedes
There is not a person from Porto who does not know them, and with time it seems that tourists can no longer resist them either. We are talking about the best ham sandwiches ever, and we assure you we know that for a fact. With four restaurants open (two of them located in the same street), Casa Guedes has a menu with various sandwiches options, but we advise you to start by trying the original. Although this is their speciality, the restaurant has other dishes and cocktails for a pleasant evening or night out.
Cervejaria Gazela
At Cervejaria Gazela you will find more people from Porto than tourists (although it is increasingly sought-after by everyone). Here, for a very reasonable price, you can try the famous “cachorrinho” (hot dog), which is different from all the ones you have had until now.
A restaurant more for snacks and quick meals, but well worth a try.
After following our gastronomic tips, another thing you will not want to miss is the opening of the Wine & Books Porto, which is about to open, along with its various bars and restaurants.
Until then, go to the established and acclaimed Wine & Books Lisboa and enjoy lunch or dinner at its trendy restaurant.
For more information and reservations, contact us at:
winebookshotels.com
+351 211 566 250
bookings@lisboa.wbh.pt
