Cheap eats guide to Porto

Derived from centuries of trading with the world, family recipes passed on through centuries, a strong connection to the land and sea thanks to its unique position at the meeting point of the Douro and the Atlantic and also thanks to the city’s proud working class roots, the food of Porto is soulful, bold and hearty. Choosing where eat in Porto is a hard task. Portugal, and the North region in particular, are rich in gastronomy. 

If you are visiting Porto, checkout my guide to Porto in 40 pictures and 20 songs and also if you are heading to Lisbon, checkout the brand new Cheap Eats Guide to Lisbon and also my list of free things to do in Lisbon.

1. Cafe Santiago

Address: R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal

When in Porto you have to try Francesinha, the city’s most famous dish that consists of a sandwich filled with different types of meat, covered with melted cheese, an egg on top and a special sauce that goes very well with a cold beer. Cafe Santiago is the undisputed king of Porto’s most famous sandwich- the portion is generous, the meat is tender and the melted cheese blanket is pure comfort.

Tip: Cervejaria Brasão and ‘O Golfinho’ are equally worthy places to sample this dish.

2. O Rápido

Address: R. da Madeira 194, 4000-330 Porto, Portugal

If you are looking for authentic Portuguese comfort food, O Rápido right next to the São Bento train station is the place to go.  The restaurant is famous for 2 local dishes which are not for the faint hearted. First one is Tripa Enfarinhada aka ‘floured tripe’ , a Northern Portuguese delicacy which is basically pork intestines stuffed with corn flour, cumin, and pepper, then typically fried until crispy. Another famous Porto dishes to try here is Tripas à moda do Porto  (€14)  that consists of guts with beans and sauce, some meat and rice.

3.Tasquinha Zé Povinho

Address: Rua de Clemente Meneres nº36, 4050-201 Porto, Portugal

Another classic tasquinha of Porto, named after the creation of Portuguese artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro who created the everyday working man Zé Povinho, a simple country worker as a vehicle for mocking Portugal’s elite.

Despite all the changes in Porto and gentrification, Zé Povinho has stayed true to its working class roots and remains one of the best value places to eat in the city, where you will find everyday locals-doctors and nurses from the nearby hospital and tourists alike, packed in at lunch time. You will find on the menu well-cooked traditional dishes, comfort food at prices that make sense. At Tasquinha do Zé Povinho, you’ll spend around €6 for a mains, and additional €2.50 for bread and soup.

4. Adega Do Carregal

Address: Tv. do Carregal 102, 4050-173 Porto, Portugal

This gem is named after the road in which it is on and has been in operation for over 18 years, with the same ownership. They specialize in old traditional Portuguese cuisine while still maintaining a classy feel, as well as impeccable service.

5. Adega Rio Douro

Address: R. do Ouro 223, 4150-223 Porto, Portugal

Porto’s humble taverns aka Tascas also are a good place to seek an authentic flavour of the city. At ‘Adega Rio Douro’ enjoying excellent views of the river, you can enjoy petiscos, small bite sized snacks like Bifana, Samosas, Codfish fritters or Prego ( steak ) sandwiches from around €2-€3 plus enjoy their daily soups.

Caldo Verde

6. Casa Guedes

Address: Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal

If you are a fan of cheese, I recommend ‘Casa Guedes‘ for their sandwich of pulled pork and melting Serra Cheese ( downed with a glass of their own Rose Wine called Espadal )  They have as well a soup that’s traditional in Porto called ‘Papas de Serrabulho’ plus they serve an excellent Bolinhos de Bacalhau and Caldo Verde 

7. Cervejaria Gazela

Address: Tv. do Cimo de Vila 4, 4000-434 Porto, Portugal

Cervejaria Gazela aka Cachorrinho Gazela , a simple cafe in Central Porto which is famous for their Cachorrinhos da Batalha ( €4.60, a kind of hotdog with special sausage, topped with melted cheese and an optional spicy sauce ). Their steak sandwiches are also fantastic and do make sure to wash it down with the local Superbock beer.

8. Tasca da Badalhoca

Address: R. Dr. Alberto de Macedo 437, 4100-206 Porto, Portugal

‘A Badalhoca’ is another classic Tasca of Porto, a bit far away in Boavista but is worth the jaunt, for their delicious sandwiches for around €1.50 and their special Espadal Rose wine. The pork sandwiches are the hot favourite but  there are also some with omelette or liver, for example.

9. Rota Do Cha 

Address: R. de Miguel Bombarda 457, 4050-382 Porto, Portugal

One of my favourite streets in Porto is Rua de Miguel Bombarda street , home to lots of independent art galleries and also to the fantastic Rota Do Cha- This is my favourite place to drink tea and chat with friends in Porto. They have a beautiful back garden with a huge Buddha stupa. My favourites here are their delicious champagne cassis tea and their mango cheesecake.

Tip: Porto for Vegetarians

For a city in love with meat, there is still many options for dining out for vegetarians and vegans. Himali Bachu , a Porto resident ( former owner of the wonderful Tattva Design Hostel ) is a vegetarian and advises 

Pull quote

“Being a vegetarian and not a fan of vegetarian restaurants, I love some of the Pizzerias here in Porto: Casa D’Ouro, Il Fornaio – for the quality of the Pizza and also the ambience of the place itself. Sushi places that specialise in veggie sushi that I would recommend for quality are Sumo (Cais de Gaia) 

Himali Bachu. Porto resident