A Foodie’s Guide to Oporto

Oporto is a vibrant city and a dream destination for food enthusiasts. The coastal city is nestled in the heart of Northern Portugal and offers culinary traditions, vibrant markets and modern dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring a bustling food market in Porto or indulging in the city’s best local dishes, it’s sure to captivate your palette.

From hearty Portuguese classics to Oporto’s fast food scene, there is something to suit every taste. If you’re on the hunt for the best food in Porto, Portugal, this guide will take you through must-try dishes and iconic eateries.

When visiting somewhere new, it can be overwhelming to look at a menu and know what you should be ordering. To make it easier, we’ve recommended four essentials, from drinks to desserts, so you are well-equipped for the best experience in the city.

• Port
• Francesinha
• Tripas à Moda do Porto
• Pastéis de Nata

A sweet, fortified wine that’s produced in the Douro Valley, Port wine is a must-try when in Oporto. While in the city, you can enjoy the rare opportunity to try authentic vintages in historic wine cellars and learn more about the process behind this world-renowned tipple.

The francesinha is Oporto’s most legendary dish – an indulgent sandwich layered with meats including ham, sausage and steak, covered in a spicy tomato and beer sauce and often topped with melted cheese and a fried egg. Trying this Portuguese dish in its birthplace is a must, but we should warn you, it might only be a sandwich, but it’s a hearty meal!

Tripas à Moda do Porto is another must-try Porto food, consisting of tripe, white beans, sausages and more. Most local families have a recipe that they’ve passed down through the generations, and it’s a beloved and comforting dish that reflects the city’s culinary heritage.

Originally crafted in Lisbon at the Jerónimos Monastery by the Catholic monks who resided there, when visiting Portugal, Pastéis de Nata are a must-try. A sweet egg custard tart is often served warm with cinnamon or sugar sprinkled on top to taste; this is the perfect way to indulge a sweet tooth. For the best in Oporto, try the legendary Manteigaria Bakery.

When enjoying a stopover in Oporto on a Mediterranean cruise, there is a range of brilliant restaurants and eateries that should be on your radar. We’ve highlighted four that are worth considering if you want a meal to remember in the city.

• Café Santiago - known for serving the city’s favourite francesinhas.
• Adega São Nicholau – serving traditional Portuguese cuisine with views of the Douro River.
• Noshi – offering coffee and health-focused dishes in the heart of the old town.
• Mercado do Bolhão – Oporto’s most iconic market showcasing the city’s culinary heritage.

A legendary sport in Oporto, Café Santiago is celebrated for serving up some of the city’s favourite francesinhas. A must-visit for both tourists and locals who want to try this Portuguese comfort food, you might need to queue to get a table here, but it’ll be worth the wait

A charming and traditional restaurant, Adega São Nicholau is nestled in the Ribeira district of Oporto and has scenic views over the Douro River. Its menu consists of expertly prepared Portuguese cuisine, and it has a warm and cosy atmosphere.

We spoke to Daniela, a travel writer at Ola Daniela. Although born in Australia, Daniela has called Lisbon her home since 2018, and her passion is helping others explore Portugal. We asked Daniela for her restaurant recommendation, and she suggested Adega São Nicholau, telling us:

“My favourite place to eat in Porto is Adega São Nicholau, a great restaurant in the popular riverfront Ribeira neighbourhood. I've eaten here three or four times, and it's always fantastic. If you show up just before opening time, you can grab the best table on the small terrace with a partial river view – otherwise, you can book inside.

“Here, I recommend eating everything on the menu (it's all great), but one traditional Porto dish to look for is the Filetes de Polvo com Arroz do Mesmo – which is breaded octopus filets served with rice made from octopus stock.”

If you’ve just stepped off the ship and want to make your first stop in Oporto a foodie one, then Noshi could be what you’re looking for. A trendy café in the Old Town, Noshi is a coffee shop serving up healthy and beautifully presented dishes, from smoothie bowls to salads, perfect for a light bite.

We reached out to Vanja at Marshmallow Travels, who recently visited Oporto and marvelled at the foodie scene. She recommended Noshi, telling us:

“My favourite restaurant in Porto is Noshi. The food is absolutely delicious, the speciality coffee is amazing, and the atmosphere is fantastic - be sure to check out their beautiful green courtyard. For an insider's tip - don't miss their unique take on the traditional Porto sandwich, the francesinha - it’s a must-try!”

With around 80 stalls, Mercado do Bolhão is an Oporto food haven and the perfect place for those who want to explore the city’s culinary heritage and scene more. Walk amongst stalls selling local fruits and vegetables, local olive oils, herbs and spices, and more; perfect for buying souvenirs. Opened in 1837, the Beaux-art style building is reason enough to visit. There are also restaurants, shops and a food court for those who want to see the ingredients come to life.

As we wrap up our culinary journey of Porto, Portugal’s food haven, we’re sure you’ll be even more intrigued to try some of these iconic dishes and eateries. Whether you are planning your first visit on a European cruise or are already dreaming of returning once more, Oporto’s food scene is unforgettable.