Top 5 Traditional Restaurants in Porto

Portuguese cuisine is a culmination of its advantageous location and diverse geography. Situated between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Portuguese gastronomy perfectly incorporates the flavors of the sea and the interior, boasting a rich tapestry of recipes and techniques, with the country having accumulated a culinary heritage over centuries, drawing influence and inspiration from all over the world. Visiting Oporto is a great opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of the northern region of Portugal, and the traditional dishes of this region are known for their robust and tasty profiles. The people of Oporto take immense pride in their culinary heritage and extend warm hospitality to ensure that visitors have a delightful and memorable gastronomic experience.

Let's take a look at some of the best restaurants where it's possible to discover and enjoy traditional Portuguese food.

Let's start with the restaurant "O Buraco", which opened its doors in 1971, initially as a snack bar. Set on the famous Bolhão Street, this restaurant was initially set up by the owners Manuel and Francisco. Today they have passed the business on to two of their employees, Bruno Costa and Ricardo Gonçalves. It has become renowned for its famous dishes: feijoada à transmontana or bean stew from Trás-os-Montes, duck rice, veal pie, Portuguese stew, tripe, rojões or seasoned pieces of pork loin, cabidela rice, and fresh fish.

The history of "Solar Moinho de Vento" dates back to 1905 when Maria da Rosa Silva Pinto established a tavern at Sá de Noronha Street. The tavern was located in a building from the 16th century, which was also her residence. After Maria died in 1950, the family transformed the tavern into a restaurant under the name "Solar Costa", but in 1955, with the departure of the Costa family, the restaurant was renamed "Solar Moinho Vento".In 2002, Pedro Bessa Monteiro, a musician who had recently graduated in management and was a regular at the restaurant with his father, took over the management of Solar Moinho de Vento, while carrying out extensive refurbishment work and introducing old family recipes to the menu. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes, including Oporto-style tripe, octopus rice or arroz de polvo malandrinho, cod or octopus fillets with tomato rice, grilled cod, black pork secrets with mushroom beans, and more.

Located on Carmo Street, "Zé Bota" ranks third on the local gastronomic scene, offering a tantalizing fusion of Mediterranean and Portuguese flavors. You can enjoy impeccably grilled cod, succulent pork shank, and tender grilled octopus. Renowned for its delectable desserts, the restaurant's offerings include irresistible chocolate mousse, delightful English cake, and an enchanting banana and coffee pie. You can pair your meal with a choice of excellent port, refreshing white sangria, or the house's finest wine.

The next highly-regarded restaurant is "O Café Santiago", located on Passos Manuel Street, it was officially founded in 1959 but initially opened its doors as a tavern in the 1930s. Over the years, it has undergone several major renovations, so that almost nothing remains of its original decoration. In 1978, the current owners, Mr. Fernando Pereira, and Mrs. Isabel Ferreira, began their connection with Café Santiago by operating the existing tobacco shop that once existed. While you can enjoy various dishes or starters such as the famous rissoles, croquettes, or codfish cakes, the main highlight is the "Francesinha" sandwich. This establishment has always been recognized for this dish, which evolved and improved from the traditional Francesinha from Oporto, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated members of the Pereira family.

Last but not least is the "Adega de São Nicolau," located on São Nicolau Street. This restaurant has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. The first license, issued in 1930, is still proudly displayed on the wall, and the owner's traditional quarters can still be seen on the upper floor. A plaque on the restaurant's door serves as a memory of those early days. The Coelho family, the next generation to oversee this riverfront restaurant with its breathtaking view of the river and Vila Nova de Gaia, now operates it. Today, their daughter manages the business, where you can enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes, from meat to fish.