Oporto » Entertainment » Restaurants

Portuguese cuisine is historically known to keep guests well fed with large portions and scrumptious flavours. As the second-largest city in Portugal, Oporto (or Porto) has no dearth of good dining options. From cheap eats to fine dining, the city is heaven for gastronomy connoisseurs. Even the fussy foodies will find something that suits their taste and budget. Tourists in the city should leave aside their food preferences and try the local seafood such as 'bacalhau' along with grilled meats. Of course, finish off the meal with the unforgettable world famous fortified Port wine.

Found in the Yeatman Hotel, the Yeatman's Restaurant in Oporto has earned the desirable Michelin star, thanks to the efforts of Chef Ricardo Costa. Settle for a dining experience that proffers a magnificent panorama of the Douro River and the city centre, amidst a stunning backdrop setting. The restaurant has perhaps the most creative Portuguese cuisine based on local traditions but with a contemporary flair. It is also a wine-themed hotel, focusing on events and activities revolving around their massive wine cellar. Tantalize your taste buds with a 7-course tasting menu or you could explore the executive menu to imbibe more in terms of flavours.

Address: The Yeatman Hotel, Porto - Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Oporto, Portugal
Tel.:+351 220 133 100

One of the most expensive restaurants on the Ribeira waterfront, Dom Tonho justifies its prices with stellar food and great views of the Douro and Dom Luis Bridge. It was originally owned by Portugal's top pop singers but today it is well known for its exquisite gastronomy and revamped decor. They even have a second restaurant across the river in Cais de Gaia which offers an equally unforgettable dining experience.
The bar, featuring a 14th century wall as its decor, boasts of nearly 600 wine labels and a name etched in American gastronomy magazines on Portuguese wines. Many famous personalities, politicians such as French president Jacques Chirac, and actor John Malkovich are frequent visitors to the restaurant. A reservation is necessary to dine at D.Tonho.

Address: Cais Ribeira 13 4050 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Daily, Lunch: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Dinner: 7:30 pm to midnight
Tel.: +351 222 004 307

Photo Credit: Creative Commons / Manuel de Sousa

Located atop the Albergaria Miradouro, Portucale is a cosy, sophisticated blend of intimate dining experience and superbly delicious food. As you sip a glass a wine from the extensive wine list, get to choose from a menu that stays true to its traditional roots of Portuguese cuisine. However, overlook the aristocratic, dated 1970s-era decor, as the restaurant's specialities - cabrito a serrana (goat in red wine) and partridge stuffed with foie gras and stewed in port, are just out-of-this-world.

Address: Rua Alegria, 598 4000-037 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Daily, Lunch: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Dinner: 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel.: +351 225 370 717

Galerias de Paris is cute little restaurant found in what was once a fabric warehouse. Named after the street it is located on, the decor mirrors the fun and catchy atmosphere of the area. As you enter the restaurant, walls decorated with fancy thermoses, phones, toys, mini cars, radios, watches and other funky memorabilia, instantly grab your attention. The restaurant serves buffet meals where you just grab a plate and choose from the selections. Frequented by the young crowd, the restaurant is well known for its little plates of appetizers, tapas, homemade drinks and cakes. A soothing atmosphere, soft music and great food make this place great for brunch as well.

Address: Rua Galeria de Paris 56 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 am
Tel.:+351 222 016 218, +351 934 210 792

If you have learnt the art of appreciating Pan Asian food, then head to Góshò, one of the finest places in Oporto known to serve excellent Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant offers a melange of contemporary flavours for those who adore both sushis and tapas. This minimalist decorated place located in Hotel Porto Palácio, boasts several "firsts", including the only restaurant in Oporto to serve Barrosã Beef.

Address: Av. da Boavista 1277 4100-130 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Lunch: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Dinner: 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm / 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday, Closed on Sunday
Tel.: +351 226 086 708

DOP, with its innovative combination of traditional environment and cosmopolitan dining, could be called a gastronomical sensation. Headed by acclaimed chef Rui Paula, the restaurant is fully equipped to show off its multiple sides – the first, an open kitchen for faster service and lighter meals, and the other a traditional kitchen with a dining room.
Serving contemporary Portuguese cuisine, DOP shares space as well as ideology with the Palace of the Arts in the historic city centre.

Address: Palácio das Artes, Largo de S. Domingos, 18 4050-545 Oporto, Portugal
Tel.: +351 222 014 313

Restaurant A Grade in the Ribera neighbourhood is quite really a family affair with the husband looking after the management side and the wife; the cooking business. This homely atmosphere is exactly what attracts visitors who want to relax and eat wholesome Portuguese food. The helpful and friendly service complemented by a delicious, homemade meal makes the experience unique. Elena and Ferreira (the couple), are great with any Portuguese dish, right from grilled seafood, desserts, meat and starters. Try their oven-baked octopus, grilled shrimp and roasted baby goat. Remember to trust Ferreira's expertise when it comes to choosing the wine.

Address: Rua de São Nicolau 9 4050-298 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to midnight, Closed on Sunday
Tel.: +351 223 321 130

Yuko Tavern Ham's House is one of those charming eateries which serve country style food in a rustic setting. The look and feel of dimly lit dining rooms, stone walls and old farm equipment exude cosiness, warmth and home comfort. If you want to a try a good, authentic Francesinha then this is one of the best in Oporto. Prices a little on the higher side.

Address: Rua de Costa Cabral 2331 4200 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7:00 pm to 1:00 am
Tel.: +351 225 482 291

This is one of Oporto's most interesting restaurants located in what used to be Papelaria Aviz bookstore. Keeping with the theme, the menu of the restaurant is presented in books, with each "chapter" serving Mediterranean cuisine. The owners have kept back the shelves of the original bookstore as part of the decor. Even the cocktails at the bar are named after proficient writers such as the "Mojito Hemingway". If you plan to visit this thematic restaurant, remember to order their "Cream of peas with sausage meatballs" and "Veal steak with wine sauce".

Address: R. do Padrão 103 4150 Oporto, Portugal
Tel.: +351 226 177 339

Cafeina is a trendy little, decade old restaurant located in a 19th century manor house in the Foz district of Oporto. Radiating vibes of exuberance through its bold contemporary interior, the chic restaurant serves a menu inspired by traditional Portuguese, French and Italian cuisine. If you are at the tea room in the afternoon try spotting some celebrities!

Address:Rua do Padrão, 100 4150-557 Oporto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Daily, 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm & 7:30 pm to 1:30 am
Tea Room: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Tel.:+351 226 108 059, +351 226 189 953