Porto doesn’t just pour incredible wine — it plates up some of Portugal’s most unforgettable flavors. From richly layered sandwiches dripping in sauce to delicate egg tarts and salt-sprayed seafood, the best foods in Porto reflect the city’s seafaring heritage, hearty appetite and soul-deep love of bold, comforting cuisine. Whether you’re wandering Ribeira’s cobbled lanes or cruising the Douro River, let your taste buds lead the way with this food guide to Porto’s must-try bites.
1. Francesinha
A local legend, the francesinha is Porto’s answer to the French croque-monsieur — but with a serious Portuguese upgrade. This sandwich is stacked with cured ham, linguiça (smoked sausage) and steak, then smothered in melted cheese and bathed in a spicy tomato-beer sauce. Often served with fries and a cold beer, it’s the kind of dish that demands you bring your appetite and leave your calorie counter behind. It’s a must for any first-timer wondering what to eat in Porto.
2. Bacalhau à Brás
Portugal has over a thousand ways to prepare bacalhau (salt cod) and in Porto, one of the most beloved versions is Bacalhau à Brás. Shredded cod is sautéed with onions and thinly-cut fried potatoes, then folded into scrambled eggs and topped with parsley and black olives. The result is rich yet light and savory but comforting — a perfect representation of northern Portuguese home cooking.
3. Tripas à Moda do Porto
Porto is so tied to this dish that locals are proudly nicknamed tripeiros. Tripas à Moda do Porto is a slow-cooked stew made with white beans, vegetables and various cuts of meat, including beef tripe. It's a recipe steeped in tradition, dating back to the 15th century when Porto’s residents gave all their best meat to naval expeditions and made do with what remained. Hearty, flavorful and deeply local, it’s a dish for adventurous eaters ready to embrace Porto’s culinary roots.
4. Caldo Verde
This iconic green soup hails from northern Portugal and remains a staple at family dinners and festivals alike. Caldo verde is a humble but delicious mix of finely-shredded kale, potatoes, onions and slices of chouriço sausage. It’s served piping hot with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil. The balance of smoky, savory and vegetal flavors makes it one of the best comfort foods in Porto.
5. Sardinhas Assadas
Grilled sardines — sardinhas assadas — are a summertime ritual in Porto, especially during the Saint Anthony Festival. The fish are grilled whole, skin blistered over hot coals, then served simply with potatoes, roasted peppers and a squeeze of lemon. The aroma of sardines grilling in the open air is unmistakably Portuguese, and biting into the smoky, salty flesh is like tasting the Atlantic in every bite.
6. Polvo à Lagareiro
Octopus lovers, don’t miss Polvo à Lagareiro. This beautifully rustic dish features octopus baked in olive oil with garlic and herbs, then served over roasted potatoes. The octopus is tender (almost buttery) and the olive oil base enhances every bite. Often enjoyed in cozy taverns near the river, it’s one of the best foods in Porto for seafood fans.
7. Alheira de Mirandela
Don’t be fooled by its sausage shape — alheira is unlike anything else. This smoked sausage is made from bread, garlic, olive oil and a mix of meats like chicken or game. Originally created by Jews during the Inquisition to mimic pork sausages, alheira is now a beloved part of northern Portuguese cuisine. In Porto, it’s often fried and served with a fried egg and fries for a hearty lunch.
8. Bolinhos de Bacalhau
Perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy inside, bolinhos de bacalhau — also called codfish cakes — are one of the most popular snacks in Porto. Made from salt cod, mashed potatoes, eggs, parsley and sometimes onion, they’re shaped into little footballs and deep-fried until golden. You'll find them everywhere from bakeries to high-end restaurants, and they’re often served with a glass of chilled white wine or vinho verde.
9. Pastéis de Nata
Though originally from Lisbon, no food guide to Porto is complete without pastéis de nata. These custard tarts have made their way into every bakery in town — and with good reason. The flaky pastry crust holds a creamy, caramelized egg custard, lightly dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Fresh out of the oven and warm in your hand, they’re the kind of treat that disappears in two bites but lingers in memory.
10. Tarte de Amêndoa
If you have a sweet tooth, make room for tarte de amêndoa. This almond tart has a buttery shortbread crust topped with a layer of caramelized slivered almonds, creating a nutty crunch with every forkful. It’s a traditional dessert served at family gatherings and cozy cafés, often enjoyed with an espresso or glass of port wine.
11. Queijo da Serra
While technically from the Serra da Estrela mountains, Queijo da Serra is a semi-soft sheep’s cheese that often appears on Porto’s appetizer boards. Creamy, pungent and slightly salty, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread and fig jam. Don’t be surprised if it’s served as part of a starter during wine tastings along the Douro Valley.
Food-Focused Excursions in Porto
Looking to savor the city beyond restaurants and bakeries? Porto offers a handful of unforgettable food excursions that blend flavors, culture and sweeping views:
- Magnificent Galafura Viewpoint: Combine panoramic vistas of the Douro Valley with a laid-back picnic of local specialties. Think cured meats, cheese, olives and fresh-baked bread — all enjoyed with a glass of local wine and a view that stretches for miles.
- Oporto City & River Cruise: Dive into the heart of the city with a scenic drive through Foz do Douro, followed by a relaxing river cruise. The tour wraps with a tasting at a traditional wine cellar, where local varietals and tapas set the stage for an authentic Porto experience.
These excursions offer a delicious way to immerse yourself in the region’s flavors while taking in the natural beauty that makes Porto such a dream destination.
What Foods Is Porto Famous For?
Francesinha, bacalhau à Brás, tripas à moda do Porto, grilled sardines and pastel de nata are just a few of the best foods in Porto. Each dish tells a story — one of resilience, local pride and bold flavor. Whether you're indulging in creamy cheeses from the hills or savoring fresh-caught seafood by the sea, Porto’s cuisine delivers a sense of place in every bite.
Learn More About Porto
Craving a culinary adventure? Discover more about what Porto is known for and what to buy in Porto to complete your journey. Whether you're sipping port wine on a scenic river cruise or savoring street food in Ribeira, this historic city offers a delicious invitation to explore.
