The 25 best restaurants in Porto

Passed down through one family since 1985, A Cozinha do Manel has managed to stand the test of time. The kitchen is still run by the same experienced and skillful cooks who, for years, have been preparing various types of codfish and Porto-style tripe with the same dedication and care. Solo eaters and small groups should take advantage of the charming tiled counter with a wooden top where you can watch the chefs at work. For family lunches and dinners (which are very common here), there are comfy tables on the upper floor. If you’re after the lamb or veal (roasted in the wood-fired oven from the early hours of the morning) it’s best to book ahead.

With a mother from Minho and a French father, Aurora Goy grew up between France and northern Portugal, which greatly influenced her creative cuisine. On Rua de Santa Catarina (but away from the tourist hustle), you’ll find Apego, where stone walls, soft lighting, and cosy sofas welcome guests as if they were at home. The menu is seasonal but always features comforting dishes and sometimes unexpected flavour combinations – head chef Goy skilfully blends fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Although the restaurant offers à la carte dishes, the best choice is the Desapego tasting menu (couvert, two starters, two mains, and desserts), which allows you to truly experience Goy’s talent.

Thin burgers, known as smash burgers, have become a global trend, reviving a recipe that dates back to the first American fast-food chains. Over time, however, they have evolved – especially in the quality of the ingredients – and have thankfully made their way to our tables in Porto. At Brusco, the tradition remains: the menu is concise, with classic ingredients and well-applied technique. There’s a certain magic in how they smash the meat patties so they’re tender and crispy. The bread is good, the pickles are homemade, and the fries are fresh and crunchy. Finish with an ice cream with caramel sauce if you’ve got room.

🍔 Find Brusco at the all-new Time Out Market Porto. 

The crowd at the door in the late afternoons is a clear sign that what’s happening inside is worth checking out. On Rua do Heroísmo, right across from the police station, Xico is a local tavern (or ‘tasco,’ as locals affectionately call it) where you can nibble and drink, preferably standing at the counter. Dozens of ham legs hanging from the ceiling are the source of the stuffed sandwiches that have made this place famous. But the menu goes beyond that: sheeps cheese, salpicão, and other sausages, along with daily homemade snacks like pataniscas, sarrabulho porridge, and gizzards. To ensure you get a taste of everything, it’s best to arrive early.

Across from Praça de Carlos Alberto, Casa Expresso is a standout from an old Porto that has been transformed by tourism and gastronomic gentrification. Its charm lies not only in its traditional tavern atmosphere, with beer and snacks served at the stainless-steel counter, but in its menu, which insists on serving classics like liver with onions, marinated fried cod and pork sandwiches. For more substantial appetites, try the small dishes that change daily, like alheiras with eggs or tender gizzards. To finish, the chocolate mousse is a city classic.