Typical Porto dishes are not just a delight for the palate, but also a journey through the city’s history and traditions. Tasting Portuguese cuisine in a local restaurant means immersing yourself in Porto’s authentic culture, with intense flavors and Portuguese recipes passed down through generations. Each bite tells a story of this fascinating destination, making the dishes to try an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Porto, one of the most fascinating cities in Portugal, is famous not only for its picturesque landscapes and rich history but also for its extraordinary culinary tradition. Local cuisine is a journey through authentic flavors, where every dish tells a story full of tradition and passion.

When I travel, one of my passions is to savor exclusively typical dishes, immersing myself completely in the essence of the place and discovering the culture through food. I love listening to the stories that each recipe carries, imagining the hands that have prepared it for centuries, and often, I find myself loving a dish so much that I order it in several restaurants to find the best version!

In this article, I will guide you through a culinary journey to discover the Typical Porto dishes you must try, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à la Brás, Fried Cod Meatballs, Polpo à Lagareiro, the local sausage, and Rissóis, not forgetting the famous sandwiches (Sandes and Bifana) with ham and melted Queijo da Serra... And, of course, Porto wine, with its different gradations and flavor nuances.

If you’re planning a trip to Porto, you can’t miss the chance to taste these Typical Porto dishes, true symbols of the local culinary tradition!

This article contains personal recommendations on restaurants I have personally tried and some affiliate links

Francesinha: A French Creation with a Portuguese Twist

Let’s start with one of Porto’s most iconic dishes, perhaps the most famous: the Francesinha. This dish is beloved in Porto, although it can occasionally be found in other parts of Portugal. The Francesinha consists of two slices of white bread filled with a combination of fresh sausage, fiambre (a typical Portuguese ham), linguiça, cold cuts, and a beef steak. It is covered in melted cheese and baked (usually in a clay dish), served with a generous sauce made of tomato, beer, and chili. At your discretion, it may even be topped with a fried egg and served on a bed of crispy fries. It’s a very substantial dish!

The creation of this delicious specialty is attributed to a Portuguese emigrant who, after living in France and Belgium, adapted the croque-monsieur to Portuguese flavors.
You should try this when visiting Porto – it’s a real treat!

Bacalhau à la Brás: An Irresistible Classic

Codfish, or bacalhau, is a pillar of Portuguese cuisine, and Bacalhau à la Brás is one of its most appreciated variations. This dish, famous also in Lisbon, is a sort of frittata made with codfish, fried potatoes, and eggs, seasoned with onions and black olives. The preparation requires some skill, but the result is a comforting dish that warms the heart.
If you visit Porto, you should try this dish – its creaminess and the delicate taste of cod will win you over with your first bite. Personally, I find it perfect for a chilly evening, maybe paired with a good red wine.

I recommend trying it at “Taberna Rio”, a riverside restaurant. Despite being in a very touristy area, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and presentation of the dishes!

Polvo à Lagareiro: A Seafood Dish Not to Miss

If you love seafood, don’t miss Polvo à Lagareiro! This simple yet delicious dish features tender octopus served with generous olive oil, garlic, and parsley, often accompanied by steamed potatoes. The freshness of the octopus combined with the aroma of olive oil and spices makes this a dish you’ll savor.
The first time I had Polvo à Lagareiro was in Lisbon, and during my recent trip to Porto, I got to try it again and confirm my opinion – its simplicity is the secret to its success!
I recommend trying it at Tempêro D’Maria, a restaurant by the river, where they serve excellent seafood dishes, including this one!

Alheira: The Traditional Sausage in Many Variations

One typical Porto dish you absolutely must try is Alheira, a type of Portuguese sausage. These sausages, often grilled and served with mustard or spicy sauce, have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The ingredients can include chicken, turkey, duck, or pork along with bread, olive oil, lard, garlic, and annatto.
There are several varieties of Alheira, each with different ingredients and spices, so by changing restaurants, you can discover new flavors and pairings.

The best Alheira I tried was at Taberna las Folias de Baco, a popular restaurant where finding a table can be tricky. We went for the last dinner shift and enjoyed the intimate, relaxed atmosphere – the perfect setting to enjoy their tasting menu paired with local wines and regional specialties.

Rissóis: Perfect Street Snack

Rissóis are delightful fried pastries filled with meat, and they’re a beloved snack among locals and tourists. With a golden, crispy crust, these little treats are perfect for satisfying your craving for something savory.
You can enjoy them sitting down and savoring all the flavors, or while strolling through Porto’s lively squares.
The best Rissóis I had were at Xau Laura, a little spot near the Crystal Palace Gardens, which became my favorite place of the entire trip! Affordable prices and crispy, tasty Rissóis!

Sandes: Iconic Sandwiches

Portuguese sandwiches, known as sandes, are another must-try in Porto’s gastronomy. You can find a variety of fillings, but the one I highly recommend is with typical ham and Queijo de Serra, a creamy, melty cheese that melts in your mouth – the famous Bifana.
This simple yet delicious sandwich perfectly embodies the essence of Portuguese recipes: fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with passion. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and will make you want to return to Porto for another one!

The best Bifana I had was at Sandeira, a cozy little place near Rua das Flores – it’s a bit hard to find a table, but it’s worth it for their delicious sandwiches!

Pastéis de Nata: An Iconic Portuguese Dessert

Pastéis de Nata are one of the most beloved delicacies in Portugal, and in Porto, you can find some incredible ones. Having tasted the originals from Belem in Lisbon, I couldn’t wait to try these creamy delights again during my trip to Porto!

Despite the numerous renowned pastry shops in Porto, I found the best ones at a small, off-the-beaten-path café run by a lovely elderly couple, who welcomed us with warm smiles and immense hospitality.
The place is called Capela 51, and here I discovered that simplicity can hide true gastronomic treasures. Their Pastéis de nata were simply divine – crispy, golden crust and creamy, vanilla-scented filling. Every bite felt like a warm embrace of flavors!

Book a Food Tour in Porto

To experience the full range of Porto’s portuguese cuisine, you can book a gastronomic tour. Porto offers a variety of wine and food tours where you can taste the unique flavors of the city, visiting cellars, markets, and enjoying walking tours.

Now that you have an idea of the typical Porto dishes, the question is: Have you tried any of these flavors yet? Or is there a dish in particular you’re excited to try on your trip?
Whether you’re a fan of seafood recipes or rustic specialties, Porto will surprise you with its authentic and rich history. Let me know which dish impressed you the most in the comments!

Do you want to ask me for advice, share your opinions, suggest something to do or see, or simply… say hello?

Leave me a comment below or,

I’ll be waiting for you on my FACEBOOK page LETYGOESON

on the INSTAGRAM profile @letygoeson

Or follow me on Pinterest so you will not miss any of my travel articles, itineraries, tips, and food recommendations.

See you there!