10 Best Affordable Restaurants to Eat in Porto

When it comes to culinary experiences, Portugal excels in offering flavors that tantalize the taste buds, and Porto is no exception. This vibrant city in the north boasts a rich culinary scene that caters to various tastes and budgets. If you're on the hunt for delicious yet affordable dining options, we have curated a list of 10 must-visit restaurants in Porto.

From savoring the iconic francesinha to enjoying sumptuous seafood, the eateries in Porto will not only satisfy your cravings but also offer an authentic taste of Portuguese culture. And let's not forget about the delightful pastéis de nata that you simply can't miss! Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through some of the best dining spots Porto has to offer.

* We strive to keep our articles up to date, but if you find any of the listed restaurants closed or prices changed, please let us know so we can update it. Thank you 🙂

1. Café Santiago

For those with limited time in Porto, a visit to Café Santiago is essential to experience the legendary francesinha. This local delicacy is a hearty sandwich filled with an array of ingredients such as sausages, ham, and mortadella, topped with a fried egg and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce.

Renowned for serving some of the best francesinhas in Portugal, the prices range from €10 to €15, depending on your choice. Keep in mind this is a substantial dish; if you're not overly hungry, consider sharing one!

Looking for a vegan option? You can find vegan francesinhas at places like Lado B and Santa Francesinha.

2. Taberna Santo Antonio

This long-standing establishment offers a menu that's not overly extensive, but each dish is prepared with care and high-quality ingredients. Portions are generous, and everything we tried—be it meat or seafood—was delightful. A tip: don't miss their famous chocolate mousse for dessert, which is simply divine! Expect to spend around €15 per person.

Pro tip: Make sure to join the free tour of Porto. It's a fun and budget-friendly experience! Be sure to book in advance as it's quite popular.

3. Almada Café

We stumbled across this bustling little restaurant during our last trip, conveniently located near our accommodation in the Trindade area. Almada Café offers hearty meals at budget-friendly prices, making it a hidden gem that continues to deliver value.

We ordered the house specialty: picanha with black beans, fries, and rice, as well as a bacalhau à braga (fried cod with sliced potatoes, peppers, and onions). Pair that with a vegetable soup and a refreshing mango iced tea for less than €20!

The atmosphere is authentically local (and a tad noisy!), but we believe it's one of the best places to eat cheaply in Porto!

4. Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Bar

This trendy spot is popular among Instagrammers and is perfect for enjoying a delightful brunch at reasonable prices. If you plan to visit, try to get there early, as it tends to fill up quickly. The menu is diverse, with standout items like the açaí bowl and eggs Benedict with bacon. They also craft an array of eye-catching cocktails!

Other recommended brunch spots in Porto include Nola Kitchen and Eleven Lab. While we haven't tried them yet, several readers have highly recommended them, and we're sure they are worth a visit.

5. Conga, a classic for cheap eats in Porto

Conga is one of the most legendary spots for inexpensive dining in Porto, particularly famous for its bifana, a pork sandwich that costs only €2.50! The meat is juicy and seasoned with a hint of spice (you can request more or less heat).

Pair it with a cold beer and you'll be so satisfied that you might feel like dancing the conga. Is that why the place is named after it?

6. Bota&Bira

During lunchtime, they offer a dish of the day that is usually a great choice. If you prefer dining from the regular menu, be sure to try some of their generous tapas, such as onion-braised octopus or parmesan and beef croquettes. If you're a meat lover, you’ll be pleased to know that they serve some of the best meats in Portugal, including BBQ ribs and T-Bone steaks from Black Angus, which are perfect for sharing.

The prices here are slightly higher than those at other restaurants we've recommended in Porto, typically around €25-30 per person, but the quality is well worth it.

7. Bacalhoeiro, one of our favorites for dining in Porto

Located in Vilanova de Gaia, across the Douro River, this restaurant specializes in cod dishes, as its name suggests. The menu features a wide array of options, from classic dishes like bacalhau com natas (the best we've tasted!) to more innovative preparations. We also tried their cod confit in oil with greens and chickpea cream, which was absolutely delicious. Expect generous portions, with prices ranging from €15 to €22 per dish.

After sampling their offerings, Bacalhoeiro has quickly become one of our go-to spots for dining in Porto—so much so that it will be a staple on our future visits.

8. Casa Guedes

If you're in a hurry or prefer a quick meal, Casa Guedes is an excellent choice for sandwiches that cost around €5. Their reputation is well-established in Porto, attracting both tourists and locals alike. The traditional location is situated in Praça dos Poveiros.

We highly recommend the sandwich with ham and goat cheese, as well as the roast pork sandwich with soft cheese. They also offer vegetarian options 🙂

9. Hamburgueria DeGema

If you’re craving a delicious hamburger, this spot is often hailed as one of the best in the city. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. The menu includes a diverse range of options, from classic burgers to creative combinations that will surprise you.

For those following a plant-based diet, DeGema does not disappoint, offering several equally tasty and well-crafted vegan options. Our favorite is the “Que Larica” (What a Delight) featuring a lentil and pea patty, mushrooms, lettuce, fried onion, and teriyaki and wasabi sauces.

10. Ora Viva

Located in the picturesque Ribeira area, this establishment has garnered an excellent reputation for serving high-quality fish and seafood at reasonable prices. We consider it one of the best restaurants in this part of Porto.

A great idea is to order a cataplana to share (the portion for two costs around €34) and complement it with additional dishes, such as sardines.

More places to eat in Porto

After our recent visits to Porto, we can recommend additional restaurants that we either tried or found intriguing. Here are some more options:

• At Fabrica da Nata, you can indulge in the most famous Portuguese dessert: the pastel de nata. Other recommended spots for tasting some of the best pastéis de nata in Porto include Manteigaria, NATA Lisboa, and Confitería del Bolhão.
• A delightful breakfast spot we loved was Confeitaria Império, known for its wide range of delicious products and a lovely terrace. Their lanche (sandwiches), croissants, and cod croquettes are particularly noteworthy.
• Don’t miss visiting the Mercado de Bolhao to grab some culinary souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
• Café Majestic is arguably the most beautiful café in Porto, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Be cautious, though; it can be pricey with coffees around €5! Before you sit down, take a moment to glance at the menu. It’s definitely worth a visit to soak in the atmosphere.
• For a budget-friendly alternative with similar architecture, check out the McDonald’s on Avenida de los Aliados. While we won't recommend eating here, it's worth stepping in to admire its beauty!
• If you're on the lookout for vegan restaurants, there are many options available 🙂 One highly recommended place is daTerra Baixa, featuring a buffet with enticing dishes.
• It's hard to believe, but every time we visit Porto, Taberninha do Manel seems to be closed. However, several readers have endorsed it, and we're eager to try it on our next trip!

Map of restaurants in Porto

Here’s a map for you to see the locations of the recommended restaurants:

To plan the rest of your trip, check out these articles:

→ Tips for traveling to Porto

→ Things to do in Porto

→ Best areas to stay in Porto

→ The best excursions from Porto

With these recommendations for restaurants to eat in Porto (well and cheaply), you're sure to have a delightful culinary experience!

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