A Food and Wine Lover’s Guide to Porto
December 5, 2025
Porto is far more than Portugal’s second-largest city. It is a destination that delights food and wine lovers with rich culinary heritage, exceptional local produce and some of the world’s most celebrated wines. It’ll have any discerning taste buds doing a vibrant, happy dance for days on end! Boasting an abundance of hearty local produce, traditional delicacies and world-class wines, it’s fair to say that the riverside city of Porto knows its food. The locals take it very seriously, and with good reason. Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a shoulder-season getaway, this is a city that promises flavour, charm and unforgettable moments in every bite and sip.
Must-Try Dishes in Porto
Francesinha – This is Porto’s signature dish and certainly not one to be overlooked. This towering sandwich, full to the brim with various meats (ham, linguiça, steak), comes smothered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich tomato-beer sauce. Are you salivating yet? No surprise. It can also come topped with a fried egg and served with chips on the side, providing the ultimate comfort food that anyone can appreciate.
Tripas à Moda do Porto – Porto rightfully earned the nickname “Tripeiros” (tripe eaters) largely due to this historic dish. Made with tripe, white beans, chorizo, and seasonal vegetables, Tripas provides a hearty, flavourful and quintessentially Portuguese dish. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. All the locals swear by it!
Petiscos (Portuguese Tapas) – If you fancy something a bit lighter and less intense, Porto’s petiscos offer a bite-sized refreshment that’s perfect for sharing. Think bolinhos de bacalhau (crispy codfish cakes), presunto (cured ham), and local cheeses paired with crusty bread. What’s not to love about that? You can find these at most local traditional tascas offering a selection to share.
Local Seafood – While Porto itself sits along the Douro River rather than directly on the coast, its historic relationship with fishing and maritime trade is reflected in its seafood-focused cuisine. During São João (more on this below), grilled sardines are a staple fish dish – simple, fresh, and full of flavour, perfectly accompanied by some artisan bread and lemon. All year round, you can also expect some delicacies from octopus (polvo à lagareiro) to cod (bacalhau à Brás) and fresh Atlantic fish at many of Porto’s riverside restaurants.
Bifana & Street Food – You won’t find many more nourishing quick bites than a bifana, a marinated pork sandwich that’s become synonymous with Portugal. Vendors throughout the city will be providing this street food speciality, which is ideal if you need a quick rest spot during a busy day of exploring and sightseeing.
Pastel de Nata – No visit to Porto (or Portugal in general, for that matter) is complete without biting into a Pastel de Nata. These famous custard tarts, with creamy caramelised custard beneath a crisp and light pastry can be eaten cold or warm, at all hours of the day, whether it’s with your morning bica (espresso) or as an after-dinner treat.
Porto Food at its Best: Festa de São João
June 23rd marks the summer solstice, and in this city, the occasion is like no other. If you’re fortunate enough to be here at this time, you’ll see Porto erupt into one joyous, exuberant street party.
The Festa de São João encompasses fireworks, dancing, music, and memorable displays all the way along the Douro River. Those who have witnessed the famous San Juan Festival in Spain, which commemorates the same celebration, will know exactly what to expect. In Porto, however, it’s otherworldly!
More importantly for the food lovers among us, this is an opportunity to try the absolute best street food that you can ever hope to try in the whole city. Grilled sardines, caldo verde, chorizo, grilled pork sandwiches, and more; the perfect opportunity to dive straight into Porto’s authentic culinary culture.
Wine in Porto: What to Drink and Where
Port Wine – No food lover’s guide to Porto would be complete without Port wine. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where traditional wine lodges line the riverbank, many of which (including Taylor’s, Graham’s and Sandeman) offer bespoke tours and tasting evenings. From sweet tawnies to rich vintage Ports, the variety is remarkable – and many lodges offer panoramic views over the city that make for an unforgettable experience.
Other local wines to try – Vinho Verde, a “green wine”, is young, slightly effervescent, and wonderfully refreshing. Lower in alcohol and still delightfully crisp in flavour, it’s perfect as an afternoon refreshment or as an accompaniment to a seafood dinner. The Douro Valley produces some truly exquisite table wines (red and white) beyond Port, offering unique regional charm and character.
Wine bars in Porto – Porto’s wine bar scene has flourished in recent years. Capela Incomum and Enoteca 17.56 (in Vila Nova de Gaia) showcase some wonderful Portuguese varieties with some lovely small plates, which is an experience worth partaking in anyway. But for wine enthusiasts looking for something beyond the tourist trail, these local wine bars are a must-visit.
Porto rewards those with curious taste buds who are willing to venture beyond the ordinary. The Ribeira district is heaving with family-run tascas serving some of the finest local dishes, and the Douro River is the place to be during São João, if you want to experience Porto’s food and wine scene at its most joyful. Remember to book in advance, especially during festival season, where every seat is invariably full. Whatever your plans, Porto promises a food and wine experience that you won’t soon forget!
Porto also makes an ideal base for exploring northern Portugal, including the Douro Valley and nearby coastal towns — all destinations The Villa Agency can help you plan with ease.
Plan Your Escape with The Villa Agency
Want to start planning but not sure where to begin? The Villa Agency can help you find the perfect holiday villa in Portugal and beyond, whether you’re searching for city stays, vineyard escapes or coastal retreats. Speak to our team today and start planning your perfect escape.
Written by Dakota Murphey