TempoVIP Guide to the top-rated restaurants for exceptional dining in Portugal

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Matosinhos €€€€

O Gaveto

A longtime favorite, O Gaveto opened in 1984 and remains a safe bet for excellent seafood and fish. Their menu includes lobsters, oysters, spider crabs, whelks, and shrimp. The fried hake fillets and lobster rice are classics. The wine list is impressive.

Wed-Mon 12:00-23:30

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Matosinhos €€€

Lessa

What Lessa lacks in space—it has barely ten seats—it makes up for in personality. It’s a place you’ll want to return to, thanks to both the service and the cuisine. The bright, inviting space revolves around a central counter, and the seafood-focused menu is fresh and creative.

Tue-Sat 12:30-15:00, 19:00-22:30

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Porto €€€€

Kaigi

From the Euskalduna group, founded by Vasco Coelho Santos, Kaigi is another casual counter-style restaurant, but this one is dedicated to Japanese cuisine—with a twist. Portuguese flavors and ingredients find their way into the menu in surprising ways.

Tue-Fri 19:00-00:00, Sat 13:00-15:00, 19:00-00:00

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Porto €€

Francesinha Café

At first glance, this spot may not stand out. Unlike many similar establishments, there’s no big crowd outside. But those who know, know. That’s why reservations are recommended—there aren’t many tables. As the name suggests, the house specialty is francesinha, an exemplary version of this beloved dish. Their prego (steak sandwich) is also excellent.

Tue-Sat 12:30-15:00, 19:00-22:00

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Amarante €€€

Filhos de Moura

In Aboim, a few kilometers from Amarante, Filhos de Moura is renowned for its roast suckling pig—but not just any pig. They use Bísaro pigs, a local breed. The restaurant is family-run and offers friendly service.

Tue-Sat 10:00-15:30, 19:30-22:30, Sun 10:00-15:30

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Matosinhos €€€

Fava Tonka

Away from Porto’s hustle and bustle, in the quiet area of Leça da Palmeira, Nuno Castro runs one of the country’s most innovative restaurants. Leave your preconceptions at the door—here, the focus is solely on vegetables. With minimal waste and unlimited creativity, the menu is seasonal, avoiding the obvious while remaining approachable.

Thu-Fri 19:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:00, Mon 19:00-23:00

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Porto €€€€

Euskalduna Studio

Chef Vasco Coelho Santos’ restaurant is proof that Michelin-starred establishments can be fun, relaxed, and free of stiff formalities. Trained in Spain at restaurants like El Bulli and Mugaritz, the chef serves a tasting menu at the counter, blending techniques and flavors that go beyond Portugal.

Tue-Thu 19:30-23:00, Fri-Sat 13:00-15:00, 19:30-23:00

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Porto €€

Cufra

A mix between a seafood restaurant and a classic cervejaria, Cufra is a well-loved Porto institution. Located on Avenida da Boavista, the menu ranges from francesinhas (very good ones) to fresh seafood. Whether at the counter or one of the many tables, the service follows old-school traditions.

Tue-Thu 12:00-15:30, 18:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-16:00, 18:00-01:00, Sun 12:00-16:00, 18:00-00:00

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Porto €€€€

Cozinha das Flores

Nuno Mendes, a chef based in London with two Michelin stars to his name, is one of Portugal’s most recognized culinary talents. In Porto, his elegant restaurant features an open kitchen integrated into the dining room. The menu is rooted in Northern Portuguese cuisine, and the turnip custard tart with caviar is already a classic.

Mon-Sun 12:30-15:00, 18:00-00:00

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Porto

Cervejaria Gazela

A visit to Porto without a stop at Cervejaria Gazela is incomplete (and perhaps even less joyful). Perfected over 50 years, their recipe combines a thin, crispy bread roll, high-quality sausage and linguiça, and melted cheese, all brushed with butter and a spicy sauce. Served with fries and an ice-cold draft beer. There are two locations, but the recommendation is to visit the smaller, more tucked-away one, which has only a counter.

Mon-Sat 12:00-22:30