Eat your way around Porto

If Portugal has earned its title as a food lovers’ paradise, then Porto should be regarded as its beating heart. It’s this very food that stole my heart. When I lived in Spain, I would venture to Portugal once a month to dine at some of my favorite restaurants and explore new ones. Now, as a Lisbon resident, I have no shame in admitting Porto is my muse for my culinary exploration and experimentation. Ahead, you’ll find the restaurants—whether you're in Porto for a day or an extended stay—that always find a place in my itinerary.

Nestled within the Torel Palace Hotel, chefs Rita Magro and Vitor Matos have created a magical experience to challenge your senses at Blind—most notably, your taste and sight. The restaurant’s theme was inspired by José Saramago’s book Blindness, a tale that weaves the story of a world struck by an epidemic of—you guessed it—blindness. Here, you’ll navigate the meal with instructions from the attentive, dynamic staff (one course is meant to be enjoyed blindfolded). And dining at Blind feels as if you've been transported deep into a lush forest, thanks to its walls of moss-like greenery and deep-black furnishings.

What to order: The 10- or 12-course tasting menu, plus the wine pairing by the illustrious sommelier Sergio Macedo.

Situated on the ground floor of The Rebello Hotel & Spa, a hotel along the Douro Riverfront in Vila Nova de Gaia, Pot&Pan pays homage to the hotel's roots as a former cookware manufacturer through the playful presentation of meals in pots, pans, and cast-iron cookware. The short, evolving menu by chef André Coutinho offers a sophisticated take on Portuguese comfort food, crafted with seasonal produce and a reverence for Iberian culture. When it comes to drinks, there’s a cocktail of the month and an impressive wine list to be explored.

What to order: The fava bean stew, caramelized octopus Socarrat rice, and scarlet shrimp in garlic and coriander sauce served with black linguini.

Tip: For dessert, head upstairs to the Bello Rooftop for the “Better Than Banoffee” with rum ice cream and raisins, more drinks, and a glorious view of Porto.

Mito, which translates to “myth,” is one of those places that seems to glow from within—stepping inside feels like a hug. Despite the fine-dining level of the dishes floating out of the kitchen, the atmosphere is welcoming and cozy (think: gingham cloth napkins, mismatched chairs, and locally made ceramics). All together, it creates the perfect ambiance for an intimate evening with a loved one or a group of friends.

What to order: The croquettes de boi velho (aged beef croquettes), codfish, steak tartare, and sea bass are all winners, but be sure to order the French toast—just trust me. And don't hesitate to order your favorite bites twice.

The no-frills, walk-in-only Salta o Muro features hearty, homestyle portions of Mediterranean and Iberian fare. The quaint space is equipped with a warm and well-respected staff, serving traditional and flavorful Portuguese dishes that locals line up for. This spot is just over the bridge in the Matosinhos neighborhood, inviting you to experience Porto like the locals do (with a pre- and post-meal stroll).

What to order: Move over paella and make room for arroz de mariscos (seafood rice). Try the caldo verde, Portugal's most popular soup. Also, order the roasted potatoes and scoop up the herbaceous oil with broa de milho, a delicious Portuguese bread.

In 2018, Porto expanded its culinary horizons by introducing its first vegan restaurant, Apuro. It quickly received accolades for its artisanal (yet affordable) dishes, plant-filled interior, and craft beer from local brewery Musa—and it continues to shine. The menu is dotted with comfort food classics even meat eaters enjoy. Food aside, the space is often playing host to live music, readings, game nights, and other events.

What to order: Set your taste buds on the “schnitzel” toast topped with caramelized onion and tomato jam or the evil burrito (hummus, basmati rice, bittersweet seitan, and sauteed mushrooms), but don’t miss the chocolate tart for dessert.

O Rápido is the people's choice of Portuguese cuisine, providing a quintessential peek into everyday dining. Minutes away from the iconic São Bento train station, the restaurant is a meat and seafood lover's paradise, serving up the country's most popular recipes in a space lined with massive photos of Porto’s most iconic sights. The energy can’t be beat, as it's fueled by locals and visitors hustling to and from the station.

What to order: Go for the grilled octopus with potatoes, hake filets, or veal. When in Portugal, ordering bread and cheese—assuming no allergies—is a must. I never miss the chance to order vinho verde, the country's illustrious and slightly carbonated green wine, either.