A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to Porto.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
See the entire Meal Plan series.
Portugal: Perhaps the worst kept secret in the travel community. Not too long ago it was considered under the radar. That seems almost absurd in hindsight. This is a country where stunning mosaics, majestic waters, and deep cultural history are matched by incredible food, world recognized wines, and those famously chill Southern European vibes. Did we mention its immediate proximity to other continental heavy hitters, like Spain and France? It was only a matter of time.
Like our four-day foodie blueprint for Lisbon, our Porto itinerary is a blend of historic charm, breathtaking scenery, and, most importantly, unforgettable meals. If you’ve been dreaming of savory francesinhas, velvety Port wine, and serene sushi sunsets on the Atlantic coast, this your perfect guide to planning a food-filled trip to Porto.
I started Epicurious Travel to help time-strapped travelers plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal. Book a fantastic hotel in Porto from the Tablet selection, then use my recommendations below to steer you through a true food-lovers paradise.
Where to Stay: Torel 1884
Seemingly out of nowhere a homegrown Portuguese hotel brand has established strongholds all across the country. The location of Torel 1884 is one of a pair of Torel properties in the picturesque riverside city of Porto, and it’s a gem: a 19th-century townhouse building in a central neighborhood, decorated with one eye on its architectural heritage and one on contemporary boutique style. It’s a long way from the minimalism that once ruled the design-hotel roost, and it’s hard to see how it could be any more pleasing to the eye.
View the entire selection of Tablet hotels in Porto.
Day 1 — Arrival & Apex Dining
AFTERNOON: Arrive at OPO airport and swiftly check into the hotel. If you’re staying in the apartments at Torel 1884, a short walk from the main building, the staff will graciously help you bring your bags up the (seriously) steep hill to your room.
DINNER: Apego Restaurante. A small, modern Portuguese restaurant with an exceptional wine list. This spot offers a sophisticated yet unpretentious entry point to Porto’s dining scene.
Day 2 – Douro Valley Deep Dive
MORNING FUEL: For a bit of a sugar and caffeine rush, start the day with a traditional Portuguese pastry and coffee at Pastelaria e Confeitaria Moura. A quick and easy stop to give you the energy for your day in the Douro Valley.
WINE: Dedicate the day to the breathtaking Douro Valley. The Douro Exclusive Gold Experience is essential: an intimate, flawlessly guided tour focusing on small, family-run vineyards—the true heart of Port wine production. These folks are extremely accommodating and will pick you up directly from your hotel. One of the highlights will surely be your hillside 4-course lunch (plus wine) overlooking the scenic river below, curated by their in-house chefs.
LATE NIGHT: Cachorrinho Gazela for the traditional, pressed Portuguese hot dog (melty cheese, Portuguese sausage, French bread roll). It’s the perfect casual, local nightcap after a day of touring.
LATE(R) NIGHT: If you’re not ready to pack it in just yet, stumble into The Royal Cocktail Club for a taste of Porto’s modern cocktail scene. Settle into their intimate lounge, take a port wine or a boozy finisher to cap off an incredible day.
Day 3 – The City & The Sandwich
CULTURE: Morning visit to the 12th-century Sé do Porto Cathedral. The stunning mosaics inside and the sweeping views from the top make this visit worthwhile, even if the climb up the narrow tower staircase to the top is a bit sketchy. Alternatively: the Church of Saint Ildefonso in Batalha Square.
SHOPPING: Rua do Almada is a perfect place to find unique and local crafts, especially on a Sunday, when you may stumble upon a market or two. We found the locally painted mosaics especially tempting.
LUNCH: Brasão Aliados This is non-negotiable. Order the Francesinha — it’s the city’s iconic, gravy-covered meat sandwich and is simply a culinary must of the trip. There may be a wait depending on the time you arrive, but it’s totally justified.
AFTERNOON: A necessary stroll across the city to the renovated Mercado Bom Sucesso to find a refreshing dessert like a pastel de nata or even an acai bowl if it’s a hot day.
DINNER: Drive west to the relaxed Foz neighborhood. After a sunset walk on the beach, find sushi and Japanese cuisine at (Michelin Guide-approved) Terra Restaurant on the Atlantic coast. If you’re feeling like dabbling into hearty Portuguese cuisine closer to the city center instead, Casa Expresso will satisfy this craving in short order.
Day 4 — Markets & Wine Cellars
LUNCH: Tour the newly renovated Mercado do Bolhão — one of the best markets we’ve ever visited. Try your hand at getting in for lunch at Culto ao Bacalhau inside the market, enjoying modern takes on favorite Portuguese dishes.
PORT TASTING: Walk across the bridge (a must-do for the incredible photo ops) to Vila Nova de Gaia. The tasting at Quevedo Lodge is highly recommended, as they are one of the rare Portuguese-family-owned Port houses.
APERITIVOS: Gito Wine Bar for low-intervention natural wines. This local spot highlights production from all over Portugal.
FAREWELL DINNER: Mito. A modern traditional restaurant with a great wine selection, focusing on seasonal, local ingredients. A perfect final bow to Porto’s vibrant culinary scene.
The Journey’s End
This is always a tough moment. The feeling of leaving a place you fell in love with in just a few days, not knowing when you’ll be back. Porto may surprise you like it did me. Its laid-back culture, stunning architecture, and accessibility coupled with its seriously heavy-hitting food and wine scene should make it one of your top European destinations to travel back to.
Not yet ready to depart? Check out our Meal Plan for Lisbon.