6 Views
If there’s one factor you must learn about Portuguese delicacies, it’s that seafood is taken extremely significantly. This sentiment is shared throughout the size and breadth of the nation, however I’ve discovered among the greatest seafood in Porto.
I’ve all the time been conscious about the lifelong love affair locals have with bacalhau and sardines, which is why dishes like these are central to my Porto meals excursions. But, over time, I’ve been opened as much as dozens of different beloved seafood specialties and the very best locations to attempt every one.
Under, I’ve detailed my picks for the spots that boast the greatest seafood in Porto!
Terreiro
Mendacity near the banks of the Douro River in Ribeira, Terreiro is definitely among the many most scenic seafood eating places on this listing.
It’s elegant but nonetheless tremendous relaxed, with a attractive cave-like white inside and an much more interesting terrace. I occurred to reach simply because the lunchtime rush set in, so I secured one of many few remaining tables exterior.
Regardless of how busy it was, the employees have been positive to spend time with every buyer operating by means of the menu. All the pieces sounded unimaginable, however I used to be particularly keen on attempting the seafood rice.
If there was such a factor as a summer-style stew, this was it! The sticky rice soaked up all of the flavorful juices from the seafood. On high of the mattress of rice have been meaty prawns, buttery mussels, and minerally clams, which have been doused in spicy paprika and aromatic garlic.
Terreiro (€€) – Largo do Terreiro 11, 4050-603 Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Ostras & Coisas
Ostras & Coisas is located close to Avenida dos Aliados, and I discovered this place whereas strolling from the close by metro station to Igreja do Carmo.
The decor seems like a mixture of nautical and Portuguese touches, and I cherished the clear white finishes and picket beams on the ceiling. I used to be shortly distracted by the plethora of recent seafood on show, and I already knew I used to be in for a deal with.
As quickly as I noticed the crab combine on the menu, I had my coronary heart set on it. Fortunately, my buddy was equally obsessed with it, because the waitress mentioned that this collection of crab, prawns, barnacles, and scallops was simply sufficient meals for 2.
Though I might gush about how excellent each a part of this dish was, the barnacles are what stood out essentially the most. Whereas they have been comparable in texture to crab meat, although barely chewier, that they had a delicate taste that caught with me lengthy after the meal.
Ostras & Coisas (€€) – Rua da Fábrica nº73, 4050-247 Porto, Portugal – Open daily from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
A Marisqueira de Matosinhos
Should you’re ready to move slightly out of the middle to the fishing hotspot of Matosinhos, I like to recommend squeezing in a go to to A Marisqueira de Matosinhos.
This place appeared rather more upmarket than I initially realized, with its smooth picket options and refined black tables. Nevertheless, the healthful vibe and heat employees immediately made me really feel extra relaxed once I sat down.
The menu was rather more diversified than most seafood eateries, because the meat dishes sounded simply pretty much as good because the oceanic choices. That mentioned, I got here right here particularly for the seafood and was eager on the spider crab.
Had I not recognized any higher, I’d have guessed the spider crab was lobster. It had the identical degree of sweetness and a beautiful, agency consistency that was as tender because the nutty white rice that accompanied it.
A Marisqueira de Matosinhos (€€) – R. Roberto Ivens 717, 4450-255 Matosinhos, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to three:30 pm
Meia-Nau
Meia-Nau is hidden away on a slender avenue simply a couple of minutes stroll from Igreja do Carmo. Had I not by chance made a flawed flip, I by no means would have discovered this seafood-focused hang-out.
The inside of Meia-Nau is up to date and classy, however it has some nods to conventional Portuguese design. A few of my favourite touches have been the colourful patterned tiles and sea-blue partitions.
Once I laid eyes on the grilled fish and shellfish sections of the menu, I had a sense that deciding what to order right here was going to be a wrestle, and it actually was! Simply as I used to be about to go for the enormous tiger prawns with olive oil, I made a last-minute swap to the turbot.
It was offered with just some lemon wedges, permitting the style and flaky texture of the fish to do all of the speaking. When teamed with the zesty lemon juices, the wealthy flavors of the fish turned softer and brighter.
Meia-Nau (€€) – Television. de Cedofeita 48, 4050-183 Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Taberna Dos Mercadores
Taberna Dos Mercadores is certainly one of many spots that might argue they boast among the greatest seafood in Porto. Although it’s unimaginable to slender it down, I can verify that this Riberia eatery deserves all of the hype it will get.
Getting a seat on this cozy restaurant is not any straightforward process, as there’s usually a queue to eat right here alongside the open kitchen or exterior on the cobblestone avenue. Fortunately, a buddy of mine had given me a heads-up about this, and I made a reservation.
Despite the fact that the enormous Pacific octopus is a best-seller right here, I had simply eaten some only a day or two earlier than I dined right here. As such, I made a decision to attempt the salt-crusted sea bass as an alternative, which turned out to be a wonderful selection.
The presentation alone wowed me because the servers placed on a present by charring the pores and skin with a flame and eradicating the bones beside the desk. It was nearly as exceptional because the flavors, which have been clear, subtly salty, and slightly lemony.
Taberna Dos Mercadores (€€) – R. dos Mercadores 36, Porto, Portugal – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Peixe no Mercado
It doesn’t get significantly better than Bolhão’s Peixe no Mercado for top-notch seafood and an ambient setting.
The pale blue partitions, stylish wicker furnishings, and dipped lighting made the eating space really feel upscale however relaxed. Nevertheless, the balcony space has a pleasant, energetic vibe when the climate’s excellent.
Lots of the dishes mixed varied fishy favorites, which allowed me to attempt a number of sorts of seafood choices without delay. I went for the hake and brown crab with fermented tomatoes.
One factor I like about hake is its super-soft texture, and this piece was no completely different. As a result of the hake was so gentle with only a trace of sweetness, the acidic-like qualities of the brown crab felt like a burst of taste. Each have been enhanced by the addition of tangy tomatoes.
Peixe no Mercado (€€) – R. Formosa 322 Piso 3, 4000-249 Porto, Portugal – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, closed each Sunday
Conclusion
So far as seafood go, Porto eating places might give just about any coastal metropolis in Europe a run for its cash. Between tasty shellfish caught recent from the Atlantic Ocean and inventive fish dishes, it’s little surprise Porto is dwelling to among the nation’s greatest seafood!
