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If there’s one factor it’s essential to learn about Portuguese delicacies, it’s that seafood is taken extremely critically. This sentiment is shared throughout the size and breadth of the nation, however I’ve discovered among the most scrumptious 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 experiences. But, through the years, I’ve been opened as much as dozens of different beloved seafood specialties and the highest locations to attempt every one.
Under, I’ve detailed my picks for the spots that boast the best seafood in Porto!
Chosen Seafood Specialists
From delicate shellfish to sturdy octopus rice, the number of our seafood delicacies is a testomony to our maritime heritage. We prioritize institutions that respect the seasonality of the ocean and keep away from overfished species to guard our native ecosystem. Every of those eating places provides a curated expertise that highlights the standard and variety of Portuguese seafood. E book a meals tour with us to be taught extra.
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 beautiful 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 working via the menu. Every little thing sounded unimaginable, however I used to be particularly excited about 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 prime 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 looks like a mixture of nautical and Portuguese touches, and I cherished the clear white finishes and wood beams on the ceiling. I used to be rapidly distracted by the plethora of contemporary 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 choice 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 day by day from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm
A Marisqueira de Matosinhos
For those who’re ready to move a bit 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 seemed far more upmarket than I initially realized, with its modern wood options and refined black tables. Nevertheless, the healthful vibe and heat employees immediately made me really feel extra relaxed after I sat down.
The menu was far more diverse 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 stunning, 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 road simply a couple of minutes stroll from Igreja do Carmo. Had I not unintentionally 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, but it surely has some nods to conventional Portuguese design. A few of my favourite touches have been the colourful patterned tiles and sea-blue partitions.
After 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 battle, and it actually was! Simply as I used to be about to go for the large tiger prawns with olive oil, I made a last-minute change to the turbot.
It was offered with only a few 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 grew to become 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 considered one of many spots that would argue they boast among the tastiest seafood in Porto. Although it’s unattainable 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 simple job, as there’s typically a queue to eat right here alongside the open kitchen or exterior on the cobblestone road. Fortunately, a buddy of mine had given me a heads-up about this, and I made a reservation.
Although the large Pacific octopus is a top-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 alternative.
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 virtually as outstanding because the flavors, which have been clear, subtly salty, and a bit 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, vigorous vibe when the climate’s good.
Most of the dishes mixed numerous fishy favorites, which allowed me to attempt a number of sorts of seafood choices directly. 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 totally different. As a result of the hake was so delicate 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
The Artwork of the Atlantic Grill
We discover that the key to our seafood lies within the minimal seasoning—often only a beneficiant handful of sea salt and a drizzle of native olive oil. This method ensures that the clear, briny taste of the Atlantic stays the star of each plate we serve. You’ll discover that lots of our favourite spots are positioned in Matosinhos, the place the custom of outside grilling is a lifestyle. Watching the smoke rise from the streets is a sensory introduction to Porto’s coastal soul.
Sustainable Fishing Practices
We’re dedicated to supporting eating places that work with native “lota” (fish auctions) to make sure the traceability of each fish. By selecting species which might be in season and regionally plentiful, we assist keep the well being of our marine biodiversity. Most of the cooks we function are advocates for artisanal fishing strategies which have a decrease environmental impression than industrial trawling. Supporting these practices ensures that our seafood custom stays sustainable for the subsequent era of meals lovers.
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 contemporary from the Atlantic Ocean and inventive fish dishes, it’s little marvel Porto is house to among the nation’s best seafood!
