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Porto is filled with wonderful little cafés and eating places, however each infrequently, you encounter a spot that feels further particular, the type of spot that makes you wish to inform everybody about it whereas additionally selfishly wanting to maintain it to your self. Cândido dos Reis Café is precisely that type of place.

I discovered this café on a quiet night stroll by means of Galerias, Porto’s buzzing restaurant and bar district. Tucked away on Rua de Cândido dos Reis, it’s straightforward to overlook should you’re not on the lookout for it, however belief me, when you step inside, you’ll be glad you probably did.

A Cozy, Welcoming House

From the second I walked in, I felt like I had entered a good friend’s dwelling fairly than a typical café. Perhaps it’s as a result of two sisters personal and run the place, and their heat and hospitality shine by means of in all the pieces.

The ambiance is relaxed, with easy however cozy decor that lets the meals and dialog take heart stage. Not like a number of the livelier spots in Galerias, Cândido dos Reis Café provides a extra intimate, laid-back expertise, making it good for unwinding over a very good meal or taking the burden off your toes throughout a Porto meals tour! .

The Meals: Comforting, Flavorful, and Made with Love

The menu isn’t enormous, however that’s a very good factor as a result of all the pieces feels rigorously chosen and well-executed. I made a decision to attempt their signature dish: rissois with tomato rice, and wow, I used to be not disenchanted.

Rissois & Tomato Rice: A Successful Combo

Rissois are small, crispy pastry full of several types of meat, fish, or vegetarian choices. I went for a combination – one with sardines, one with beef, and one vegetarian. They had been completely golden and crisp on the surface, with a tender, flavorful filling inside.

The tomato rice, served alongside, was a revelation. Creamy, wealthy, and deeply comforting, it had simply the correct steadiness of acidity and sweetness from the tomatoes. It tasted like one thing a Portuguese grandmother would make, in one of the best ways potential.

If in case you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be glad to know that meat-free and gluten-free choices can be found upon request, including to the wonderful vary of vegan and vegetarian choices in Porto. I seen a number of prospects having fun with vegetarian variations of the dish, and so they seemed simply as scrumptious.

Distinctive Service with a Private Contact

The service right here is one thing particular. I’ve been to many cafés the place the employees are well mannered however distant, however right here, they genuinely care about your expertise. One of many homeowners checked in on my desk, not in a pressured, scripted manner, however as if she needed to ensure we had been having fun with ourselves.

From recommending the perfect rissois fillings to sharing a little bit of the café’s backstory, the group made me really feel not identical to a buyer, however like a visitor. They’re attentive with out being intrusive, and you’ll inform they take satisfaction in what they do.

Pricing: Value Each Euro

Porto has loads of locations the place you’ll be able to eat cheaply, however Cândido dos Reis Café falls into the mid-range class, providing incredible worth for cash. The parts are beneficiant, the components are top quality, and for the extent of care put into the meals and repair, I’d say it’s value each cent.

It’s priced equally to different cafés within the space, however what units it aside is the cozy ambiance and home made really feel of the dishes.

Greatest Time to Go to? Dinner

Not like many cafés, Cândido dos Reis Café is barely open for dinner, which provides to its attraction. It’s the type of place the place you agree in for an unhurried meal, perhaps with a glass of wine, because the night hums alongside outdoors.

I visited round 7 PM, and it was calm however not empty, it was simply the correct degree of buzz to really feel full of life with out being overwhelming. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quiet, relaxed meal, I’d say that is the right time to go.

What Makes this Café Particular?

There are many cafés in Porto, however Cândido dos Reis Café stands out as a result of it feels private. It’s not simply one other fashionable spot catering to vacationers – it’s a family-run, woman-owned enterprise that feels real and welcoming.

There’s one thing concerning the mixture of easy, scrumptious meals, nice service, and a comfy setting that makes this place really feel like a little bit hidden gem within the coronary heart of town.

Ultimate Ideas: Would I Go Again? Completely.

If you happen to love discovering locations that really feel like an area secret, this café ought to be in your record. Whether or not you’re a foodie, a traveler, or simply somebody who enjoys a terrific meal in a welcoming house, you’ll depart feeling glad, full, and already fascinated about your subsequent go to.

I do know I’ll be again—in all probability with mates, so I can introduce them to considered one of my new favourite spots in Porto.

Regularly Requested Questions (FAQs)

• Does Cândido dos Reis Café provide takeaway and supply? No.
• Can guests reserve a desk on-line? Sure.
• Are there WiFi and charging stations for distant staff? WiFi is offered, however no charging stations.
• Does the café settle for card funds or solely money? Each.

For anybody on the lookout for scrumptious, home-style Portuguese meals in a comfy setting, Cândido dos Reis Café is a must-visit. Don’t simply take my phrase for it, expertise it your self!

Sources:

Cândido dos Reis Café. (n.d.). Fb. Fb. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://www.fb.com/candidodosreiscafe/?locale=pt_PT

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Porto meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/porto/

Consuming Europe. (2023, Might 2). Vegan Porto: 5 vegan locations to eat in Porto. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/vegan-porto/

Consuming Europe. (2023, Might 9). Porto vegetarian eating places: 5 veggie-friendly spots in Porto. Consuming Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/porto-vegetarian-restaurants/