This list of romantic restaurants in Porto is the result of the year or so we spent living in the city, going on weekly date nights. Putting them in a sensible order challenged me at first. Should I order them from our most favorite to our least favorite? Not possible. We love them all. Some date nights we were in the mood for sushi, sometimes we craved Mexican, and on other nights we sought places full of cozy comfort.
Carlota de Limon Dessert at Frida’s.Romantic Restaurants in Porto for Every Mood
Coupage 51 – Shareable Mediterranean Meals
Tempura Covered Green Beans at Coupage 51.Coupage 51 is small and well-loved. From its tapas-style, shareable plates to its patrons, the feel here is international. Their menu changes regularly, but always has plenty of options for vegetarians and omnivores alike. Depending on the day, you might find babaganoush, bok choy with mushrooms and pumpkin, chicken tacos, cod croquettes, or fried eggplant with honey on the menu.
Their dishes are affordable enough to risk trying something you might not love, though every dish we tried here delighted us. Coupage 51 is friendly, laid back, with a touch of whimsy on its walls. We often sat near a painting of The Last Supper with a cat as Jesus, a dolphin on one end, a giraffe at the other, and an assortment of animals between them. After a couple of visits, we decided it was just the place for us to dine on our anniversary – a decision we don’t take lightly.
Address: Tv. de Cedofeita 51, 4050-183 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 6:00 PM – Midnight
Website: No official website, but you can find them on Instagram at @coupage51.
Must-try: Baked Camembert.
Reservations: Make reservations! Coupage 51 is small and popular. You can make them on Dish or TheFork.
Dona Maria Restaurante – A Tribute to Portuguese Cuisine
Located in the Forte de Gaia Autograph Collection hotel, the warm autumnal tones of Dona Maria Restaurante’s walls provide a cozy contrast to its modern elegance. Seating is available indoors or on their rooftop terrace. When the weather is right (and it often is), folding glass doors are kept open, allowing everyone to feel as if they are dining al fresco.
From couvert* (bread, butter, olive oil) to sobremesa (dessert), the menu is authentically Portuguese. After the couvert, you might start with marinated sardines, suckling pig croquettes, or codfish fritters. Mains on their menu include octopus, fish of the day, and pork cheek. For dessert, you could get a Cream Pastel (puff pastry with cinnamon ice cream and salted caramel), among a few other sweet twists on traditional flavors.
When a server brings the couvert to your table, they might share the importance of the olive oil before pouring it. It is Quinta do Noval’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Grown traditionally, with no irrigation, Quinta do Noval’s olives are pruned by hand from their olive grove in the Douro River Valley. Some of their trees are more than 200 years old. During our first visit, the server shared all of these details, and it elevated our experience.
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto, 60 4400-307 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 A M- 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Sat-Sun 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Website: restaurantedonamaria.com
Must-try: Suckling Pig and Pennyroyal Croquettes
Reservations: Make reservations at Dona Maria or by calling +351 220-157540
Travel Tip: Stay at the luxurious Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection, to be in the same hotel as the delectable dishes served at Dona Maria Restaurante. Book your stay.
Yakuza by Olivier – Japanese-Mediterranean Fusion
I will forever remember Yakuza by Olivier as the place I learned to use chopsticks with confidence. Fonesco, our favorite server there, had me hold out the chopsticks as if I were a wizard in Harry Potter. He then showed me how to make a couple of adjustments, and voila, I started using chopsticks properly. Chris has been a sophisticated pro at using chopsticks since before I met him.
Yakuza is located on Porto’s main thoroughfare, Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of Allies)– an elegant street that honors the alliance forged between Portugal and England in the 14th century. Yakuza’s ambiance matches the street’s elegance with gorgeous chandeliers, gilded sculptures, and high ceilings.
Known for its fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean flavors, expect innovative dishes and drinks crafted with care. We adore their sushi, especially their vegetarian sushi – full of dynamic flavors, a baker’s dozen of sushi rolls in six different styles.
Their wine list is solid. You can purchase a bottle for anywhere between 25 € and 210 €, with champagnes available for considerably more. One especially memorable bottle we enjoyed there was a 2017 Dona Maria Grande Reserva red wine (90 pts from Wine Enthusiast). When it comes to craft cocktails, we love their L’ancien, a smoky Port wine and bourbon drink (Port wine, bourbon, Jerry Thomas bitters).
Address: Av. dos Aliados 151, 4000-067 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Daily 12:20 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Website: restaurantesyakuza.com
Must-try: Edamame with Truffled Ponzu
Reservations: Make reservations for Yakuza by Olivier
Travel Tip: Stay at Le Monumental Palace by Maison Albar to be in the hotel that houses this magnificent restaurant. Book Your Stay.
Terra – Oceanside Sushi & Beef Wellington
Located in an oceanside neighborhood with reasonably priced food and drinks, Terra is well beyond the typical touristy areas of Porto. Getting to Terra takes about twenty minutes by car. Once there, its neo-rustic dining room and attentive, well-paced service will put you into relax mode.
While its primary focus is sushi, you can also get an excellent Beef Wellington here. I ordered their veggie sushi and was delighted by the artistry that went into it. They even placed little hearts on top of the rolls with broccoli. Chris enjoyed sushi as an appetizer and Beef Wellington for his main. The Beef Wellington was cooked to perfection.
Pro-Tip: If you want to order the Veggie Sushi (it is incredible), request it when you make your reservations. It’s only available by pre-order. You can call in advance at 351 22 617 7339.
Address: Rua do Padrão 103 4150-559 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Sunday 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Website: restauranteterra.com
Must-try: Vegetarian Sushi
Reservations: You can make reservations on their website or by calling 351 22 617 7339.
Muu Steakhouse – Porto’s Best Cuts of Meat
Each time we walked into Muu Steakhouse, we were given complimentary glasses of sparkling wine before being ushered to our table. It felt more like arriving at a friend’s dinner party than at a restaurant. Muu Steakhouse is classy, yet its atmosphere is playful with cartoonish paintings on the walls.
Muu Steakhouse is our favorite steakhouse in Porto. Their cuts of steak have been excellent on every visit we’ve made. This is not true for a few other steakhouses in the city. Not only are their cuts of meat excellent, but their service is exceptional.
If you or any of your companions are steak-averse, there’s no need to fret; there are other options. They do offer a vegan dish and a fish one as well.
As you might expect, they do have an impressive wine list. Our most memorable bottle of red there was a Casa Ferreirinha Quinta da Leda 2019 Douro Tinto (95 pts from Wine Enthusiast). We’ve also enjoyed glasses of Quinta do Noval’s 2009 Colheita Tawny Port (92 pts from Wine Enthusiast).
Address: Rua do Almada 149A, 4050-037 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Monday to Thursday 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday to Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Website: muusteakhouse.com
Must-try: Fillet
Reservations: You will need reservations! Call +351 914 784 032 to make them. When we lived in Porto, they could be booked out weeks in advance, especially during the high season, so book ahead. Every time I called, the person at the other end spoke perfect English, so if you’re nervous about calling and not being understood, don’t worry about it.
Duello – Elevated Mexican Fare
When you’re craving elevated Mexican fare similar to what you’ll find in the United States, visit Duello. We lived in Portugal and we love Mexican food. Duello made me feel at home. More than the decor and the meals, though both were excellent, it was the jovial service that transported me. Andre helped us with our pronunciation of “mais uma por favor” (one more, please) when we wanted another round of margaritas or Modelos. Whenever we felt homesick, we reserved a table here.
Their chips and guac might be the best in Porto. Chris favored Duello’s Al Pastor (pork) tacos, while I couldn’t get enough of their Huerta (vegetarian) tacos. Save room for their cruffin-like churro(fried dough filled with vanilla ice cream, agave sauce, caramelized almonds, and pepper whipped cream).
The delectable churro at Duello.Address: R. do Bonjardim 233, 4000-114 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Friday 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Saturday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Website: No official website, but you can find them on Instagram at @duello.porto.
Must-try: Margaritas and Churros
Reservations: You can make reservations on TheFork or Google. They do their best to accommodate walk-ins.
Frida Cocina Mestiza – Tableside Mezcal Magic
Frida is the place to go for Molcajete de Arrachera, to have a Fillet set on fire with Mezcal tableside, and sip a Guatemalan rum, aged 23 years – Ron Zacapa 23, I believe. When the rum was served as a digestif, we were told it was “made from sugar cane harvested low but brought up high into the mountains to age.” Frida’s is fancy.
Depending on where you are staying in Porto, you may want to request a ride share (Uber/Lyft). Unlike Terra, it’s not away from downtown, but it is about a 30-minute walk from the Dom Luis I bridge and about the same from Rua das Flores.
Textured layers and intentional mismatches give Frida a boutique feel. Its black walls and ceiling are like a chalkboard (and just might be) with words and drawings scrawled across every side of it. A painting of Frida Kahlo hangs on the wall beneath her iconic quote, “Pies, ¿para qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar?” Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?
The Fillet of Caña al Mezcal, the one set on fire tableside, is served with a cherry tomato and avocado salad and fried yuca. It’s a meal meant for two, but I always ordered it for myself and saved half for a meal the next day.
Address: R. de Adolfo Casais Monteiro 135, 4050-101 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Daily 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Website: cocinamestiza.pt
Must-try: Fillet of Caña al Mezcal (my favorite) and/or Molcajete Mixto (Chris’s favorite)
Reservations: Reservations here are a must! Make your reservations for Frida’s.
See the Fillet set on Fire at Frida’s:
Pre-Dinner or Nightcap Beverages
Jardim do Morro – Sunset & Live Music
Jardim do Morro is not an official bar or restaurant. It’s a pretty park where live music often plays at sunset. Sometimes, as sunset approaches, vendors walk back and forth among the crowd seated, selling beer and maybe wine from coolers. Other vendors offer sweet treats. A friend of mine and I bought brigadeiros from a Brazilian student attending the University of Porto. The peanut brigadeiro I ate was delicious. It reminded me of fudge, but with a softer, more melty texture.
In the winter, roasted chestnuts can be purchased from a nearby stand—the woman who sold us a bag offered to put salt on it. We accepted. It made them taste even better. She served the roasted chestnuts in a two-sided bag, one side for the empty shells.
There is a bar within the park that you can visit, Esplanada Jardim do Morro.
Address: Jardim do Morro, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
A little of the live music we enjoyed at Jardim do Morro:
Dubon Chocolate Bar – Port & Chocolate Pairings
Stop into Dubon Chocolate Bar, an artisan chocolate shop and cocktail bar, for a drink and a chocolate, or a full Port Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Learn more about Dubon and other fun places to drink wine in our post: Where to Drink Port in Porto: Our Favorite Spots.
Address: Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 100, 4050-359 Porto, Portugal
Bonaparte Pub – Classic Pub Vibes
From its name to its walls, Bonaparte’s is eclectic. Bonaparte, a name made famous by a Frenchman, is Italian in origin. It lives up to the Pub part of its name and feels Irish with its prominent Jameson Black Barrel signage throughout. On St. Patrick’s Day, they gave us Guinness bracelets with our pints of the black stuff.
Naked baby dolls in bird cages hang above the bar, and doll faces with backlighting that make them look as if they belong in a horror story adorn the dark wood walls. They’re interspersed amongst vintage decor. Someone had a lot of fun decorating the place.
When we’d stop in after our date night dinners, it was usually easy to find a booth to tuck into. It’s popular, but it’s also a spacious place. Only once on our many visits were we seated at the very last table available in the whole place. Our go-to drink there is the Old and Hot Manners, their spicy take on an Old Fashioned.
Address: P. de Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 40, 4050-150 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Monday 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM, Tuesday to Thursday 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM, Sunday 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Website: No official website, but you can find them on Facebook at Bonaparte Pub.
Must-try: Old and Hot Manners – especially if you love Old Fashioneds and a bit of spice.
Reservations: It’s a large place and can get packed on occasion, but to the best of my knowledge, they do not accept reservations.
*Couvert: In our experience, the couvert brought out was typically bread, butter, and maybe olive oil. It can include olives, cheese, and other small dishes. While couvert is often brought out and set on the table without asking if you’d like it first, you can decline it. Most places do charge a small price for the couvert.
More Romantic Portugal Guides
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Where to Drink Port in Porto: Our Favorite Spots
Porto’s Sweet Side: Best Pastries, Chocolate Shops, and More
Douro Valley Day Trip: Wine, Views, and History
Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon: Where to Try This Iconic Treat
Portugal Wine Tour: 3 Vineyards to Visit in the Algarve Region
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