Top 5 Ribeira Food & Drink Spots: A Tasty Tour

Ribeira, that charming waterfront district in Porto, is that kind of place where the Douro River meets centuries of history. It is just brimming with fantastic options when it comes to feeding yourself or finding someplace interesting to drink. Choosing from a plethora of tempting spots can feel a bit overwhelming, isn’t it? So, here’s your shortcut, a guide featuring my top five Ribeira food and drink spots, carefully selected for their outstanding flavors, ambiance, and that overall “wow” factor. So you can really taste what this amazing part of Porto has on offer.

1. Majestic Café: Stepping Back in Time

The Majestic Café, with its ornate façade, it’s almost like taking a time machine back to the 1920s! It’s probably the most famous café in Porto, it has this opulent interior and it tells you stories, the type you only see in history books. It almost feels like stepping onto a film set when you walk in. So make sure to take pictures!

While that ambiance alone makes it worth a visit, their “francesinha” sandwich is actually really worth considering. It’s that kind of Portuguese icon, and this particular café does it really well, even. With layers of meat covered in melted cheese and their super distinctive sauce, this is comfort food elevated to an art form, is that crazy or what? Plus, they also have very, very good coffee, pastries and all kinds of yummy little snacks that are also great.

They usually have long waiting times at the entrance, but the vibe is great, and the sandwich even better! Plus you have great angles of people, life, and interesting people while you’re in line! That sounds like the perfect plan if you’re touring around the city!

Read our full review: Majestic Café Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

2. Bacalhau: A Celebration of Portuguese Flavors

Bacalhau is Portuguese for cod, by the way. This restaurant has that kind of location to brag about – right on the Douro River. This lets you have amazing views alongside some fantastic food. The food there has modern takes on Portuguese classics.

The place to order? Surprise, surprise: cod dishes! I mean, try their “Bacalhau à Brás”. It features shredded cod, scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes – really, a traditional dish executed flawlessly. I mean, every bite bursts with that authentic Portuguese flavor. The setting is that special, especially at sunset. It feels like you’re enjoying your meal on a postcard!

Bacalhau is also in a strategic point for anyone wanting to eat some good stuff but also, have fun at night! Is almost a starting point before jumping into the wild nights in Porto!

Read our full review: Bacalhau Restaurant Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Your Spot)

3. Taberna do Sao Pedro: A Taste of Authenticity

You’ll find this little hideaway tucked away on a small street. The spot really has an authentic vibe. This “taberna” is that sort of place where you get a proper taste of old Porto, with no frills, only real, traditional grub, you know? It really focuses on showcasing dishes, that kind of food that families enjoy together at the table.

I really recommend trying out their “tripas à moda do Porto” (tripe stew). If you want to taste proper regional cuisine, this is what you go for. I understand that trip is really not for everyone, yet if you give it a chance, you’ll be up for a pleasant surprise. The staff are friendly. The portions are generous and prices won’t break the bank. Is that what we’re looking for anyway, aren’t we?

Is actually hard to find it while strolling around. But if you set google maps, you’ll eventually will, don’t be intimidated if you have to walk on a narrow street! Good food will be waiting for you at the end!

Read our full review: Taberna do Sao Pedro Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover True Flavors)

4. Wine Quay Bar: Sips with a View

OK, you guessed it: another spot by the river! And with views, of course. But the Wine Quay Bar doesn’t focus so much on the grub; its main goal is teaching people about Portuguese wines. So you come here, basically, if you like drinking a nice beverage watching beautiful sunsets over the Douro.

It gives you all kinds of wines that Portugal has to offer. But you absolutely, absolutely should try some of their Port wines! From tawny to ruby, you’re sure to discover something new, something exciting for your taste buds. If you’re like me, you can combine the tasting with little cheese boards and charcuterie that complements everything. Can you think of anything better for an afternoon? I don’t think so!

Portugal is, if not the most, one of the best wine producers around the globe! Its history, weather and soil is almost perfect. With fair prices, and top notch quality, you should taste and experience all the wonders portuguese wines can offer.

Read our full review: Wine Quay Bar Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sample Local Wines)

5. Cafe Candelabro: Books and Brews

Let’s say you want something different, you know? Away from the river? This café bookstore really is a unique place. It’s that sort of laid-back atmosphere where books meet beer. It just makes for a cool place to relax!

At Cafe Candelabro you can have a variety of beverages and browse through that big range of books they offer. Maybe get a craft beer or get stuck into a novel, while enjoying your coffee and sweets. What else can you wish for?! It has that cosy spot ideal if you wanna chill for a bit, or wanna get some reading done.

During the evenings, it gets filled up! It really looks like college students and scholars choose it as their HQ while studying! It’s beautiful seeing young fellas learning about new topics.

Read our full review: Cafe Candelabro Porto Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Your Next Read) embed at the end of the article