Living in Invicta, or visiting Porto without eating francesinhas is unthinkable. Eating this typical dish, which we Porto locals can’t live without, is one of the things you should do in the city at least once in your life. But which are the best restaurants to try this delicacy?
This question will never have unanimous answers. Just as in sports, everyone has different favorite sports and athletes; the same applies to francesinhas. Although it’s an arduous task, we’ve accepted the challenge and prepared a brief and fundamental roadmap for you. Traditional Francesinhas, with or without egg, or even vegetarian, there’s something for everyone!
Table Of Contents
Café Santiago
Founded in 1959, this is probably one of the most famous ‘francesinha houses’ in Porto. It’s that choice that never compromises and is highly sought after, especially by tourists.
With a privileged location, right next to the Coliseu do Porto Ageas (one of the most emblematic rooms of the city), the welcoming space is also another appealing factor.
However, if you don’t have the patience to wait in line, it’s best to go early. This restaurant is usually very crowded.
Where: Rua de Passos Manuel, 226
Coat of arms
With several locations scattered around the city, the menus are usually varied, and there’s even room for dishes vegetarians.
He recently opened a new space in Antas with an francesinha and exclusive. But you can always take a look at the other restaurants:
- Aliados Coat of Arms, Rua Ramalho Ortigão, 28;
- Colosseum coat of arms, Passos Manuel Street, 205;
- Foz Coat of Arms, Rua de Gondarém, 487;
- Salgueiros Coat of Arms, Av. da Beira do Mar, 2020, Vila Nova de Gaia.
Yuko Tavern
Since 1987, Yuko Tavern has stood out for its francesinhas. The quality of its products is evident in every bite, so it’s not surprising that this is one of the most famous places on any gastronomic itinerary dedicated to our delicacy.
Here, there are traditional francesinhas, perfect for those who don’t want to give up the classic flavors. However, there are also options that promise to please the vegetarians.
Where: Rua da Costa Cabral, 2331
Black cape II
Located on Rua do Campo Alegre, a 15-minute walk from the magnificent Botanical Garden capa Negra II is probably one of Invicta’s best-known breweries.
The atmosphere is relaxed, but the best thing is the francesinha, which makes this place a must for any local or visitor.
Where: Rua do Campo Alegre, 191
Lado B Café
What’s the best francesinha in the world? If it’s hard enough to make a guide like this typical dishin Porto, imagine now trying to find out which is the best in the world.
In any case, “The Best Francesinha in the World” is a registered trademark of Lado B Café. It was created in 2013 to “promote a product that is one of the most striking symbols of the city”, reads the restaurant website.
Located opposite the Coliseu do Porto, the venue stands out not only for its food, but also for its architecture modern and connected to the world of music.
Where: Rua de Passos Manuel, 190
The Regaleira
The A Regaleira restaurant first opened its doors in the 30s. However, according to legend, it was here that the service began in 1952francesinhasin Porto.
The recipe was created by Daniel David Silva, an emigrant to France, inspired by a French dish called croque-monsieur. The secret lies in the spicy sauce and the combination of cheese and ham.
The restaurant was closed for three years, but fortunately reopened its doors to the public in 2021. So how about a visit to where it all began?
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 83
Afonso
Although a list of the best francesinhas is never unanimous, O Afonso restaurant could not be missing from this itinerary.
After all, it was here that the famous critic Anthony Bourdain fell in love with the Porto delicacy.
The bread is well toasted, the meat is quality and the potatoes are a treat. Who’s already salivating?
Where: Rua da Torrinha, 219
Cufra
Since the 1970s, Avenida da Boavista has been home to another obligatory stop in the world of francesinhas, namely O Cufra.
The restaurant is famous for its sauce, but also for its large and welcoming space.
Also worth a visit is the Cufra Grill, in the Edifício Transparente (Matosinhos) and Santa Francesinha, in the middle of Poveiros Square.
Phase buffet
To close with a bang, we couldn’t talk about francesinhas in Porto without including the restaurant Bufete Fase. Located in the heart of the city,this place is small in size but big on flavor.
The Phase Buffet closes at weekends and there are few tables. So, if you want to stop by and ‘devour’ this Porto delicacy, take these notes into consideration.
What’s more, this francesinha has its own peculiarity. What? The sausage is placed on top of the plate and, alongside the traditional steak, there is also roast beef.
Where: Rua de Santa Catarina, 1147
Londrina Tavern
Recently, Taberna Londrina has been on the ‘world’s lips’, as it has crossed borders and is going to set up shop near Paris in France.
In all, the restaurant chain already has 15 spaces open in Portugal and, of course, Porto couldn’t be left out.
Taberna Londrina’s francesinhas stand out for having a creamier, sweeter and less spicy sauce, different from the typical Porto recipe.
Where: Rua de Ceuta, nº72; and Estrada da Circunvalação, 7964.
Verse in Stone
Did you know that this restaurant has a challenge waiting for you? At Verso em Pedra, in the Miragaia area, there’s a 5.2 kg “mega francesinha”. The winner is entitled to a cash prize from the restaurant.
Around here, we’ve never really got into this gastronomic craze. However, we did try the already generous portions of the “normal” francesinhas, which are equivalent to two regular-sized ones.
Where: Rua da Armenia, 16
Other tips on where to eat francesinhas
If you get the chance, don’t forget to try these ‘expert’ francesinha restaurants in Porto (and beyond):
- O Golfinho Restaurant, Rua de Sá de Noronha 137;
- Barcarola Café, 806 Costa Cabral Street;
- Venham Mais Cinco, Rua de Santo Ildefonso, 219;
- Locanda, Tv. Buel 40, Canelas, municipality of Gaia.
As you can see, there are plenty of options, the hard part is choosing!