The gastronomy of Porto and Northern Portugal is rich and diverse, but without a doubt, francesinhas hold a very special place in the hearts of the people of Porto. With so many options to choose from, 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.
Even though it’s an arduous task, we’ve accepted the challenge and prepared a brief and fundamental itinerary for you. Traditional Francesinhas, with or without egg, or even vegetarian, there’s something for everyone!
Table Of Contents
Dona Francesinha
Located in the heart of Porto, Dona Francesinha is a place to remember. With a rating of 4.4 on Google (out of more than a thousand reviews), the restaurant has won over Porto residents and beyond.
There, you can try various francesinha dishes, from the traditional Porto style recipe (€11.90) to vegetarian and chicken variations, among others.
However, if you’re looking for a reason to take a stroll, take the opportunity to visit Dona Francesinha’s other space, located in Parque D. Maria II, in Santo Tirso, where the emblematic Casa de Chá used to be.
Where: Rua de Passos Manuel, 245
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 much sought after, especially by tourists.
With a privileged location, right next to the Coliseu do Porto Ageas (one of the city’s most emblematic venues), the cozy 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 around the city, the menu is usually varied and there is even room for vegetarian dishes.
Recently, a new place opened in Antas with an exclusive, old-fashioned francesinha . But you can always check out the other restaurants:
- Brasão Aliados, Rua Ramalho Ortigão, 28;
- Brasão Coliseu, Rua Passos Manuel, 205;
- Brasão Foz, Rua de Gondarém, 487;
- Brasão Salgueiros, Av. da Beira do Mar, 2020, Vila Nova de Gaia.
Yuko Tavern
Since 1987, Yuko Tavern has stood out when it comes to designing 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 vegetarians.
Where: Rua da Costa Cabral, 2331
Capa Negra II
Located on Rua do Campo Alegre, about a 15-minute walk from the magnificent Botanical Gardens, Capa Negra II is probably one of the best-known breweries in Invicta.
The atmosphere is relaxed, but the best part is the francesinha, which makes this place a must for any local or visitor.
Where: Rua do Campo Alegre, 191
Lado B Café
What is the best francesinha in the world? If it’s hard enough to write a guide to 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’s website.
Located opposite the Coliseu do Porto, the space stands out not only for its food, but also for its modern architecture linked to the world of music.
Where: Rua de Passos Manuel, 190
A Regaleira
A Regaleira restaurant opened its doors for the first time in the 1930s, but legend has it that it was here that francesinhas began to be servedin Porto in 1952 .
The recipe was created by Daniel David Silva, an immigrant to France, inspired by a French dish called croque-monsieur. The secret was 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
O Afonso
Although a list of the best francesinhas is never unanimous, this itinerary couldn’t be without the restaurant O Afonso .
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 must-stop in the world of francesinhas, namely O Cufra.
The restaurant is famous for its sauce, but also for its large and welcoming space.
It’s also worth visiting Cufra Grill, in Edifício Transparente(Matosinhos) and Santa Francesinha, in the heart of Praça dos Poveiros.
Fase buffet
To close with a bang, we couldn’t talk about francesinhas in Porto without including the Bufete Fase restaurant. Located in the heart of the city,this place is small in size but big on flavor.
Bufete Fase is closed at weekends and has very 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 a peculiarity. What? The sausage is placed on top of the dish and, alongside the traditional steak, there’s also roast beef.
Where: Rua de Santa Catarina, 1147
Taberna Londrina
Taberna Londrina has recently been on the ‘world’s lips’ as it has crossed borders and will be setting up near Paris, 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.
Verso em Pedra
Did you know that this restaurant has a challenge waiting for you? At Verso em Pedra, in the Miragaia area, there is a 5.2 kg “mega francesinha”. Whoever wins is entitled to a cash prize from the restaurant.
Around here, we’ve never taken part in this true gastronomic ‘madness’. However, we do try the already generous portions of the “normal” francesinhas, which are equivalent to two regular-sized ones.
Where: Rua da Arménia, 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):
- Restaurante O Golfinho, Rua de Sá de Noronha 137;
- Barcarola Café, Rua Costa Cabral, 806;
- Venham Mais Cinco, Rua de Santo Ildefonso, 219;
- Locanda, Tv. Buel 40, Canelas, in the municipality of Gaia.
As you can see, there are plenty of options, the hard part is choosing!