Craving seafood, oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams? Welcome to this seafood paradise called Portugal!
Portugal has a unique geographical advantage: we have the Atlantic Ocean and a lot of rivers (and natural reservoirs as well), ensuring a constant supply of the freshest fish and seafood delights.
If you are looking for the best seafood restaurants in Porto, just stay with us. We’re about to share with you the best of the best in the city of the 6 bridges with our Porto seafood guide.
Seafood restaurants in Porto
One can’t simply go to Porto without sampling its freshly caught seafood perfectly paired with delicious Portuguese white wines. Are you ready to delve into the world of local seafood? Here are our favorite seafood restaurants in Porto.
1. MARISQUEIRA ANTIGA
We love a good seafood bonanza and, usually, we go to the neighboring city of Matosinhos where the docks are located. Some people will say this restaurant is a more formal place but, in our opinion, if you’re expected to use your hands on your food, formality goes out the window. Shrimp, barnacles, stuffed brown crab (sapateira), seafood rice (arroz de marisco) and grilled fresh fish are some of their specialties. This is the place we took Anthony Bourdain to for a shellfish frenzy on a Private Custom Tour of Porto. Unreal delicious!
- Address: Rua Roberto Ivens 628. 4450-248 Matosinhos
- Website: www.esplanadamarisqueira.com
2. GAVETO
Gaveto is an old-school restaurant with an excellent wine list. If you don’t know what to order, worry not: the friendly waiter will help you navigate the menu and make a selection. Seek it out if you’re not too worried about the budget.
- Address: Rua Roberto Ivens 824. 4450-279 Matosinhos
- Website: restaurante.ogaveto.com
3. MARISQUEIRA DOS POBRES
If the locals are there, chances are that you want to be there, too. And where should you start? From the mussels and clams to the fresh shrimps and whelks, there’s so much to choose from at Marisqueira dos Pobres. These guys know what they are doing!
- Address: Avenida Serpa Pinto 39. 4450-246 Matosinhos
- Website: facebook.com/marisqueiradospobres
4. ADEGA SÃO NICOLAU
Tucked into a narrow alleyway just out of the way of most of the tourist traffic, you will find Adega São Nicolau – a tinny but very cozy restaurant right at the heart of Ribeira District. Food is fantastic: big portions and a taste that reminds us of Grandma’s cooking. Be sure to make a reservation to prevent long waiting times at the restaurant.
- Address: Rua de São Nicolau 1. 4050-561 Porto
- Website: facebook.com/AdegaSNicolau
5. OSTRAS & COISAS
If you prefer to stay in town instead of going to the neighboring city of Matosinhos for seafood restaurants, then this place is for you. The name says it all: oysters and stuff. All they serve is very fresh and the oyster bar downstairs is quite good fun. If you prefer a quieter setting, ask for a table upstairs. If available, definitely go for the grilled John Dory with arroz malandro (which translates to naughty rice – it has a lot of sauce). Don’t miss the clams in white wine. All washed down with a great Portuguese Rose wine. Outstanding!
- Address: Rua da Fábrica nº73. 4050-247 Porto
- Website: ostrasecoisas.pt
Are your taste buds craving more Portuguese flavors, fellow foodie?
Are you ready to discover and taste other lesser-known local traditional dishes & wines while in Porto? You might think of joining our Private Custom Food Tour in Porto. Guided by our passionate local host, you will experience the Porto that tourists rarely see, taste important elements of our cuisine, and learn about the history, architecture, and culture while walking the streets of our beloved city.
Cheers!
Taste Porto Foodie Team