Porto's Culinary Scene in 2024

Porto has recently been awarded the title of “Europe’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination” by the World Culinary Awards. This accolade comes at a time when the city is truly transforming into a gastronomic hotspot, showcasing a diverse range of restaurants responding to the growing tourism and influx of new residents.

New Perspectives from Around the Globe

One shining example of this evolution is Borboleta, a cozy restaurant near the Crystal Palace. Founded by Yana Korzyn and chef Kate Plotnikova, Borboleta emphasizes fresh, market-sourced ingredients with a menu that changes weekly. Their signature dish, “vitello tomato,” features tender veal with a light, tangy tomato sauce, embodying the spirit of shared meals.

Another notable spot is Venn Canteen, founded by a trio from Goa, Poland, and Germany. This vegetarian eatery began as a delivery service and has grown into a vibrant restaurant, known for its sustainable practices and delicious dishes like polenta with Reinette apples.

Caffeine Fix

For coffee lovers, Vonn & Vonnie offers a top-notch experience with expertly roasted beans and a menu featuring everything from black coffee to unique pastries. Their influence extends to Soma Café e Cozinha, where Brazilian partners serve inventive dishes like egg moqueca and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Emerging Talents

Chef Rúben Santos leads the kitchen at Éter, a restaurant and wine bar focusing on seasonal dishes and wine pairings designed for sharing. His menu features standout items like raw beef with tertiary sauce and an impressive selection of over 80 wines.

In Pinheiro Manso, chef Daniel Carvalheira is making waves with Liz, where he combines his Mozambican roots with haute cuisine techniques, offering dishes like prawn curry in an intimate setting.

Celebrating Tradition

While Porto embraces innovation, it also cherishes its culinary heritage. Casa Expresso remains a beloved traditional tavern, serving timeless favorites like beef liver with onions and cod escabeche, showcasing the city’s enduring gastronomic identity.

Published on December 16, 2024