Bit of a foodie? Point your passport in the direction of Porto and get ready for gourmet greatness. Whether you’re feasting on fine-dining fare in a Michelin-starred restaurant or trying local faves in a tucked-away tasca (bar), you can expect a warm welcome when you arrive and a full belly when you leave. And with the Douro Valley on its doorstep, wine connoisseurs will be in their element too.

Must-try dishes

Francesinha

Here, a simple supermarket meal deal won’t cut the mustard for lunch, so upgrade your sandwich to a francesinha instead. Layers of toasted white bread are filled with steak and ham, topped with melted cheese and an egg, and drenched in a tangy tomato-and-beer sauce. It’s often dished up with a side of fries, just to add to the carb-tastic deliciousness.

Bifana

Portuguese soul food at its finest, bifanas are braised slices of pork drizzled with chili oil and served in a soft roll. The meat is usually cooked in white wine and chicken stock with garlic and paprika, so it packs a real flavour punch.

Pastel de nata

There’s no better way to start the day than biting into a fresh-from-the-oven pastel de nata. Flaky pastry and a creamy custard centre are the hallmarks of a good one, but a morning spent taste-testing your way around the many bakeries sounds like time well spent to us.

Grilled sardines

Freshly caught, cooked over charcoal and served whole, grilled sardines are a no-nonsense menu staple. A pinch of rock salt, a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of fresh parsley are all that’s needed.

Bolinhos de bacalhau

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these codfish cakes are the perfect starter. They’re coated in breadcrumbs, deep-fried until golden and can be devoured hot or cold.

Drinks

Port

Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and you’ll learn all about what puts the ‘port’ in Porto. This area is packed with port lodges, where you can enjoy a tasting and learn all about the tipple’s history. It also works great in cocktails, like the Porto Tonico (white port, tonic water and mint).

Ginjinha

This traditional Portuguese liqueur is made from sour cherries, sugar and alcohol. Drinking it from small dark chocolate cups instead of a glass only adds to the enjoyment.

Vinho Verde

Translating to ‘green wine’ or ‘young wine’, Vinho Verde hails from the Minho region. It’s characterised by its crisp acidity and fruity flavors and comes in white, red and rosé varieties.

Beer

Did you know that one of the country’s most popular beers, Super Bock, is brewed in Porto? This light, refreshing lager is made for sipping in the sun.