Starting off our ‘a very nice guide to…’ series, I thought we’d start with our favourite coffee spot, dinner and drinking hole from our recent week in Porto. Can strongly recommend that anybody who loves food give this place a visit - it’s cheap, genuine and extremely fun to spend time in. Need for further convincing? Read our reasons for coming to Porto here.

THE COFFEE

Braap Coffee

R. do Ouro 428, 4150-553 Porto

A short walk away from the main tourist drag of Cais Da Ribeira lies easily the best (and possibly only?) specialty coffee house in Porto. We stumbled upon Braap Coffee by accident - when we visited they had only been open for two months, but were already pouring the best v60 Filter that I’d ever had in my life. The decor is simple, polished, and thoroughly relaxing - the towner is an absolute legend and loves his coffee. They use locally roasted coffee from Porto, and pour an excellent milk-based coffee too, if you’re that way inclined.

THE DRINKS

Prova

R. de Ferreira Borges 86, 4050-209 Porto

Whenever I googled, ‘wine,’ and ‘Porto,’ Prova was consistently at the very top of the list of spots to check out in the city. And no wonder. This wine bar is as ornate as it is welcoming - amazing decor, a candelabra and wood - thats the theme. Oh, and amazing wine. My goodness. The wines by the glass here are off the bloody chain. The vibe here, despite the trendy setting, is decidedly relaxed, and the staff will recommend an excellent drop for a very good price. We drank a bottle from the Douro valley which was excellent, and I sampled a pet-nat that blew my socks off. Make the short walk up here away from the main tourist drag, you won’t be disappointed.

Looking for a guide on what to do in Porto? Click here. Also, read our guide to the best wine bars in Portugal here

THE FOOD

TABUA RASA

Rua da Picaria 68, Porto

Like many of the awesome places we found whilst in Portugal, Tabua Rasa appeared before our very eyes as if delivered by God. After failing to get in at a very packed bar up the road, we wandered past Tabua Rasa. Noticing the warm interior, strong attention to a colour palette, and a very well designed menu, we stepped inside, not knowing it was to be the very best meal we ate whilst in Porto. the menu is divided into a few A La Carte options, or the very good degustation section. Divided into ‘Land’ and ‘Sea,’ selections, the menu is basic, but excellent. We opted for a ‘Sea’ degustation, paying only 50 euros for more artisanal seafood than we could eat, and an excellent bottle fo the house red (also called Tabua Rasa). The plating was sensational, and the sardines in olive oil were a clear standout for me. While it was quiet when we went, I’d suggest booking ahead in the summer months, this place had all the markings of being an absolute hot-spot.

Wanna read about Portugals best wine, Vinho Verde? Head over here!

Forgotten anything about Porto? Any places you’d recommend or any questions - drop a line down below!