Best authentic "Tascas" in Porto
In Portugal, “Tascas” are affordable small restaurants which serve simple dishes for low prices. As they are usually run by family members, Tascas are as authentic as it gets. If you are visiting Porto I highly recommend having some meals at the following Tascas as to get a feeling of the Portuguese lifestyle as well as support the local culture and traditions,
Casa Expresso Tasca
Located in the center, this tasca is just north of the “Ribeira”, the northern bank of the Douro. Casa Expresso has a trademark “bifana”, a Portuguese hamburger, made with artisanal bread and delicious meat. The place has been around for quite some years and has been renovated a few times: however, the people running it have always been the same. It’s for this reason that Casa Expresso is a classic for the locals, and hopefully you will get to enjoy it too!
Adega Rio Douro
As the name suggests, this restaurant is situated on the bank of the Douro, in between the Porto, city center and the coast. The Adega Rio Douro serves traditional Portuguese dishes but is also a great place to have a drink and a small bite in the sun on their terrace.
If you are afraid to spend too much money in tourist traps, this is safe haven for you. The dishes are very cheap, and it is only locals eating here. The place had previously shows of “Fado”, the Portuguese music, however it seems it is no longer the case. Still, the food is worth a stop, especially on a sunny day while walking along the Douro.
O Afonso
If you want a modest, laid-back place to have lunch or a late time snack, O Afonso should be able to satisfy your needs and beyond.
O Afonso is known for its “Francesinhas”, a typical dish from Porto, sandwiches and omelets served with fries. Wine and beers are also on the menu at affordable prices.
The place is fairly known among the Portuguese as well as foreigners that are culinary connoisseurs. The late Anthony Bourdain shot an episode of his travel documentary in this place and was very impressed at the time of the food as well as the wonderful hospitality of the Portuguese.
O Buraco
Situated in the Bolhão district of Porto, this small and modest restaurant is easily missed. However, its food and for the price it charges, it would definitely be more popular among tourists would they know.
O Buraco is the typical Portuguese tasca: grilled sardines, Bacalhau, a Portuguese-style codfish, bean stew as well as traditional soups are the staple dishes of the restaurant.
Mind that O Buraco is very popular among the locals so be ready to queue before they open as there is usually a line!
