Cândido dos Reis Café Review

Porto is full of excellent little cafés and restaurants, but every once in a while, you stumble upon a place that feels extra special, the kind of spot that makes you want to tell everyone about it while also selfishly wanting to keep it to yourself. Cândido dos Reis Café is exactly that kind of place.

I found this café on a quiet evening stroll through Galerias, Porto’s buzzing restaurant and bar district. Tucked away on Rua de Cândido dos Reis, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but trust me, once you step inside, you’ll be glad you did.

A Cozy, Welcoming Space

From the moment I walked in, I felt like I had entered a friend’s home rather than a typical café. Maybe it’s because two sisters own and run the place, and their warmth and hospitality shine through in everything.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with simple but cozy decor that lets the food and conversation take center stage. Unlike some of the livelier spots in Galerias, Cândido dos Reis Café offers a more intimate, laid-back experience, making it perfect for unwinding over a good meal or taking the weight off your feet during a Porto food tour! .

The Food: Comforting, Flavorful, and Made with Love

The menu isn’t huge, but that’s a good thing because everything feels carefully chosen and well-executed. I decided to try their signature dish: rissois with tomato rice, and wow, I was not disappointed.

Rissois & Tomato Rice: A Winning Combo

Rissois are small, crispy pastry filled with different types of meat, fish, or vegetarian options. I went for a mix – one with sardines, one with beef, and one vegetarian. They were perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, flavorful filling inside.

The tomato rice, served alongside, was a revelation. Creamy, rich, and deeply comforting, it had just the right balance of acidity and sweetness from the tomatoes. It tasted like something a Portuguese grandmother would make, in the best way possible.

If you have dietary restrictions, you’ll be happy to know that meat-free and gluten-free options are available upon request, adding to the excellent range of vegan and vegetarian options in Porto. I noticed a few customers enjoying vegetarian versions of the dish, and they looked just as delicious.

Exceptional Service with a Personal Touch

The service here is something special. I’ve been to many cafés where the staff are polite but distant, but here, they genuinely care about your experience. One of the owners checked in on my table, not in a forced, scripted way, but as if she wanted to make sure we were enjoying ourselves.

From recommending the best rissois fillings to sharing a bit of the café’s backstory, the team made me feel not just like a customer, but like a guest. They’re attentive without being intrusive, and you can tell they take pride in what they do.

Pricing: Worth Every Euro

Porto has plenty of places where you can eat cheaply, but Cândido dos Reis Café falls into the mid-range category, offering fantastic value for money. The portions are generous, the ingredients are high quality, and for the level of care put into the food and service, I’d say it’s worth every cent.

It’s priced similarly to other cafés in the area, but what sets it apart is the cozy ambiance and homemade feel of the dishes.

Best Time to Visit? Dinner

Unlike many cafés, Cândido dos Reis Café is only open for dinner, which adds to its charm. It’s the kind of place where you settle in for an unhurried meal, maybe with a glass of wine, as the evening hums along outside.

I visited around 7 PM, and it was calm but not empty, it was just the right level of buzz to feel lively without being overwhelming. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxed meal, I’d say this is the perfect time to go.

What Makes this Café Special?

There are plenty of cafés in Porto, but Cândido dos Reis Café stands out because it feels personal. It’s not just another trendy spot catering to tourists – it’s a family-run, woman-owned business that feels genuine and welcoming.

There’s something about the combination of simple, delicious food, great service, and a cozy setting that makes this place feel like a little hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back? Absolutely.

If you love discovering places that feel like a local secret, this café should be on your list. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just someone who enjoys a great meal in a welcoming space, you’ll leave feeling happy, full, and already thinking about your next visit.

I know I’ll be back—probably with friends, so I can introduce them to one of my new favorite spots in Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Cândido dos Reis Café offer takeaway and delivery? No.
Can visitors reserve a table online? Yes.
Are there WiFi and charging stations for remote workers? WiFi is available, but no charging stations.
Does the café accept card payments or only cash? Both.

For anyone looking for delicious, home-style Portuguese food in a cozy setting, Cândido dos Reis Café is a must-visit. Don’t just take my word for it, experience it yourself!

Sources:

Cândido dos Reis Café. (n.d.). Facebook. Facebook. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/candidodosreiscafe/?locale=pt_PT

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Porto food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/porto/

Eating Europe. (2023, May 2). Vegan Porto: 5 vegan places to eat in Porto. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/vegan-porto/

Eating Europe. (2023, May 9). Porto vegetarian restaurants: 5 veggie-friendly spots in Porto. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/porto-vegetarian-restaurants/