Gluten-Free Porto Guide

Finding quality, gluten-free restaurants can be exhausting, as anyone with a gluten intolerance knows all too well. Yet, in some cities, you’ll have dozens of incredible options, which is certainly the case in Porto!

I’ve seen the gluten-free offerings in the city expand substantially since I started my Porto food tours. While there was once just a small clutch of eateries safe for diners with celiac disease, there’s now an abundance of entirely gluten-free spots and others with excellent wheatless treats.

If you’re in need of some guidance for dining gluten-free in Porto, Portugal, this will be your fool-proof guide to the city.

Gluten-Free Restaurants

Tasquinha do Bé

Photo credit: Tasquinha do Bé

We’re kicking off this gluten-free guide to Porto with Tasquinha do Bé. Positioned right along the edge of Riberia, this is one of the top Portuguese restaurants for gluten-free versions of traditional dishes. To avoid cross-contamination, the chefs have two separate sections in the kitchen.

I almost walked right past this no-frills spot, but the busy tables inside grabbed my attention. Inside were pale-colored stone walls and a small cluster of tables, each draped with a Portuguese flag!

The team here has created an extensive gluten-free menu featuring all the classic must-try items like francesinha and bacalhau. Though I’m not intolerant to gluten, I was curious to try their wheatless pasteis de bacalhau.

Admittedly, I had a feeling they wouldn’t be quite as good as the original version, but they were top-drawer. On the outside, there was a layer of crispy batter that held together the fusion of tangy salted cod, fluffy potatoes, and earthy parsley.

Tasquinha do Bé (€€) – R. de Belomonte 116, 4050-096 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Tapabento S. Bento

Photo credit: Tapabento S. Bento

Located in São Bento train station, Tapabento S. Bento is a happening joint for tapas. I found a ton of wheat-free variations of typical Portuguese foods and naturally gluten-free dishes on the menu here.

The mix of industrial-inspired and old-school decor stopped me in my tracks right after I hopped off my train. It was a midweek evening, yet this place was absolutely buzzing.

All the allergens are highlighted on the menu, so spotting the celiac-friendly options is a breeze. Everything I ordered was fantastic, but the potato tortilla was my favorite of the gluten-free offerings I sampled.

Each bite had a medley of mild flavors that came together to create the most comforting dish. This tortilla consisted of mushy potato, salty egg, and zingy onions.

Tapabento S.Bento (€€) – Estação de S. Bento, ao lado da Linha 1, R. da Madeira 221, 4000-330 Porto, Portugal – Closed every Monday to Wednesday, open every Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Kind Kitchen

Photo credit: Kind Kitchen

Kind Kitchen in the Baixa area is a vegan haunt that happens to have some delicious gluten-free grub. 

The interior fuses the old and the new. Vintage features like stone archways perfectly blend with the stylish teal color scheme and bold wallpaper.

Plenty of Portuguese staples are on the menu, but after spending a few weeks in Porto, I was keen to switch things up with an international dish. Mexican fare, like tacos and burritos, proved popular at every second table here, but I was more interested in the tikka masala.

This is a wheatless dish by nature, but I added some gluten-free pita bread. Because the crumbly pita had such subtle flavors, it was the ideal pairing for the spicy, oh-so-creamy masala and pillowy tofu chunks.

Kind Kitchen (€€) – R. de Ceuta 80, 4050-189 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Nola Kitchen

Photo credit: Nola Kitchen

Whenever I’m in need of something a little less indulgent, Nola Kitchen in the heart of the city center is often my first port of call.

It’s a modern and sleek spot that I’ve frequented for brunch a couple of times, and I’ve grown rather fond of the chilled-out vibes and warm staff.

I first came here with a friend of mine who has celiac disease. We were both astounded by the lengths the staff went to in an effort to ensure a safe dining experience for gluten-free visitors. My friend went for the risotto, while I was set on the salmon curry.

The silky curry sauce had a gentle kick with hints of savory cumin and fiery ginger, which tasted amazing with the sweet, fork-tender salmon. It was presented with crunchy peanuts, grassy kale, and nutty black rice.

Nola Kitchen (€€) – Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 25, 4050-259 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Gluten-Free Bakeries and Cafes

Com Cuore

A dedicated gluten-free bakery, Com Cuore in Riberia is ideal for celiac travelers who want the peace of mind of dining somewhere completely free from gluten.

It’s a modest, quaint cafe with a compact indoor seating area and an always-busy outdoor terrace. The staff here goes the extra mile, greeting me and every other customer with the warmest of welcomes.

Many people flock here to feast on a gluten-free pastel de nata, but I wanted to try their waffles. There were so many different toppings available, but my sweet tooth got the better of me, so I went for the Nutella version.

Much like waffles made with wheat flour, these tasty confections were soft inside with a crackling consistency on the outside. The waffles themselves weren’t overly sweet, which was perfect considering how much luscious, hazelnut-filled Nutella was poured on top!

Com Cuore (€€) – Rua Trindade Coelho entrada 10 loja 11, 4050-618 Porto, Portugal – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm

Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker

Photo credit: Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker

Just a short stroll from Clérigos Church in Baixa is Do Norte Café, a hub for sensational gluten-free food.

This is surely one of the most uniquely decorated restaurants in Porto. I spent the entire time here admiring the quirky ways tree branches were used as furniture and ornaments. It almost feels like a cozy mountain lodge inside.

Do Norte Café is famous for its French toasts, but I wasn’t planning on ordering it until I saw plate after plate emerging from the kitchen. The sight of these colorful concoctions was enough to convince me to try it for myself!

On top of the honey-like brioche was a phenomenal combination of rich chocolate, woody cinnamon, and refreshing fruits. However, it was the addition of caramel-tasting port wine that really made this dish stand out.

Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker (€€) – Rua do Almada 57/59 4000, 4050-036 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Padaria Celícias

Photo credit: Padaria Celícias

Head south of the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, and you’ll find Padaria Celícias. This is a gluten-free bakery that’s well worth visiting regardless of whether you’re searching for wheatless treats or not.

The staff members are what bring this small and contemporary bakery to life, as they’re always on hand to run you through the rows of dreamy desserts. 

Of course, pastéis de nata are some of their top sellers, but they’ve got other delights like eclairs, red velvet cake, and chocolate-filled pastries. I spotted one remaining slice of the their orange chocolate cake, which I took as a surefire sign that this was a particularly delicious treat. 

There’s nothing quite like the fusion of slightly bitter dark chocolate, zesty orange, and airy sponge. Although the flavors were intense and the components were heavy, it wasn’t overly filling, and I had to stop myself from ordering a second.

Padaria Celícias (€€) – R. Machado dos Santos 639, 4400-209 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Closed every Monday and Sunday, open every 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Odete Bakery

Photo credit: Odete Bakery

I couldn’t possibly put together this guide to going gluten-free in Porto, Portugal, without mentioning Odete Bakery in the Bonfim district.

It’s actually a vegan bakery, but they’ve become just as popular with gluten-free visitors as it is with plant-based diners. The interior feels like a cross between someone’s home and a cafe, with its dark wooden tables, old-fashioned piano, and homely vibe.

Their gluten-free croissants were almost sold out, but I was fortunate enough to snag the second last one.

Just as I was about to venture outside, one of the tables opened up, meaning I could enjoy the sound of the piano while I devoured my buttery croissant. Any wheat-free croissant I’ve had in the past was on the dry side, but this one was rather flaky and even a little moist inside.

Odete Bakery (€€) – R. de Santo Ildefonso 478, 4000-467 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Conclusion

In some cities, you’re limited to just a handful of gluten-free menu items and even fewer fully celiac-friendly establishments. Fortunately, Porto isn’t the kind of place where you need to sacrifice quality dining by avoiding wheat, making it a superb destination for gluten-free foodies.