Porto Prices for Food and Drink

Like any city, Porto prices for food and drink vary depending on where you visit. Nonetheless, as I’ve learned from my Porto food tours, it’s typically more affordable than many other European cities! To help you prepare your travel budget, I’ve broken down the average prices for dining in Porto.

Average Costs of Food in Porto

The best way to get to grips with Porto prices for food and drink is to know roughly how much you should expect to pay for each meal. Throughout this section, I’ll run through the average prices I’ve come across for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during my visits.

In most Portuguese cities, including Porto, locals tend to stick to a pastry or bread of some sort for breakfast.

You can pick up a pastry or bread with butter and jam for between €1 ($1.10) and €2 ($2.20). As a result, a simple breakfast will set you back anywhere from ($1.10) to €2 ($2.20) without coffee. If you dine near tourist spots or in brunch-style cafes, these prices can be several times higher.

When lunchtime rolls around, most traditional restaurants serve a prato do dia, or a dish of the day, which sometimes goes for a little under €8 ($9). 

For something more substantial, you could choose a menu do dia, a multi-course lunch with soup, a set main course, and a drink for between €10 ($11.20) and €15 ($16.80). In most cases, you’ll spend €8 ($9) to €15 ($16.80) on lunch in Porto.

Evening meals sit at around €20 ($22) in a mid-range restaurant for a two-course dinner. However, I’ve been to several tascas, which are humble, local establishments, where I’ve had similar-sized meals for about €15 ($16.80).

Meals at international haunts are generally slightly more expensive, and high-end spots can cost twice as much as moderately priced alternatives. With these prices in mind, set aside between €15 ($16.80) and €40 ($45) for dinner.

Average Costs of Drinks in Porto

The amount you spend on drinks can make a noticeable dent in your budget, so it’s important to consider the price of beverages, too.

Coffee is a key component of a typical Portuguese breakfast. Ordering an espresso or black coffee will come in at around €0.80 ($0.90), while a cappuccino is around €2 ($2.20) in most neighborhood cafes.

Thanks to Porto’s proximity to the Douro Valley, Portugal’s cost of living issues haven’t affected wine prices too much. A bottle of wine can go for as little as €4 ($4.50) in a grocery store and will usually be less than €20 ($22) in a standard restaurant.

Similarly, the price of a local beer can start from approximately €1 ($1.10) in the supermarket, often rising to €3 ($3.40) depending on the type of bar you visit.

In Porto, the average costs for water and soft drinks in a bar or restaurant can be upwards of €1.20 ($1.30) and €1.80 ($2), respectively. They’re roughly half the price in a grocery store.

Where to Find Affordable Food and Drink

A Sandeira do Porto

Photo credit: A Sandeira do Porto

A Sandeira do Porto, situated just north of Riberia near the city center, proves that dining out doesn’t have to break the bank.

This rustic haunt whips up some of the finest sandwiches around, and I was recommended this spot during my first walking tour of the city. All the sandwiches were around €7 ($7.80) when I was last here, and I was supremely impressed with the ham, brie, and mango option.

The mix of savory ham, creamy brie, and super-sweet mango was a gorgeous blend of tastes and textures, and I washed it down with some musky port wine.

A Sandeira do Porto (€) – Rua dos Caldeireiros 85, Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed every Sunday

Casa Guedes Tradicional

Photo credit: Casa Guedes Tradicional

Casa Guedes Tradicional in Bolhão is the place to go for budget-friendly fare from northern Portugal. 

I was taken aback by the incredibly reasonable prices for their lunch offerings. The francesinha was calling out to me, and it was one of the many hearty sandwiches that went for between €5 ($5.60) and €10 ($11.20).

Just like any classic franchesinha should, it consisted of gooey cheese, juicy pork, tender beef, and a fiery tomato and beer sauce.

Casa Guedes Tradicional (€) – Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am

Nata Lisboa

In my book, you can’t visit Porto without tucking in a pastel de nata or two. As far as affordable bakeries go, it’s hard to top Nata Lisboa near Clérigos Tower.

These delectable egg tarts are one of the most wallet-friendly snacks I often pick up between meals during a full day of sightseeing. At this wholesome, vibrant joint, these sweet treats go for €1.40 ($1.60) a piece.

I can’t stress how good the pastéis de nata are here. When warmed up, the layers of crisp pastry and molten, cinnamon-topped custard filling are as rich and satisfying as any dessert.

Nata Lisboa (€) – R. das Flores 291, 4050-267 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Tips for Saving Money on Food and Drink

• Check out quieter corners of the city, such as pockets of Vila Nova de Gaia that are a little further back from the Douro River.
• Dine and shop for groceries at local markets like Mercado Bom Sucesso near Casa da Música.
• Feast on larger meals at lunchtime when prices are lower and stick to light dinners instead in the evenings.
• Pick up a sweet treat in a local bakery rather than ordering a dessert in a restaurant.

Conclusion

The average cost of hotel rooms, public transport, and day trips are always subject to change, and the same can be said for Porto prices for food and drink. Your food-based spending can significantly affect your travel costs, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the average prices ahead of time!