The 10 best bars in Porto

Telegraph

2 days ago

Porto is a university town and its student population ensures there is an ever-increasing number of venues opening, serving drinks until the small hours of the day.
Visitors wanting to explore the city's nightlife scene should head to Galerias das Paris or Cãndido dos Reis streets, where bars and restaurants jostle with clubs – everything you want from a night out in one place. Most locals dip in and out of different venues but drink in the street, with clubs here not charging an entry fee.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best bars in Porto. Find out more below, or for more Porto inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants and things to do.
The Royal Cocktail Club
Appearing on The World's 50 Best Discovery list, Royal Cocktail Club classics come with a twist, like the house Moscow Mule which incorporates Brig's rosé port alongside Grey Goose Vodka, lime juice and grapefruit juice. The marble counter top upstairs is the place to discuss concoctions and the sofas downstairs the place to enjoy them until late.
Flôr
A truly impressive range of cocktails makes Flôr stand out from the crowd, as well as its location at the end of Porto's oldest street. The latter makes the terrace a perfect place to spend a summer evening, but in winter the inside of the bar has a welcoming cosiness to it. Cocktails deserve to be tried in number but start with 'Clichéd', a concoction of gin, coriander, cod and granny smith apple, a reference to the essential elements of the Portuguese kitchen. Delicious plates of petiscos, Portuguese tapas, allow you to make an evening of it.
Dick's Bar
Having a drink at Dick's Bar is a must-do for every visitor to Porto, with incredible views over the decanter-shaped swimming pool beneath it, the Douro River, the Dom Luís Bridge and the colourful jumble of medieval houses across the water. Named after Dick Yeatman, a much-loved character in the port trade, here you can explore a wide range of wood-aged or vintage port by the glass or bottle, alongside local wines and classic spirits in the atmosphere of a Gentlemen's Club. Light meals and snacks are also available.
Curioso
This fun and vibrant cocktail bar in a central location makes an elegant destination for an evening drink and has seating outside. Cocktails follow a themed menu which changes regularly. Currently it centres around a journey to the east, with cocktails revolving around spices discovered on the route. Try the Buddha-fied, with Planteray 3 Stars, lemongrass, kaffir lime, banana and Thai chillies or play safe with one of their classics. Snacks in the form of local hams and cheeses, or alheiro balls with marmalade mayonnaise soak up the drinks nicely. Would-be mixologists can sign up to a workshop here.
Wine Quay Bar
The place to go to talk over a drink, without the interruption of live or background music, this wine bar is located near the riverside with a small balcony overlooking it and cosy (seating fewer than 20 people). There are over 100 wine references, more than half of which are available by the glass. Once used as a customs office by the co-owner's great grandfather, the decoration includes various memorabilia. Advice is readily given to make the most of an immersion in Portuguese wines, as is cheese, almonds or hams to accompany them.
Prova Wine Bar
This large space, all bare floors and extensive wooden tables, brims with a neighbourhood vibe, the sound of good jazz and a serious approach to wine. There is an excellent choice of more than 50 Portuguese wines to explore by the glass, curated and well explained by sommelier Diogo Amado, who also arranges tasting events. You can accompany pours with food from their simple menu which includes snacks like sardines, a typical Portuguese chicken pie or a board of hams and cheeses. Finish with a slice of almond tart.
Genuina Wine Bar
This hugely popular wine bar is a fairly recent arrival on the streets of Porto. Retro in feel it is the place to go for natural wine, mainly drawn from small, sustainable producers. Food is also available with a menu that evolves with the seasons. Two highlights are their umami-rich, Japanese-style pancake and their delicious Basque cheesecake but all their dishes are good. Staff are knowledgeable in helping you to explore the (still small) natural wine world here and the setting allows for a romantic rendez-vous as much as a group gathering.
Fiasco Bar
Ideal for a relaxed late-night drink, Fiasco is more than just a wine bar, offering vinyl records for sale within its warm and welcoming red interiors. It deserves its current popularity, with a drink menu that includes some creative cocktails (think gin, cherries, sake), alongside a wide selection of local wines, and staff that can knowledgeably guide you through it. The sound system is excellent here, and DJ nights are a frequent event. Food lends a sense of place to the whole, with seasonal, local ingredients enticing you to linger longer.
Capela Incomum
This old abandoned chapel makes an unusual setting for a wine bar, but certainly one with a difference. There are a few tables outside on the pavement but seating is mostly inside and some in front of the old altar piece. The selection of wines is comprehensive and includes a good range by the glass options, chalked up on the blackboard. Dishes include cheese platters, codfish croquettes, sausage hot dogs with ham and São Jorge cheese from the Azores. Save room for the pear crumble.
Gito Wine Bar
Founded by Brazilian Bruno Gouvea, this newish bar has cornered the market for natural wines, of which they have a large variety by the glass or bottle with daily changing options. There are around 45 references in total, some sourced from France, Germany, Austria and Spain. To complement the wine, there are boards of cheese and hams, saucisson and olives, and fresh bread bought from the local Bolhão market. There are only 20 seats – gito means tiny in Brazilian slang – which, along with the soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere.
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Mary Lussiana
I have lived in southern Portugal for over 20 years. When in Lisbon, you can find me chatting with the chef at the latest culinary hotspot, checking out a new rooftop bar or sampling the newest hotel on the block.