Where to Eat Bacalhau in Porto

Portugal is one of the world’s great cod-loving nations. Although bacalhau is a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine, most of the cod eaten in Portugal is actually imported, particularly from Norway and Iceland. From Bacalhau à Brás to Bacalhau com Natas, there are said to be more than 1,000 ways to prepare it. In Porto, the city’s signature codfish dish is Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a 19th century creation attributed to Porto cod merchant José Luís Gomes de Sá.

Here are some of the best places in and around Porto to discover Portugal’s beloved fish.

• Culto ao Bacalhau – best for a true bacalhau experience – Located in famous Mercado do Bolhão, Culto ao Bacalhau celebrates Portugal’s most iconic ingredient through a menu dedicated almost entirely to codfish. It’s an excellent place to discover the many traditional ways bacalhau is prepared across the country.

• Bacalhau – best for Ribeira & Douro views – Overlooking the Douro River in Ribeira, Bacalhau combines beautiful waterfront views with creative Portuguese cuisine. Alongside classic bacalhau dishes, you’ll find modern interpretations that celebrate Portugal’s most famous fish.

• Bacalhoeiro – best traditional option in Gaia – Located just across the river, this traditional Portuguese restaurant serves regional specialties alongside several well-executed codfish dishes.

• Abadia do Porto – best for a traditional Porto experience – A Porto institution since 1939, Abadia is famous for its traditional Portuguese cuisine. Its bacalhau dishes remain among the restaurant’s highlights, attracting both locals and visitors for decades.

• PapaVinhos – best for a home-style experience – Located near the Crystal Palace Gardens, Papavinhos is known for authentic home-style Portuguese cooking. Their grilled codfish is particularly popular and pairs perfectly with a glass of Douro wine.

• Solar Moinho de Vento – best classic central option – A long-standing Porto favorite, Solar Moinho de Vento serves classic Portuguese dishes in a traditional setting. It’s a reliable address for anyone wanting to experience authentic bacalhau recipes.

• Caralhau – best for a creative take – One of Porto’s more modern takes on bacalhau, Caralhau reinvents traditional cod dishes with a creative twist. It’s a great option for those looking to experience Portuguese cuisine beyond the classics.

• O Gaveto – best for a seafood experience – Although technically located in Matosinhos, O Gaveto is worth the short trip from Porto. Famous for seafood and Portuguese classics, it has built a strong reputation for its codfish dishes over the years.

Bonus #1: Traditional Codfish Store

Want to see how bacalhau is sold in Porto? Head to Feira do Bacalhau near Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional store specializing in salted cod. Even if you’re not planning to cook, it’s a fascinating glimpse into one of Portugal’s most enduring culinary traditions.

Bonus #2: Codfish Festival

If you’re visiting Porto in August, consider taking a short trip to Ílhavo, home to the annual Festival do Bacalhau. This festival celebrates Portugal’s codfish tradition with food stalls, live music, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of bacalhau dishes to try.

Bonus #3: Codfish Fritters

For a quick snack rather than a full meal, stop by Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau. Their famous pastel de bacalhau (codfish fritter) is served warm and can even be paired with Serra da Estrela cheese.