Porto: Progressive Dinner Food Tour & 5 Local Tastings

Summary

Walk Porto’s backstreets tasting Francesinha, green wine, family recipes and stories

You’ll wander Porto’s lively streets with a local guide, tasting green wine in a bustling tasca, sampling Francesinha sandwiches and Caldo Verde soup from family kitchens, and ending with homemade bacalhau croquettes near Clérigos Tower. Along the way you’ll meet locals who run these spots — and maybe learn to laugh at your own Portuguese.

What’s the experience like?

"Try the green wine — it’s not actually green," our guide Rui grinned, pouring us each a glass in this tiny tasca near the Portuguese Centre of Photography. I’d never even heard of vinho verde before coming to Porto. The place smelled like grilled chouriço and something herbal — maybe coriander? We squeezed onto old wooden stools, clinking glasses with two locals who just nodded and smiled at our attempt at “obrigado.” It was loud but friendly, with a kind of organized chaos you only get in places that have been around forever.

After that first bite (I think it was bifana — porky and spicy), we wandered out onto Rua Santa Catarina. The street was busy with students and old ladies carrying shopping bags, everyone weaving around each other. Rui pointed out the tiled façade of Igreja dos Congregados — blue-and-white tiles catching the last bit of sun. He told us how locals call Avenida dos Aliados their “little Champs Elysées,” but shrugged like he didn’t buy the comparison. Someone handed me a pastel de nata from a bakery window — still warm, flaky sugar on my fingers.

The next stop was run by two brothers who argued over whether Caldo Verde should have more cabbage or more chouriço (the older one won). I tried to say “Francesinha” right and totally failed — everyone laughed, including me. That sandwich is no joke: layers of meat drowned in sauce, gooey cheese melting everywhere. I’m not sure how anyone finishes it sober. By then it was dark and the city lights made everything feel golden and soft around the edges.

We ended up somewhere near Clérigos Tower for homemade bacalhau croquettes — salty, crunchy outside, soft inside — paired with another glass of something dry and cold. I remember leaning against an old stone wall listening to Rui tell some story about his grandmother making croquettes during football matches. Not sure why that stuck with me, but it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Porto progressive dinner and city walk

• Start at family-owned Tasca with appetizers and green wine
• Pass by Rua Santa Catarina pedestrian street
• Visit restaurant for Caldo Verde and cold beer
• Pass by Aliados avenue
• Eat Francesinha sandwich with beer
• Pass by Clérigos Church and Tower
• End with homemade bacalhau and croquettes

Top questions

How many stops are included on this Porto food tour?

The progressive dinner includes five different venues across central Porto.

What dishes will I try on the Porto progressive dinner tour?

You’ll taste bifana, Francesinha sandwich, Caldo Verde soup, bacalhau croquettes and more.

Is wine included on this Porto dinner tour?

Yes, several tastings include local wines such as vinho verde plus beer pairings.

Does this Porto food tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in central Porto.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

No specific mention of vegetarian options; main dishes include meat and fish.

Is this Porto food tour suitable for children?

Infants can join in strollers or prams; children must sit on an adult’s lap if small.

How long does the progressive dinner last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours walking between five venues.

Are there any allergy restrictions for this tour?

This activity isn’t suitable for guests with severe or life-threatening allergies.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through central Porto with stops at five family-run venues for tastings of bifana sandwiches, Francesinha, Caldo Verde soup, bacalhau croquettes plus plenty of local wine and beer along the way—all led by an English-speaking local guide who shares stories between bites.