Taste of Time: Porto’s Best Historic Restaurants and World-Class Wines
Porto is a city where history isn’t just found in museums; it is served on a plate and poured into a glass. For the discerning traveler, dining in Porto is an opportunity to step back centuries, moving between medieval stone walls and Belle Époque ballrooms while sampling the world’s most prestigious Port and Douro wines.If you are looking for an intersection of heritage and high-end viticulture, these four establishments offer the ultimate Porto experience.
۱. Vinum at Graham’s Lodge
Perched across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia,
Vinum is housed within the working 19th-century cellars of the Graham family. The architecture is
order.chuanfurestaurant.com a marvel of industrial heritage, featuring original pine beams from 1890 and iron pillars. What makes Vinum world-class is its unique view: you dine overlooking 3,200 seasoned oak barrels where Port wine is currently aging.
- The Wine: Access to the Symington family’s private collection, including rare Single Harvest Tawnies.
- The Food: Expertly grilled meats and fresh Atlantic fish paired with robust Douro reds.
۲. Antiqvvm
Located in the historic
Solar do Vinho do Porto (a manor house built in the 19th century), Antiqvvm holds two Michelin stars and offers one of the most romantic settings in Europe. The restaurant is surrounded by the lush gardens of the Palácio de Cristal, providing a panoramic view of the Douro River.
- The Wine: An meticulously curated cellar that spans the entire history of Portuguese winemaking, with an emphasis on “liquid treasures” from the Douro Valley.
- The Food: Chef Vitor Matos crafts seasonal menus that treat traditional Portuguese ingredients with avant-garde precision.
۳. Café Majestic
While many visit for coffee, the
Majestic is a historic landmark that serves a sophisticated dinner menu in a setting that defines the 1920s “Elite” era. With its ornate wood carvings, leather upholstery, and grand mirrors, it remains one of the world’s most beautiful cafés.
- The Wine: A refined selection of vintage Ports and sparkling wines (Espumantes) that complement the glamour of the room.
- The Food: Classic Portuguese dishes like Bacalhau (codfish) served with the elegance of a bygone era.
۴. The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant
Though the hotel itself is modern-classic, it sits on the historic hills of the wine lodge district and is widely considered the “temple” of Portuguese wine. The Gastronomic Restaurant, led by Chef Ricardo Costa, offers a deep dive into the country’s culinary roots.
