Café Santiago Porto
Old-school Francesinha
Vasco from Porto
You have to taste 'Francesinha', a serious matter in Porto. It even has an official Brotherhood for the best recipes and places.
Freely translated it's 'little French girl' (yes...), derived from the French toast 'croque monsieur', brought from France by a Porto emigrant when he returned home. He adapted it, making it more "Porto-guese", with fine meats and sausages, and spicy sauce... that's the secret of the best Francesinhas.
The sauce's recipe can be complicated, but it roughly takes tomato sauce, fine herbs, liquors, beer, and chili peppers. It has to boil and be poured onto the Francesinha when served, melting the cheese with the bread. Francesinha can also have a fried egg on top, and fries alongside. This is no regular 'sandwich' as you can see by the photo and it's as healthy as it looks.
Almost every person in Porto will say "No, I know the best place for a Francesinha!". And it's probably true. I don't know if Santiago, a café/restaurant in the city centre, is the best, but it's certainly very good. There are other very good ones, such as Bufete Fase (tiny place), Capa Negra (late hours), Cufra, Café Aviz, or Regaleira (original one).
This one is a traditional house, with no "fashion" looks. The Francesinha here is not cheap (around €8.50 to €10) but it's worth it. Just get suspicious when you find places that offer cheap Francesinha.
The "only" drink that goes along Francesinha is Super Bock. Not any other beer, only this one.
Porto Spotter Vasco
About this spot
Our Porto City Guide
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Roasted Chestnuts
When tradition persists
The salted "Roasted Chestnuts" in Porto is a real tradition. It's something we just can't live without once the summer leaves the city...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Casa Expresso
All aboard Sarrabulho train!
"Casa Expresso" is a very traditional tasco in Porto, the kind that more and more of die off every year. Go there and try my favorite papas de sarrabulho!
by
Tiago
Magalhães
Foz Velha
A village inside Porto
"Foz Velha" Porto used to be a village but now it's the posh part of the city. It has kept its charm. Perfect if you feel getting lost during a walk!
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Convivio
Special francesinha
"Convivio", next to Boavista in Porto, is a restaurant I go with my friends and wife for francesinha. I love their sauce. Also try their meaty croquettes!
by
Rúben
Pinto
Portarossa
Little Italy
"Portarossa" in Porto is a thoughtfully decorated restaurant with a glimpse of modern Italy - cozy and familiar. Whenever possible I try to stay outside...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Cruel
How cruel can one get?
"Cruel" is a themed restaurant in Porto where I can get my adventure level tested - there are three sorts: the fearful, the cautious and the cruel ones...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Bonaparte
Perfect pub
"Bonaparte", a typical Irish pub in Porto is what we can almost call an institution among locals. I honestly don't remember when I first visited it...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Pimenta Rosa
Home baked cake heaven
"Pimenta Rosa" in Porto is a cafe that has a homely feel to it; it makes me lose track of time. My favorite cake is the cinnamon and apple and the nut one.
by
Sofia
Kendall
7g Roasters
But first... specialty coffee
"7g Roasters" in Porto is an old coffee warehouse that's turned into one of the coolest alternative rustic places. Their roasted coffee is second to none.
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Mercado de Matosinhos
A typical local market
"Mercado de Matosinhos" in Porto is great for lovers of seafood. Nice prices, local lifestyle... that's why you're here, right? Prepare for a feast!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Café Museu Soares dos Reis
An artsy retreat
"Café Museu Soares dos Reis" is my favorite place in Porto to spend an afternoon and maybe do some reading, while enjoying an espresso and an apple pie.
by
Marta
Macedo
Heading to Porto?
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Porto
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
