Apr 12, 2025

Café Santiago Porto

Old-school Francesinha

""Café Santiago" serves perhaps my favorite Francesinha (as healthy as it looks) in Porto. And the "only" drink that goes along with it is Super Bock beer!"

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.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Rua Passos Manuel, 226

Main meal:

9

+351

222055797

Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Porto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Porto

Mafalda's

Μay the fork be with you

"Mafalda's in Porto is what everyone wants -- a tearoom, a spot for tasty meals, a glass of wine... It's affordable and has great food!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 8, 2025

Leitaria da Quinta do Paço

For sweet moments

"Leitaria da Quinta do Paço" Porto is one of the oldest and best places to have eclairs in town. They're well-known for their high quality dairy products.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa

Spicing it all up!

"Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa" in Porto has more than 20 sorts of our traditional dish. Never tried it? Here you can have it just the way you like it...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

Confeitaria do Bolhão

Baking a good day

"Confeitaria do Bolhão" Porto is a patisserie that's more than 100 years old and perfectly blends the local with the touristic. Get a tigelinha do Bolhão!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

Cinema Trindade

Lights, camera, action!

"Cinema Trindade" is a historic, independent movie theater in Porto. This place is a not-so hidden gem but I can truly recommend their program & selection.

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

Nortada

Local brewery to beer happy

"Nortada" is a local brewery established in 2017 which is also a pub. 7 types of delicious craft beer, snacks, desserts... I find it so perfect!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

Adega Sports Bar

Win or lose we still booze

"Adega Sports Bar" Porto is great for watching your favorite team play. They have a variety of snacks and cheap beer. You can even get an XXXXL-sized beer!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Camila

Aldrighi

Jun 7, 2025

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...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sofia

Kendall

Jun 6, 2025

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Tiago

Magalhães

Jun 5, 2025

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!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Vasco

Figueiredo Teles

Jun 4, 2025

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Rúben

Pinto

Jun 4, 2025

One Hundred and Sixteen

Porto nightlife

"One Hundred and Sixteen" is one of Porto's great night clubs. I go there with my friends and always enjoy myself. I recommend getting a gin & tonic there.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Rúben

Pinto

Jun 4, 2025

Heading to Porto?

136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Porto?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

136 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
74
Filters