Canal 3 Porto
Francesinha with batata palha
If we go for a walk in Porto city, we will certainly find several places where we can eat a francesinha. The decision is hard if we don't know anything about Porto. I could suggest a lot of great places, but I will put my focus on only one, Canal 3, not because it's the best, but it's probably where I've eaten the most francesinhas during my entire life.
I remember when I was young and I met with my friends at this restaurant to watch some Champions League football games and to eat a francesinha together with some beers. I would say that the main reasons that attracted me to this place were the football supporters environment, the good francesinha, the sauce and the special fried potatoes called batata à palha.
Just so you can understand how important this restaurant is for me, the first time I invited my current wife to dinner, when we started our relationship, I invited her to visit this place and convinced her to come here telling her the francesinha was really amazing, but the truth she only found out after we got married. When I invited her to this date, I had forgotten about the Benfica game for the Europe League, so when I remembered, I invited her to go out to this place. I sat in front of the TV and so I had dinner with both loves of my life.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Porto guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Gelados Neveiros – Ice cream like it "used to be"
"Gelados Neveiros" is probably the oldest and one of most well known ice cream shops in Porto. REAL traditional recipes, homemade with fresh ingredients..."
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Mercado do Bom Sucesso – New life to the old market
"Mercado do Bom Sucesso" used to be a decaying market for fresh goods in Porto, but now it's got new life: so many restaurants to choose from!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Two:su.shi – Bargain sushi!
"Two:su.shi" is a Japanese restaurant serving delicious sushi with great service and a cosy yet small atmosphere. Excellent place to satisfy your crave!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Castiço da Sé – Panados is love, panados is life
"Castiço da Sé" in Porto is the perfect place to get some 'panados' -- the Portuguese version of Wiener Schnitzel! And the owners are a delight to talk to.
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Conga – World class bifanas!
"Conga" Porto is where you can find world-class bifanas, ones that taste the way they should; moist, spicy pieces of pork meat in a bread; delicious!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
The Happy Nest – Hidden garden in Porto's heart
"The Happy Nest" in central Porto is a coffee shop that makes breakfast, lunch or brunch enjoyable. Everything's amazing, but definitely try the croissants
By
Camila
Aldrighi
Portuguese Centre of Photography – Go to jail!
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
CC Bombarda – Not your regular shopping mall
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Foz, Porto's seafront – Beaches north to south
Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Padaria Ribeiro – Pastry perfected over 100 years
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Café Piolho – A century old students' caffè
"Café Piolho" has been the centre of Porto students' nightlife for over a century. The first cafe to have electricity and TV, it's a living part of history.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Parque da Cidade – The wonderful City Park
"Parque da Cidade" is Porto's Central or Hyde Park, and it's the only one in Europe with a seafront! It's one of my favourite spots to do outdoorsy things.
By