6 Best Restaurants in Baixa and Ribeira, Porto

With a cavernous interior, lovely blue and yellow azulejo tiles, and formal staff, this upscale tasca has been a local favorite since 1939. It serves vast portions of typical Portuguese dishes such as cabrito assado (roast kid) and bacalhau d'ouro (salted cod with turnips, potato, and cornbread). Most main dishes easily serve two, but leave room for something from the ever-changing but dependably good dessert menu.

Make reservations well in advance, as walk-ins often find themselves out of luck at this industrial-chic spot serving inventive renderings of local classics. Its signature dish is an entire grilled octopus easily big enough for two to share, but there are also delicious small sharing plates like quail egg croquettes and tuna tataki.

Portugal's most celebrated contemporary chef, José Avillez, brings his signature flair to Porto with Cantinho do Avillez, a homey yet modern dining room just downhill from São Bento train station. While he's unlikely to be in the kitchen—his food empire spans more than 30 restaurants globally—he designed the menu, and quality remains excellent. Expect moments of inventive gastronomy such as his signature "exploding olives", alongside polished versions of local comfort food like steak sandwiches with garlic sauce and fleur de sel, or creamy lobster rice.

Full of Art Nouveau grandeur—think leaded-glass doorways, elaborately carved woodwork, and ornate chandeliers—the Majestic Café has been the preferred hangout of Portugal's intellectual and social elite since the 1920s. After years of neglect, it was restored to its former glory and is once again an elegant place for coffee, cakes, and evening piano music.

The Foz neighborhood, at the mouth of the Douro, is a favorite place for well-heeled locals to see and be seen, and this smart two-story seafood-focused restaurant has become a neighborhood standby. It's particularly hard to resist the sauteéd tiger prawns, black spaghetti with lobster, and top-grade sushi. The space itself is as elegant and well-presented as the food. 

A passion project for natural wine enthusiasts Tiago Feio and Cátia Roldão (the restaurant name comes from the first and last parts of their names), Tia Tia pairs beautifully presented sharing plates with excellent vinhos. The hands-on pair run the kitchen and restaurant, preparing every seasonal dish with great care. There's no meat on the menu, but there are some wonderfully light fish dishes, including a signature seared carapau (horse mackerel). Expect relaxed breakfasts and brunch from Tuesday to Friday, with more elaborate tasting menus on weekend evenings. Book in advance, and ask for a seat on the terrace when weather allows.