A Pérola do Bolhão — Local services in Porto

We first came across this place on Jamie Oliver's 24-Hour Tour of Porto and were really looking forward to visiting. What a complete disappointment! The experience was awful, and the staff couldn’t have been more unhelpful if they tried. I wanted to try a ginjinha like the one Jamie had, only to be told they don’t do them anymore—no explanation, nothing. When we asked if they could recommend somewhere else, we were met with a blunt, dismissive no. Absolutely ridiculous! Thankfully, the café next door had them for just €1. To top it off, we browsed the shop, only to find that everything was outrageously overpriced—at least double what it should have been. A total rip-off and an absolute...

Please be careful!!! For future costumers be careful and don't get fooled by the shiny atmosphere, this is a tourist trap! It used to be an actual local grocery store but it was recently bought by a millionaire group called "O valor do tempo", they take in the vulnerabilities of specific cultural Portuguese areas that are in decline and they exploit them fully only to sell a false idea to tourists that are easily impressed with a false narrative wrapped in lies and shiny paper. You will always pay double or triple, or even more for any of the products that are being sold to you! I'm very sorry that for some, this is the image of Porto...

Cosy and quaint little grocery store with the cheeriest staff. They’ve got a bunch of interesting items to pick up as souvenirs, eg. Small bottles of port wine and honey/port wine candy. They’ve also got pates and other little things to try like 1 euro for a shot of liquor. So so so cute. A little underrated stopover, but a must go if you’re in the area. Locals seem to like the place too! Gave me major mama shop vibes from SG. Owners are friendly, warm, and we’re one of the highlights in our short trip to Porto. Shoutout from...