Brasão Aliados — Restaurant in Porto

Went there without reservation, and was promised a table in 15 minutes, but got one in 30. I do recommend that you get a reservation, I overheard some people waiting on their previous visit for an hour and a half.

The staff is friendly and they spoke good English.

The interior is more on the traditional and warm side with all the wood. Quite small tables, but it all works out since they are bringing dishes in iterations. If you can choose, don't sit next to the door, since they will be opening and closing all the time. Maybe more of an issue for the colder months. Or do sit there if you want more fresh air. There's also the area in the basement and a gallery. The basement seems cozy, didn't check the gallery.

The food was great.

I heard they make a great Francesinha, and since I have never tried it before, this was the place for it. The assorted meat inside was of great quality and the portion was huge. I also learned I didn't like this dish at all, but nothing to do with the restaurant, it was prepared very well. If you like the individual taste of your food, this one is not for you. If you like to eat a lot for an affordable price, and just have a bunch of food stacked, this is the one. If you want as many calories at once, again, it's for you. I will probably never order one again. I didn't have high hopes, but everyone said 'You have to try it'. Well for those of you who think this is a bad idea, it is. For those of you who like the idea of an excessive dish, go for it, this is the place to get it.

The rest of the food was also great. I loved the look of the bacalhau tartufo, the crispy crust was perfect. Cannot single out any of the dishes, they are all great.

The gist is - I would recommend this place, make sure to reserve, and enjoy...

Disappointing and Overrated Experience

We were genuinely looking forward to dining at Brasão Aliados after reading so many glowing reviews, but unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations.

While the restaurant’s ambience is certainly beautiful, it feels more like a glossy façade masking food that is, at best, mediocre.

We ordered a Francesinha and specifically discussed with the waitress the option between a sharing and an individual portion. We opted for one individual portion, yet they brought us two, only informing us upon serving that sharing an individual portion isn’t allowed. This was never made clear when we ordered.

The lack of communication was frustrating. Had we been told in advance that every guest is required to have a main dish, we would have appreciated the opportunity to choose a third dish ourselves—not have two Francesinhas imposed on us. As a result, we ended up with far too much food, which we couldn’t finish—wasting both food and money.

To make matters worse, the Francesinha itself was not nice at all—overly heavy, with a sauce that lacked depth and balance. It was a letdown, especially considering this is supposed to be one of their signature dishes.

As first-time visitors to Porto, we were eager to sample a variety of local dishes, so this experience was particularly disappointing.

We also tried the grilled pork dish, which was supposedly soaked in garlic and wine for 48 hours. Sadly, it was dry, bland, and completely underwhelming.

Overall, we left feeling that the reputation of Brasão Aliados is seriously overblown. It’s a place that seems to prioritize aesthetics over genuine quality and service. Unfortunately, we won’t...

Well Portuguese Dining at Brasão Aliados, Porto

In Porto, we had the pleasure of dining at “Brasão Aliados”, and it was an experience worth sharing. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm and friendly staff. The restaurant’s charming decor, with its blend of modern touches and traditional Portuguese elements, set the perfect ambiance for a memorable meal.

We started our evening with the laminated octopus with green sauce, which was nothing short of exceptional. The octopus was tender and perfectly seasoned, while the green sauce ( tomato cucumber red onion and avocado, added a refreshing, zesty kick that complemented the dish beautifully.

For our main courses, we opted for two classic Portuguese dishes: the “Francesinha no forno com ovo” and the “steak with onion sauce”. The “Francesinha” was a delightful indulgence, baked to perfection and topped with a perfectly runny egg. The layers of meat, cheese, and rich sauce came together in a harmonious explosion of flavors. The “steak with onion sauce” was equally impressive, with the steak cooked just as we requested and smothered in a delicious, savory onion sauce that enhanced every bite.

To accompany our meal, we enjoyed both red and white sangria. Both versions were refreshing and expertly balanced, providing a sweet and fruity counterpoint to the hearty dishes.

The combination of outstanding food, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere made our dinner here one of the highlights of our trip in Porto! We can’t wait to return on our next visit to the city and try this...