Bufete Fase — Restaurant in Porto

A francesinha is a dish native to Oporto, and it's essentially a cheese toastie on crack (and possibly also crystal meth and/or bath salts). These things are everywhere in the city, and each place will do them differently, or even offer variations. Essentially, it's two or three slices of basic white bread filled with various meats (typically ham, sausage, steak, maybe even a burger as well), and cheese, then fried, then covered in slices of cheese, then doused in a sauce of varying spiciness (from mild to medium-hot) made from, i believe, beer and/or port, and served with chips. Sometimes there's a prawn on top. Sometimes there's some fish in it. Sometimes it has two types of ham. This is freestyle sandwich, and it's extreme. It's the apex of fast food, the holy grail, the number one sandwich, and you haven't lived until you've eaten one.

As for Bufete Fase, you WILL wait in line for your francesinha here - it's always deservedly busy (although it'd be hard not to be busy - there are 12 chairs in the whole place). And dammit the wait is worth EVERY second (I waited about an hour at 7pm, uncharacteristically early for dinner in Portugal but the place was still packed). They'll serve you beers at the bar which you can take outside while you wait. There's no need for a menu, and I very much doubt they even have one. You sit down, they nod at you, you nod at them, the unspoken agreement is made. You're not here for a f@*$ing salad ok? This is 1000+ calories of amazingness, and it's the reason you are here. 5-10 minutes later the francesinha arrives and POW. Your brain is fried in unison with the food on your plate, your love of pop-up burger bars is instantly erased, and the thought of buying a chicken club in Pret fills you with a terrible aching sadness which is only shifted by the layers of meaty goodness (but still lingers days later).

You will leave full, having conquered the sandwich like the man or woman you are or should be (although really the pathetic images conjured up by 'sandwich' do not do this thing of beauty any justice). It is a dish which is not suitable for: Hindus, Jews, Muslims, veggies, vegans, people who are gluten/wheat intolerant, pregnant women, small children, recovering alcoholics, the seriously mentally ill, those with a heart condition, etc... It's an offensive dish, a smack in the gut, the culinary equivalent of an action-movie finale. People have probably died eating these. And it's amazing. And Bufete Fase is the place to eat it. So go, now. But be prepared for 1-2 hours of resting post-food before you can even think of having so much as a glass of water. Because this is IT. AAARGH I WANT ANOTHER ONE (disclaimer: this review was written after...

1st Place for Best Francesinha in Porto,Portugal,Europe,World,Solar system,Galaxy etc etc etc..Unquestionably !! Sauce is just the greatest from all that we have tried in all the top rated francesinhas spots : the High crunchy bread, the juicy steak and all the other meats topped with the right amount of quality portuguese Cheese combining with fantastic rich sauce is just superb eating experince.The Chef just nailed the recipe and good job in keeping it for himself,prove of that is that no one else gets inside that kitchen since the early 80's Still the same chef and co owner since then ,tasca feel with main focus for the high standar quality of the Genuine Sandwich but also very attentive in great beer quality and temperature..Service minded Lady with a honest smile from the time we came in .The place is known by being the favourite number 1 spot of a lot of locals from all areas in Porto ,including some of the Porto celebrities that you can see in photos when you re in there. Dont think twice whenever you have to choose for trying out this dish ,and make sure you book in advance because this place is...

this small cash only shop is a perfect location to try an authentic Francesinha. The prices here a very reasonable with a Francesinha, fries, and a beer setting you back less than 13€. I opted for the spicy sauce with mine and it did not disappoint. The dish was very hearty and flavorful, pairing well with the amber draft beer. The staff is very welcoming and friendly treating you like a valued guest. The toilets are small and are not very accessible, the than that, you will find a cozy interior and a vibrant atmosphere...