Restaurante Mercearia — Restaurant in Porto

I can’t think of a single positive thing to say about my experience at this restaurant—except maybe that it gave us a great story to laugh about later.

The first red flag should have been the abundance of empty tables, even after an hour of wandering Porto, trying to find a place to eat. But we were hungry, so we thought, “How bad could it be?” (Spoiler: pretty bad.) The menu was standard tourist fare, but with prices that could have you thinking you were dining at a five-star restaurant. We figured, “At least the food will be decent, right?” Oh, how naïve we were.

After ordering, we were presented with a plate of olives, pickles, pâté, some bread rolls, and a bottle of water that we definitely didn’t ask for. I knew immediately we’d be paying for this little “gift,” but before we could refuse, our glasses were filled, as if the waiter had practiced this move in slow-motion. We didn’t touch the food, and they eventually took it away—probably to serve to the next poor souls. I started to wonder if the waiters were in on some psychological experiment: How long can they delay your meal before you crack and start eating olives you didn’t want?

And then, the main courses arrived. If I hadn’t been so hungry, I might have thought we were on some kind of hidden camera show.

The fish? Imagine a combination of cardboard and sawdust, with the added bonus of bones. I spent most of the meal doing archaeology, trying to find something edible, and even had to spit out a piece. The sides were a tragic microwave job—probably from a bag of frozen vegetables that saw better days in the ’90s. Oh, and the olives on the fish? They looked like the kind you find buried under a footlong at Subway. I guess they were saving the “good” ones for that unsolicited starter.

My friend ordered the parmigiana, which turned out to be a tough, grey slab of “meat” buried under canned tomatoes and served with pasta that would make glue taste appealing.

Not surprisingly, no one came by to ask how our meal was going. I assume the staff were avoiding eye contact because they knew we’d probably burst out laughing—or crying—if they dared. I will give them this: at least they didn’t have the audacity to ask for a tip.

Thankfully, my friend and I have a solid sense of humor. We had a good laugh and chalked it up as a “so-bad-it’s-funny” travel experience. We retreated to our hotel, where we drowned our sorrows—and possibly some lingering fish bones—in a complimentary...

This was actually the first restaurant we tried after arriving in Porto and we ended up going back a second time during our stay. That says a lot. It’s right by the river, and both times we were able to get a table fairly easily, which isn’t always the case late in the evening around Ribeira. The service was warm and welcoming, with friendly staff who made us feel right at home.

Over our two visits, we tried quite a few things. The Flor do Côa white wine was light and refreshing, a great match for everything we ate. We had the Bacalhau com Natas (cod baked in cream), which was one of our favorite dishes, rich and comforting. The Huevos Rotos (broken eggs over fries with ham) were also a great comfort dish. The Dragon Roll added a bit of fusion flair, and the Filete de Robalo (sea bass fillet) served with creamy risotto was beautifully done and full of flavour. We also had Frango Assado (roast chicken), which was simple but really well seasoned.

Just note that they will bring bread and water to your table, and these are added to your bill even if you didn’t explicitly order them. It’s a common practice in Portugal, but still something to be aware of.

The atmosphere was relaxed and cosy, with a great view of the river, especially in the evening. It’s a nice mix of casual and classy. Prices were fair for the location and quality, and it didn’t feel overly touristy.

Overall, Mercearia was one of those spots that left a really good impression. If you're walking by the river near the cathedral and want friendly service, good food, and a place that’s open later than most, this is a...

A True Gem in Porto – Restaurante Mercearia Our evening at Restaurante Mercearia in Porto was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, we were made to feel genuinely welcome by a warm, attentive team especially our wonderful Colombian host, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and charm truly elevated the experience. She guided us with care and insight through the menu and the wine list, and her pride in the restaurant shone through every interaction.

We opted for the green wine (besta) crisp, fresh, and perfectly chilled. A flawless pairing for what followed: two superb cod dishes that showcased Portuguese and Porto cuisine at its finest. Each plate was beautifully presented, and the flavours simple, yet masterfully balanced spoke of high-quality ingredients and kitchen skill.

My wife Sharon and I are still talking about the meal (She’s not a great fish eater) not just for the food, but for how it made us feel. Relaxed, looked after, and genuinely appreciated as guests.

Thank you to all the staff for making us feel so welcome and for delivering a dining experience that will stay with us long after we’ve left Porto. Highly, highly...