Ribeira Square — Restaurant in Porto

I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Ribeira Square Restaurante, located right on the riverbank in the heart of Ribeira. The moment I arrived, the evening light bouncing off the Douro and the view of the Dom Luís I bridge set a magical tone.

The interior strikes a lovely mix of rustic charm and casual elegance—wooden tables, charming window seats overlooking the square, and a warm atmosphere made for a relaxed evening.

My meal: I started with grilled octopus, smoky and tender, served with sautéed vegetables and a bright olive oil finish.

Next came their seafood spaghetti—plenty of mussels and prawns in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce.

For dessert, I couldn't resist their chocolate cake—moist, indulgent, and the perfect finale.

The portions were substantial, and pricing felt fair given the prime riverside location. The staff were friendly and attentive, balancing professionalism with warmth. They checked in just enough to make me feel well taken care of, without disrupting the peaceful pace of the evening.

Since it's right in the Ribeira, the atmosphere is lively but never overwhelming—a mix of locals and travelers, with easygoing chatter and clinking glasses. It's exactly the kind of place I'd go back to, either for a casual meal or a special evening out.

If you're exploring Porto's riverside and want authentic Portuguese seafood in a welcoming, scenic setting, Ribeira Square Restaurante is a standout. I’ll...

We had been trying to come here a few times during our stay in Porto, but there was always a lineup. The restaurant is small and cosy, and they don’t accommodate groups larger than four. It’s best to go as a pair. That said, it’s definitely worth the wait.

For starters, we shared the Bacon Bruschetta, which came with bacon, tomato, and chèvre cheese, along with stuffed mushrooms, spicy potatoes, and a mixed salad. Everything was fresh and well-seasoned. For the main dishes, we had the Gratin Cod, served with cream, spinach, and mozzarella. We also tried the duck breast and the grilled pork fillet. The seafood really stood out, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. I would stick to the seafood as that hit the spot with me.

To end the meal, we shared the Dream Cake, a rich chocolate cake layered with meringue and served with mandarina ice cream. It was a perfect finish to the evening. The wine we chose was the Diálogo Douro DOC, and it paired beautifully with our meal.

The real charm of the place is the owner. She works the ground floor herself and is incredibly welcoming and friendly. You can tell she really cares about the guest experience.

If you plan to visit, I recommend going between 6 and 7 p.m. to avoid the dinner rush. They only have two tables for groups of three or four, and larger parties...

My girlfriend and I can put into words how much we enjoyed and appreciated the experience. While speaking outside to whom we presumed was the owner about what was gluten free we waited for our table. Once we sat down, and without asking, the waitress explained what was gluten free. Unbelievably caring of the owner to make sure the waiter knew! More, during the course of the night the waitress and another presumed owner made us feel at home, with jokes and making sure all was well. The food couldn’t have been any better! The tuna steak was perfectly cooked and tasted great while my girlfriends sirloin was just as good. The chocolate cake was to die for, 100% recommend it. The best part about it all is that my girlfriend loved their little spoons. She made sure to eat the cake with it. Without even asking, the waitress recognized the love for the spoon and offered one as a souvenir when giving the check. This restaurant was unbelievably good and had more than amazing service. I want to thank them for the satisfaction we had when we left. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Porto. Celiacs...