I recently spent an evening at Taberna Folias de Baco in Porto, and it was one of those experiences that linger long after the lights go out. Nestled in the heart of the old town, it struck me as a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern flair—a cozy tavern feel with a curated wine bar twist.
From the moment I walked in, the warm glow of the lights and the sight of glasses and bottles lining the shelves made me feel at home. I started with a board of cured meats, farmhouse cheeses, olives, and crusty bread—each bite full of depth and authenticity. The cured meat was perfectly sliced, and the tang from the cheese was a lovely opener.
The highlight for me was the octopus salad: tender pieces of octopus mixed with bright beans and olive oil, balanced by tangy acidity. It paired brilliantly with an orange wine from Douro that they featured—a quirky, gentle sip that complemented the salty, savory bites wonderfully.
Service was knowledgeable and friendly—staff were happy to chat about the wines and the local producers, giving the evening a personal, curated feel without ever being overbearing. They manage to stay busy yet intimate; the buzz of quiet conversation and wine pouring was the perfect background.
If you love natural wines, artisanal small plates, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Taberna Folias de Baco is a must-visit in Porto. It's not flashy—just honest, flavorful, and full of heart. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of their...
Read moreWhat can I say… I travel for my job quite often, and this was the best dining experience I’ve had in the last 10 years. The restaurant is intimate and accommodating to small parties (including solo travelers!) and the service was personalized and exceptional. The food was out of this world good, with my favorite items being the octopus salad and sausage for douro region. The sausage was like having the best, juiciest barbecue pulled pork (if you’re American, you know!) you’ll ever have inside of a perfectly crisp and snappy casing with the delicate balance of smoke just right. The chef brought me over custom sauces because he could tell I was enjoying the food, which again only speaks to the care and service this restaurant offers. For a unique dessert, try the black sesame pudding, which is the perfect balance of sweet and savory to end the meal. And none of this is to mention that they have very unique, and delicious!, in house produced wine that pairs amazingly with each dish. I could not recommend this restaurant more highly! Just make sure to make reservations as the space is small and they are popular - reservations are available up to 4 weeks in advance. If you’re in Porto, this is...
Read moreGreat experience, with passionate and knowledgeable staff. There is a set menu but we opted for A la carte since we didn’t feel like having a cheese board.
Went for the octopus salad - excellent value for €12. Tender and plentiful chunks of octopus with beans, onions and other aromatics. Goes nicely on top of the roasted rye.
The prosciutto empanadas were PACKED with meat, but we felt this was overly salty and needed something sweet to balance instead of a cumin mayo. The waiter did mention after that usually it can be had with a mango chutney, which sounds like it would work better.
The two sausages - alheira and moira, both savoury with good depth of flavour but the texture may put some people off. The skin has a slight snap but the filling is quite soft and almost mushy, unlike a typical sausage. Nevertheless, great meaty flavour and interesting tastes.
The wine is obviously good, all made by the restaurant. We went for a pale red and an orange wine, both very refreshing. The orange in particular had lychee and floral notes which was pleasant.
Note that they don’t take card, so make sure to...
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