The Door — Restaurant in Porto

“the door” — Porto’s Must-Visit Culinary Gem. Nestled in the vibrant and quietly enchanting heart of Oporto, the door is less a restaurant and more a beautifully orchestrated experience — one that beckons you not just to dine, but to feel, to savour, to remember. From the moment I stepped inside, there was a quiet magic humming beneath every detail, and by the time I left, I knew I had stumbled upon one of Porto’s truly essential dining destinations. Let’s begin with the starters, which arrived with a quiet confidence — each dish whispering promises that were spectacularly kept. The white fish, served delicately fresh with an ethereal zest, was like tasting the Atlantic on a spring morning — light, pure, and precise. The smoked babaganoush revealed earthy, smoky depths that warmed rather than overwhelmed, a dish so effortlessly refined it could have easily been a main in lesser hands. But it was the nori tacos that truly stunned: a playful twist on tradition with an undertone of heat, each bite perfectly calibrated to intrigue and delight. They didn’t just serve food — they told a story. Then, the mains. Oh, the mains. The Angus beef carpaccio was a melt-in-the-mouth miracle — paper-thin slices of umami-rich wonder that needed no flourish beyond their own exceptional quality. The scallops, which might easily be overlooked in less capable kitchens, stood proud as another star. Sweet, oceanic, kissed with just the right balance of acidity and fat — a dish of subtle genius. The beef tagliata followed, cooked with reverence, the kind of meat that speaks of a kitchen that knows its craft and honors its ingredients. And finally, a bite-sized foie that was anything but small in impact — an umami bomb that lingered long after it vanished. By the time dessert arrived, I assumed the highs had peaked. I was wrong. Their sticky toffee pudding was the finale of my dreams: warm, buttery, impossibly moist — a dessert that dared to flirt with decadence and succeeded spectacularly. It wasn’t just a sweet finish; it was a love letter to comfort and indulgence. Yet beyond the exquisite dishes, what elevates the door into the realm of the exceptional is its team — a tight-knit ensemble of personalities that operate with the grace of a ballet and the energy of a jazz band. Flor, Pato, Mika, Laucha, and Paco — names I won’t soon forget — bring warmth, precision, and a palpable joy to every corner of the room. There’s a rhythm here, a fluidity that can’t be taught — it’s the result of genuine camaraderie and professionalism, and it’s utterly infectious. The door isn’t just another addition to Porto’s culinary scene — it is, in every sense, a beacon. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious traveler, make your way here. Book the table. Take the ride. You’ll walk away nourished, inspired, and very possibly changed. A triumph. An...

Looking for an exceptional dining experience in Porto? Look no further than The Door, where the staff treats you like family and the food is the most memorable meal you'll have in recent times.

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like you are dining in someone's home. Afonso, Pato, and the whole staff go out of their way to ensure that every guest is comfortable and taken care of. For example, they explain the menu in great detail, and they even graciously offered us complimentary dessert (which was incredible) and a taste of their own homemade cherry liquor.

While I have dined at many highly-acclaimed restaurants across both the US and Europe, including many Michelin star restaurants, The Door stands out as one of the most memorable meals I have had in recent times. The menu features a range of Portuguese-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in a burst of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are a foodie or just someone who appreciates good food, you will be blown away by the quality and taste of the dishes. Specifically, the Chorizo and Chimichurri was the perfect blend of sweet, salt, acid, and spice, and I will be dreaming of it until I make it back to Porto.

The Door not only excels in their food and hospitality, but also in their selection of natural wines. Afonso is passionate about promoting natural and organic wines, and the wine list at The Door reflects this passion. The restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of Portuguese and international natural wines that perfectly complement the menu's flavors. The staff are more than happy to recommend the perfect wine pairing for each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you are a wine enthusiast or curious about natural wines, The Door is the perfect place to explore and discover new and exciting flavors.

Overall, The Door is an exceptional restaurant that offers a unique dining experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s the impeccable service, the exquisite food, or the extensive natural wine list, everything about this restaurant is exceptional. If you are visiting Porto or simply looking for a place to enjoy a special meal, The Door is the perfect choice. After my dining experience at The Door, I couldn't help but dream about how much I would love to live in Porto, if only to frequent this restaurant and indulge in their incredible food, warm hospitality, and exceptional...

Cosplay fine dining at real fine dining prices.

Where to even begin. The food was terrible, not just in execution but also in design. At best, the food was over-construed and underwhelming (I.e. the beef carpaccio) and at worst, downright terrible - the tuna tartar was sitting in a soup of soy sauce, leaving us with literal saltburn. The salmon nori tacos were also disgusting - they were filled with so much mayo that it was hard to bite. It was like being handed a straw and bottle of Hellemans mixed with unami. Our final dish was the scallops - they were actually grilled perfectly but were absolutely drenched in a rich cream sauce which absolutely annihilated the natural sweetness and buttery flavour of scallops that make them so good.

Also, if the food itself didn't scream amateur hour Instagram chef, at least two of the dishes were layered with rocks. Rocks? Really? Maybe Chef Flintstone should skip the gimmicks and worry more about how their food tastes.

It's hard to believe any professional chef who cares about their craft, after tasting what we were served, would allow it to be served to guests.

The service was pretty much as bad as the food. After we were sat, a server took our drink order, while another just left bread on our table without asking, which we were subsequently charged €7 for. We did not see a server again until it was time for the bill. Not for a quality check, not to offer us another drink. Nada.

And dishes were brought out one after the other, with no sequencing/breaks between.

It felt like we were being rushed so they could just flip the table as quick as possible to rinse some next chuds (though given how much the food sucked, they accidentally did us a favour).

I even asked at the beginning if it was best we order a few dishes at a time, as it's all sharing plates and that we didn't want to rush, pair a next drink/plate or two etc. The server "recommended" we order everything at once. Lol.

We thought we made a reservation to a real restaurant - one which truly understands dining/guest experience - and not some riverside tourist trap trying to sling overpriced franchescinas to a bunch of people who just got off the tour bus.

All in all, so brutal and I'm genuinely surprised to see the positive reviews.

I typically don't write reviews like this, but at the prices they charge I felt it was warranted.

The only fine dining part about the Door are the prices. Save your money and spare your tastebuds and avoid this...