Where to Eat the Best Francesinha in Porto (2025 Guide)

Few dishes in Portugal are as iconic — and as fiercely debated — as the francesinha. Born in Porto in the 1950s, this indulgent sandwich is a carnivorous masterpiece: layers of steak, sausages, ham, and melted cheese, all drenched in a rich, spicy beer sauce and served with fries. Think of it as a Portuguese answer to the croque-monsieur… only with much more personality.

From traditional recipes to bold reinterpretations, here’s where to find the best francesinhas in Porto in 2025.

1. Café Santiago

No list would be complete without Café Santiago, one of the city’s most legendary spots. Their wood-fired bread is sliced for perfect consistency, and the filling includes grilled fresh sausage, smoked linguiça, tender steak, mortadella, and ham. Topped with gooey cheese, a fried egg, and their secret “Essência” sauce, it’s the ultimate classic.

Location: Rua de Passos Manuel, 226 – Santa Catarina
Tip: Expect a queue — and yes, it’s worth it.

2. Brasão Cervejaria

Brasão is a more modern cervejaria, but their francesinha is pure tradition. Served in various versions (with or without egg, for sharing, oven-baked), it’s a staple for locals. Fries are offered in rounds or sticks, and they brew their own IPA to go with it.

Location: Multiple locations (including Santa Catarina)
Tip: Try the oven-baked version with their house beer.

3. Lado B

Lado B claims to serve “the best francesinha in the world.” Whether or not you agree, their version — made with alcatra steak, fresh sausages, and house fries — is a strong contender. They also offer one of the city’s most popular vegetarian takes.

Location: Praça dos Poveiros, 130
Tip: The vegetarian francesinha is surprisingly good — even for meat lovers.

4. Casa Inês (Time Out Market)

Made with roast veal (not steak), and topped with a well-balanced sauce enhanced by beer and spices, this version stands out for its tenderness and depth of flavor. The ingredients — from the sausages to the peppercorn mortadella — are all sourced from Porto’s iconic Bolhão Market.

Location: Time Out Market, São Bento Station
Tip: Don’t skip the potatoes — they’re hand-cut and served as crisps.

5. Francesinha Café

A local favorite with a loyal following, Francesinha Café prides itself on sourcing top ingredients — including mortadella and chouriço from Italy. The sandwich features rare-cut sirloin and a smooth, slow-simmered sauce that’s rich but never overpowering.

Location: Rua da Alegria, 946
Tip: Ask for the francesinha without extras to appreciate the traditional flavor.

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FAQ

1. What is a francesinha in Porto?

A francesinha is a traditional Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto. It’s made with layers of steak, cured meats (like ham, linguiça, and fresh sausage), and melted cheese, all smothered in a rich, spicy tomato and beer-based sauce. It’s usually served with fries and often topped with a fried egg.

2. What does “francesinha” mean in Portuguese?

Francesinha translates to “little French girl” in Portuguese. The name was inspired by the French croque-monsieur, which served as a loose inspiration for the dish. But make no mistake — the francesinha is 100% Portuguese in flavor and intensity.

3. What is francesinha sauce made of?

Every restaurant has its secret, but francesinha sauce typically includes ingredients like tomato, beer, garlic, piri-piri (chili), and sometimes brandy or wine. The result is a thick, savory, slightly spicy sauce that soaks into the sandwich and fries — it’s the heart of the dish.

4. How much does a francesinha cost in Porto?

Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but a classic francesinha in Porto typically costs between 8€ and 15€, depending on the ingredients, location, and whether it includes extras like a fried egg or large fries.

5. Where can I eat the best francesinha in Porto?

Some of the best places to try francesinha in Porto include Café Santiago, Bufete Fase, O Afonso, Brasão Cervejaria, and Casa Inês. Each one brings its own twist — from traditional recipes to modern variations — so it’s worth trying more than one.