Whether you’re travelling in Porto at Christmas time or live here and don’t feel like cooking during the festive season. If you happen to visit Porto during this time of the year, my Complete Guide to the Christmas season in Porto might be useful.
It seems there are more and more people who choose not to spend Christmas lunch and dinner at home. That’s why I made this list of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto! They are divided into the restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve (evening of December 24th) and the restaurants that are open for Christmas lunch (December 25th).
Just some important notes before you read this article:
- It is not easy to find restaurants open on Christmas Eve and even less so the following day.
- Most restaurants which do open during Christmas are the restaurants in the city’s best hotels.
- For that same reason, eating out for Christmas is usually quite expensive. They can go for anything between 60€ (the most inexpensive deal I found!) and 280€. However, most restaurants offer discounts for children under the age of 12.
- Given the high demand and little choice, I HIGHLY recommend that you book your dinner / lunch in one of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto as early as you can. If you don’t, you risk having to improvise a Christmas meal of cheese and crackers in your hotel room 😛
- A typical Portuguese Christmas meal usually consists of codfish, veggies and a ridiculous amount (and variety) of desserts. This is the reason why most Christmas menus will feature: 2 or 3 mains and a buffet of desserts, just like we do at home!
- Last but not least: if you don’t find what you are looking for, DO NOT email me asking for help to find yet another restaurant. I know it can be frustrating to find a restaurant for Christmas, but I am not the yellow pages – all I know about Christmas dinners in Porto is already on this article!
Without further ado, let’s find out where to go for Christmas dinner (and lunch) in Porto!
The best restaurants for Christmas in Porto (2023)
The Yeatman Hotel
Rua do Choupelo | Vila Nova de Gaia
I begin my list of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto with an unavoidable name in the city: The Yeatman Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in Porto. It is truly a memorable hotel, with an exquisite design and panoramic views over the city and the Douro river – a fantastic choice to spend your Christmas 🙂
The only problem of The Yeatman Hotel is, ironically, its location: you definitely need to call a cab to get to the city centre.
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: While the details remain unrevealed, you can rest assured that Chef Ricardo Costa will prepare an exclusive and delicious menu, having at your disposal a buffet of desserts with delicious Christmas sweets.
Prices:
- 280€ / person, which includes a wine selection (which, I speak from experience, are very worthwhile in what is considered one of the best wine hotels in the world)
- 4 – 11 years old: 140€
- < 4 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h30
Christmas LUNCH 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas buffet
Prices:
- 130€ / person (wine selection is included)
- 4 – 11 years old: 65€
- < 4 years old: Free
Schedule: 13h00 or 14h00
How to make a reservation at The Yeatman: Reservations can be made online.
Blind, at Torel Avantgarde Hotel
Rua de Entreparedes, 40 | Porto
One of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto is Blind, located at one of my favourite hotels in the city, the Torel Avantgarde. Away from the most crowded areas (but still very central) and featuring a fabulous view of the Douro river, it really is an exceptional hotel!
Christmas EVE 2023 – Details
Menu: Shrimp with exotic fruits, octopus, cured codfish and tongue, vitellone, and a Christmas dessert buffet.
Prices:
- 135€ / person (wine selection is included)
- 5 – 12 years old: 67.5€
- < 5 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h00
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Atlantic sea bass, Mirandela’s ‘Alheira,’ fish soup with shrimp, Trás-Os-Montes goatling, and a Christmas dessert buffet.
Prices:
- 135€ per person (wine selection included)
- 5 – 12 years old: 67.5€
- < 5 years old: Free
Schedule: 12h30
How to make a reservation at Blind: Reservations can be made online. You can also reach them at +351226001580 or send an email to info@blind.pt
Auge, Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory
Avenida da Boavista, 1269 | Porto
Another fantastic option for spending Christmas in Porto is Auge, a restaurant situated on the 19th floor of Porto Palácio Hotel! This restaurant, featuring a modern and luxurious decoration, offers a truly remarkable view, allowing you to see the entire city of Porto. And who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus flying around on Christmas Eve! 😉🎅🏼
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: 2 soups will be available plus a wide selection of starters, including shrimp, suckling pig, mussels, ham, salmon, and much more. For the main courses, the fish dishes include boiled cod and octopus à Lagareiro. If you prefer meat they will serve capon stuffed with nuts, sausages and port wine. As a vegetarian option, they will have tofu in Portuguese sauce and a soybean stew with butter beans and Portuguese cabbage. Lastly, you will have a delicious Christmas desserts buffet at your disposal.
Prices:
- 95€ / person (drinks and wine selection are included)
- 4 – 12 years old: 47.5€
- < 4 years old: Free
Reservation guarantee – 50% payment at the time of booking and the remaining 50% by December 20th.
Schedule: 19h30 – 22h30
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Similar to the Christmas Eve dinner, you will have 2 types of soup available and a wide selection of starters. For the main courses, you will have “Farrapo Velho” (a traditional Portuguese cod Christmas dish), sea bass with grilled vegetables, turkey stuffed with Portuguese sausages, and roasted goat. If you wish a vegetarian option, you can have a delicious vegetarian lasagna!
Prices:
- 95€ / person (drinks and wine selection are included)
- 4 – 12 years old: 47.5€
- < 4 years old: Free
Reservation guarantee – 50% payment at the time of booking and the remaining 50% by December 20th.
Schedule: 12h30 – 15h00
How to make a reservation at Auge: Reservations can be made online. You can also reach them at +351226086697 or send an email to reservas@augeporto.pt.
Flor de Lis, at Vila Foz Hotel & Spa
Avenida de Montevideu, 236 | Porto
Flor de Lis is located at the fantastic Vila Foz Hotel & Spa, in the Foz area. It is covered with unique tiles by Nini Andrade Silva, evoking a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in each of the five available dining rooms.
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: For starters, you’ll have rolled octopus with vinaigrette and peppers, followed by two main courses: codfish and creamy rice with mushrooms. Finally, you will be able to enjoy a traditional Christmas dessert buffet.
Prices:
- 85€ / person (drinks are not included)
- 7 – 12 years old: 67.50€
- < 7 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h00
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu and prices: À la Carte
Schedule: 12h30
How to make a reservation at Flor de Lis: To make a reservation, call +351222449702 or send an email to flordelis@vilafozhotel.pt.
Dona Maria, at The Lodge Hotel
Rua de Serpa Pinto, 60 | Vila Nova de Gaia
One of my favorite hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia is The Lodge Porto Hotel: every corner reminds us of a fine, aged wine. From its furniture, in the exact tones of a wine cellar, to the staircase, covered in wooden boards that originally belonged to aging barrels, everything evokes the name of this recent luxury hotel in Porto.
And to complete the package, a restaurant with a fabulous view of the Ribeira neighborhood! 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: For the main courses, you can enjoy ‘caldo verde’ with chorizo from Vila de Rei, yellow-cured cod cooked with vegetables, roast turkey leg with honey and spices, accompanied by purple sweet potato puree, a mushroom ragout, and a port wine reduction; and a Christmas dessert buffet.
Prices:
- 135€ / person (wine selection is included)
- 4 – 7 years old: 67.50€
- < 4 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h30 – 22h30
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu and prices: À la Carte
Schedule: 12h30
How to make a reservation at Dona Maria: To make a reservation, call +351220157541 or send an email to reservas@thelodgehotel.pt.
Rib Beef & Wine, at Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel
Praça Ribeira, 1 | Porto
Another option for Christmas in Porto is the Rib Beef & Wine at the Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel .
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is a five-star hotel known for its comfort, great decor and for having one of the most beautiful views, right next to the Douro River! 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Christmas Eve will begin with a Welcome Cocktail at 19h00, featuring a DJ to set the mood. Following the cocktail, a delightful dinner will be served at 19h30. And, to finish the evening, a delicious buffet of Christmas desserts.
Menus:
- Standard menu: For starters, octopus tartare and Portuguese stew ravioli. As for the main courses, you will be able to enjoy a deconstructed codfish dish and cachena veal, along with a Poças Reserva Red. Besides the Christmas dessert buffet, you can also have ‘Papo de anjo’, cinnamon crunch and LBV ice cream.
- Vegetarian menu: For starters, stewed mushrooms with truffle puree and balsamic vinegar, “peixinhos da horta” with lime mayonnaise. As for the main courses, potato foam with grilled vegetables, asparagus, hazelnut and parmesan risotto, accompanied by Poças Reserva Red. You can enjoy the same dessert as the Standard menu.
- Kids menu: Pumpkin cream for starters. The main courses consist of cod confit with pea puree and chips, sirloin steak with potato rosti. For dessert, chocolate cake.
Prices:
- 140€ / person (wine selection included)
- 2 – 12 years old: 70€
- < 2 years old: Free
Booking conditions: 50% payment in advance
Schedule: Sitting available between 19h00 and 21h30.
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu and prices: À la Carte
How to make a reservation at Rib Beef & Wine: Reservations can be made online. You can also call +351223402300 or send an email to rib.porto@pestana.com.
Raízes, at the Boeira Garden Hotel
Rua Teixeira Lopes, 114 | Vila Nova de Gaia
The Boeira Garden Hotel is a 5-star hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia, a great hotel for families – which means, it is the perfect choice to spend your Christmas in 2023 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menus:
- Standard menu: Begin your meal with a delicious mushroom and chestnut soup. For your main course, you have two options. First, they will offer cod loin served with fresh kale and tender chickpeas, a delightful combination of flavors. Alternatively, a succulent suckling pig belly, accompanied by roasted cherries and a zesty chili sauce. To finish, dessert buffet.
- Vegetarian menu: For starters, cream of mushroom soup, roasted onion tartar and chives. As for the main courses, chickpea roll and “penca” cabbage, roast cherries, low temperature egg, peas and truffle + Christmas dessert buffet.
Prices:
- 70€ / person, drinks and wine selection included
- 5 – 11 years old: 32€
- < 5 years old: Free
Schedule: To be determined.
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas buffet
Prices:
- 65€ per person (wine selection included)
- 5 – 11 years old: 32.5€
- < 5 years old: Free
Schedule: To be determined.
How to make a reservation at Raízes: Call +351969500358 or send an email to opobg_restaurant@hilton.com.
Vinha Restaurant, at the Vinha Boutique Hotel
Rua Fonte da Vinha, 383 | Vila Nova de Gaia
Continuing my tour of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto, I suggest another fantastic option: Vinha, at the Vinha Boutique Hotel. This 5 star luxury hotel is splendid really, with a luxurious decor that beautifully contrasts with its fabulous views of the Douro river and the hills in front.
Vinha restaurant is only available on Christmas Eve, and since it offers a fine dining experience, it is not particularly recommended for children.
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: Tasting menu + Christmas dessert buffet
Prices:
- 110€ / person, no drinks included
- Not recommended for children
Schedule: 19h00 – 21h30
How to make a reservation at Vinha: Call +351912629647 or send an email to restaurante@vinhaboutiquehotel.com.
Terroir Brasserie, at Vinha Boutique Hotel
Rua Fonte da Vinha, 383 | Vila Nova de Gaia
Still at the Vinha Boutique Hotel, you have another dining option: Terroir Brasserie. This restaurant, with a relaxing and informal atmosphere, will be available for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and is highly recommended, especially if you’re bringing the little ones with you 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: unfortunately the menu for Christmas Eve is still not available, but I will let you know as soon as possible!
Prices:
- 90€ / person (drinks are not included)
- 3 – 12 years old: 50€
- < 3 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h00 – 21h30
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas buffet
Prices:
- 100€ per person (drinks are included)
- 3 – 12 years old: 50€
- < 3 years old: Free
Schedule: 12h30 – 16h00 (you can show up whenever is more convenient for you)
How to make a reservation at Terroir Brasserie: Call +351912629647or send an email to restaurante@vinhaboutiquehotel.com.
Porto Novo, at Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Rua do Ten. Valadim, 146 | Porto
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa is another excellent choice for spending your Christmas in 2023. It’s located in Boavista neighborhood, between the business district and the touristy downtown Porto. Both the hotel and its restaurant Porto Novo are known for their welcoming ambiance and service, which will make you fell right at home during your visit!
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: To be determined.
Prices:
- 156€ / person, wine selection included
- 7 – 12 years old: 78€
- < 7 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h30 or 20h00
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas buffet
Prices:
- 148€ / person
- 7 – 12 years old: 74€
- < 7 years old: Free
Schedule: 13h00
How to make a reservation at Porto Novo: call them on +351220404000.
Través, at Hotel das Virtudes
Rua São Pedro de Miragaia, 60 | Porto
One of the best restaurants for Christmas in Porto is Través, located at Hotel das Virtudes in the Ribeira Neighbourhood. Besides its fantastic location, this charming and beautifully decorated hotel creates the perfect ambiance for you to enjoy your Christmas!
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: You can begin your meal with foie custard, brioche queen cake and prickly pears. As for the main courses, you will have fish and meat options: Icelandic cod with organic chickpeas, cisaro pork sausage and Galician cabbage; stuffed Christmas turkey breast, butternut squash, dried fruit and wild mushrooms.
Prices:
- 95€ / person (drinks and wines are included)
- 4 – 12 years old: 47.50€
- < 4 years old: Free
Schedule: 19h30 – 00h00 (Reservation required between 19h30 and 21h00)
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas brunch
Prices:
- 65€ per person (drinks are included, except wine)
- 4 – 12 years old: 32.5€
- < 4 years old: Free
Schedule: 12h30 – 16h00 (Reservation required between 12h30 and 15h00)
How to make a reservation at Porto Novo: Call +351220163930 or send an email to info@hoteldasvirtudes.pt.
Astória, at Intercontinental Palácio das Cardosas
Praça da Liberdade, 25 | Porto
The InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas is the perfect hotel for those who appreciate luxury and history. The building has a rich heritage, once serving as a convent during the 18th century before being sold and transformed into a palace following the expulsion of the religious order from Portugal. The hotel’s decor features soothing neutral colors, providing a relaxing atmosphere.
InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas is situated in Praça da Liberdade, right in the heart of Downtown Porto, and in close proximity to key landmarks, including the iconic São Bento train station. Usually, this is a veeery busy area. But hopefully it will be quieter for Christmas Eve and for Christmas Day 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: To be determined
Prices:
- 125€ / person (drinks are included)
- 6 – 11 years old: 62.50€
- < 6 years old: Free
Schedule: To be determined
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: Christmas brunch
Prices:
- 70€ per person (drinks are not included, only water)
- 6 – 11 years old: 35€
- < 6 years old: Free
Schedule: To be determined
How to make a reservation at Astória: Call +351220035639 or send an email to restaurante.astoria@ihg.com
O Jardim, at Solverde Hotel Gaia
Avenida Liberdade, 212 | Vila Nova de Gaia
Last but not least, Jardim at Hotel Solverde Spa and Wellness Center is another great restaurant to spend your Christmas in 2023!
If you decide to stay at this hotel to spend Christmas, it is worth noting that it is quite far from Porto, approximately a 15-minute drive away. However, the hotel has sooo many things to do that it will be difficult to find the motivation to leave: inside pool with heated sea water, gym, spa, sauna and massages (available at an extra cost), tennis courts, mini golf, children playground… in other words, it’s a mix between a hotel and an amusement park, especially for families – which is ideal for celebrating Christmas 🙂
Christmas Eve 2023 – Details
Menu: To be determined
Prices:
- 110€ / person
- 3 – 12 years old: 55€
- < 3 years old: Free
Schedule: From 19h30 on.
Christmas Lunch 2023 – Details
Menu: To be determined.
Prices:
- 110€ per person
- 3 – 12 years old: 55€
- < 3 years old: Free
Schedule: From 13h00 on.
How to make a reservation at Jardim: Call +351227338030 or send an email to hotelsolverde@solverde.pt.
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