Porto's Food Markets: Which Ones Are Worth Your Time

Mercado do Bolhão

The classic one — the historic hall in the city centre. Food stalls all over the market sell bites that showcase what's good in the region: go for the ingredients, not brand names. And when I want a proper meal there, Peixe no Mercado on the restaurant level is a full restaurant — tasty modern seafood dishes, conveniently inside the market.

Yes, Bolhão is touristy these days too. But to me it never has the wrongful feeling of the Time Out Market — underneath the crowds it's still a real market, selling what the region grows and catches.

Mercado Bom Sucesso

Very nice food court with lots of choices and super reasonable prices. I get the roast piglet at O Forno do Leitão do Zé — 500–600g is good for 2 — and the prego no pão at Forno do Mercado. Their steak sandwich, not their pizza. Full details.

What about Time Out Market?

If you've read my Time Out page, you know my answer. To me it's an expensive way to eat averagely in a city where eating well is cheap — and nearly every chef in that hall runs a better restaurant of their own, minutes away. Go to the real ones.