Postigo do Carvão Porto
Historic Porto restaurant serving generous portions of authentic Portuguese seafood and meat dishes in the charming Ribeira district.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seating
Postigo do Carvão Porto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seating
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Porto restaurant serving generous portions of authentic Portuguese seafood and meat dishes in the charming Ribeira district.
"The seafood rice is the best ever and worth the wait!"
🎯 Reserve Your Table!
This place gets packed! Booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid long waits. :ticket:
🍽️ Huge Portions Alert!
The servings are generous, so consider sharing or be ready for leftovers. :food:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seafood Rice
Main Dining Area
A must-try dish, this flavorful rice is packed with fresh seafood and is a standout favorite for many visitors.
Tenderloin Steak
Main Dining Area
A hearty and substantial cut of meat, though specifying your preferred cooking temperature is recommended.
Muralha Fernandina Remnant
Exterior
The last remaining gate of Porto's medieval Fernandina Wall, offering a glimpse into the city's history.
Grilled Chorizo
Main Dining Area
A flavorful starter, often grilled tableside, adding a touch of theatre to your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Popular Spot
Portion Sizes & Steak Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Your Table!
This place gets packed! Booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid long waits. :ticket:
🍽️ Huge Portions Alert!
The servings are generous, so consider sharing or be ready for leftovers. :food:
🥩 Steak Doneness
If ordering steak, clearly state how you like it cooked to ensure satisfaction. :steak:
⏳ Be Patient for Seafood Rice
The famous seafood rice takes time, but reviewers say it's absolutely worth the wait! :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Your Table!
This place gets packed! Booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid long waits. :ticket:
🍽️ Huge Portions Alert!
The servings are generous, so consider sharing or be ready for leftovers. :food:
🥩 Steak Doneness
If ordering steak, clearly state how you like it cooked to ensure satisfaction. :steak:
⏳ Be Patient for Seafood Rice
The famous seafood rice takes time, but reviewers say it's absolutely worth the wait! :clock:
🚶♂️ Explore the History
Don't miss the chance to see the last remaining gate of the medieval Fernandina Wall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Postigo do Carvão is celebrated for its incredibly generous portions and delicious, authentic Portuguese dishes, especially the seafood rice. While the food is a major draw, be prepared for potential wait times and consider specifying steak doneness. The historic ambiance and friendly service add to the overall positive experience.
"🥩 Food - portions are huge!
• Asparagus salad - Yummy but barely any asparagus
• Tenderloin Steak - They don’t ask the doneness. Some parts were medium rare, some parts were rare given how thick the steak was. Tell the servers how you’d like it prepared or skip.
• Squid - Loved it. Can’t go wrong with squid.
• Also had dessert but we forgot what it was 😅
⏱️ Wait time:
• We went on a Tuesday night around 8pm and we waited around 45 minutes to be seated. Queue was long and some people have left.
• Reserve seats ahead of time if you do not want to queue.
🧑🍳 Service
• Great service, servers were attentive.
Overall
• Apart from the steak, the rest of the food were great. I’d order something else when I do come back here."
nibblesandtravels
"Good restaurant, good food. Upon arriving, I was waiting and no one seated me, until another group came and went in front of me, they were seated instantly, so I had to catch the waitress to be seated.
I then ordered the sausage and chicken, which was nice to see the guy use the fire to heat the sausage, but the sausage was still cold and not hot or warm, which wasn't very nice.
The chicken was OK but quite dry, and not much taste.
The restaurant was nice though, and would recommend eating here, just check the menu beforehand."
arjan virdi
"This evening we visited this wonderful restaurant. Thank you to the whole team for making our dinner so enjoyable. The portions are absolutely huge. The staff is very friendly — they try to come over, chat, and lift your mood. The food is delicious. Highly recommended.
Special thanks Jonathan!🙏🏻"
Nara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Postigo do Carvão is located in the Ribeira district of Porto, a historic area easily accessible by foot if you're staying nearby. You can also take public transport to the Ribeira area, with several bus lines stopping close to the waterfront. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Postigo do Carvão is situated in the heart of the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it very walkable and a great starting point for exploring the historic center of Porto.
From Porto Airport (OPO), you can take the Metro (Line E, purple) directly to the city center (Trindade station) and then transfer to a line heading towards Ribeira, or take a taxi/ride-share for a more direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book a table in advance, especially for dinner or on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular and can have long wait times.
Opening hours can vary, but Postigo do Carvão is typically open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Postigo do Carvão as it is a restaurant. You only pay for the food and drinks you consume.
You can try walking in, but be prepared for a potentially long wait, especially during peak hours. Reservations are strongly advised to guarantee a table.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The seafood rice is a standout favorite, often described as the best ever. Other popular choices include the tenderloin steak (specify doneness), grilled chorizo, and squid.
Yes, reviewers consistently mention that the portions are huge and very generous, making it a good option for sharing.
While known for its seafood and meat dishes, they do offer some options like asparagus salad, though it might be light on asparagus. It's advisable to inquire about vegetarian choices upon arrival.
Yes, Postigo do Carvão is celebrated for its authentic Portuguese cuisine, with many dishes prepared using traditional methods and local ingredients.
The seafood rice is a highly praised dish, often described as incredibly delicious and a highlight of many visitors' trips to Porto. It's known for its rich flavor and ample seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ribeira district itself offers stunning views of the Douro River, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and colorful historic buildings. The exterior of Postigo do Carvão, with its historic stone facade, is also photogenic.
Yes, you can generally take photos inside Postigo do Carvão, especially of your food. The restaurant has a unique, historic ambiance with stone walls that make for interesting shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the Ribeira district and the Douro River. Midday can be bright but also very crowded.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
💑 Couples
The lively ambiance, combined with delicious Portuguese cuisine and attentive service, can create a memorable dining experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: Postigo do Carvão's Location
The gate served as a crucial entry point for goods, including coal (hence 'Carvão'), arriving via the Douro River. Today, the restaurant is nestled within this historic area, offering diners a chance to soak in the ambiance of old Porto while enjoying modern Portuguese cuisine.This historical significance is often highlighted by visitors and locals alike. The restaurant's interior often features exposed stone walls, reflecting its ancient origins.
It’s a unique setting that adds to the overall dining experience, making it more than just a meal but a journey back in time. The proximity to the Douro River and the Ribeira district further enhances its historical charm. +1Culinary Delights: What to Expect on Your Plate
For meat lovers, the tenderloin steak is a popular choice, though it's advisable to communicate your preferred level of doneness to the staff, as it can sometimes be served rare or medium-rare.
While the menu leans towards hearty dishes, some lighter options like asparagus salad are available, though they might be less substantial. The dining experience is further enhanced by the attentive service. Staff members are often praised for their friendliness and willingness to engage with diners, sometimes offering insights into local wines or simply aiming to lift spirits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit