Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau
Experience the magic of a Portuguese library-themed shop serving exquisite codfish cakes with creamy cheese and a side of live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of a Portuguese library-themed shop serving exquisite codfish cakes with creamy cheese and a side of live music.
"A magical, library-like ambiance with delicious codfish cakes and a unique musical experience."
Share dishes
Consider sharing dishes as they can be pricey for individual servings.
Combo Sets
Opt for combo sets for better value, like pastel de bacalhau with wine.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Portuguese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+351 21 164 8919
Address
Av. de Diogo Leite 122, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Website
pasteldebacalhau.pt/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harry Potter Library Ambiance
Step into a magical space resembling a Harry Potter library, complete with antique books and a grand chandelier.
Crispy Cod Croquettes
Indulge in oversized, crispy cod croquettes filled with creamy cheese, a true delicacy from Portugal.
Live Music & Unique Performances
Enjoy live music, from organ recitals to singers, enhancing the magical ambiance. Keep the souvenir glass!
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Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Share dishes
Consider sharing dishes as they can be pricey for individual servings.
Combo Sets
Opt for combo sets for better value, like pastel de bacalhau with wine.
Sit Upstairs
Sit upstairs for VIP box-style seating and better views.
Experience the Music
Visit during slated slots for organ recitals and singers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Share dishes
Consider sharing dishes as they can be pricey for individual servings.
Combo Sets
Opt for combo sets for better value, like pastel de bacalhau with wine.
Sit Upstairs
Sit upstairs for VIP box-style seating and better views.
Experience the Music
Visit during slated slots for organ recitals and singers.
Capture Moments
This beautifully decorated spot is perfect for Instagrammable moments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise the unique, bookshop-like atmosphere and the delicious codfish cakes, especially when paired with port wine. However, some find the prices to be on the higher side for what is offered, and a few reviewers mention the codfish cakes lacking a strong cod flavor. It's often described as a 'touristy' but worthwhile experience for its ambiance and entertainment, with the option to take home souvenir glasses.
"We went in around 8pm so the shop was quite empty so we can admire the beautiful decorations. There are seats on the second floor if you would like to have a drink with the cod fish fritters."
Lu
"This place is the most interesting place we have seen in Porto. The concept is really odd since they sell only codfish fritters and wine here. Also in every 20 minutes, there has been a live piano show. It is fun though, definitely recommend it"
Erdem
"It’s like a small Disney-Land for lovers of “croquetas”. They sell them in a big version with cheese or without. If you want, in a combo with Portwine. And as a small desert you can buy a dessert, that looks like two half’s of a sheep cookie, one filled with cheese and the other with marmelade. You join them and have a bite: very tasty 💖. Let’s be honest, a historical place with tourism adapted program. Entry is free, if you buy food, you can sit upstairs and have a nice break. There are small organ concerts, and in between you hear Disney like music. It’s not cheap, but if you like to see something unusual, it’s a nice place. We had a break, because outside it was hot."
J E L Y C A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for its large, crispy codfish croquettes filled with creamy cheese, served in a unique atmosphere resembling a library.
The restaurant has a magical ambiance, often compared to a Harry Potter library, with antique books, chandeliers, and live music.
Yes, if you order a glass of port wine, you can often keep the souvenir glass.
Some visitors find the prices a bit high for the portion size, but many feel it's worth it for the experience and ambiance.
They also offer cheese, beer, cider, and various types of port wine to accompany your snack.
Yes, the restaurant often features live music, including organ recitals and singers, at scheduled times.
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Casa Portoguesa do Pastel Bacalhau is not a restaurant, but a shop (??) I don't know how to define it, specialized only and exclusively in Pastel Bacalhau. We entered because we were intrigued and attracted by the place from outside and we were actually totally captivated by the beauty of this place that looks almost like a bookshop. It took us a while to understand that they were selling these gigantic cod croquettes with a delicious cheese heart inside: true works of art, which are absolutely worth the price of € 5 each.
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The before mentioned codfish is an endless source of recipes for authentic Portuguese dishes; however, when it comes to snacks and street food, Bolinhos de bacalhau is worth emphasizing for sure. The savory codfish cakes are made from a mix of cod, potatoes, onions, parsley, and egg and then deep-fried until they become golden brown. Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
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Given that Portugal is an expert country when it comes to cooking cod, it would be unthinkable not to include Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau on this list, also located in Vila Nova de Gaia’s Ribeira. The prices are a bit exaggerated, in my opinion, but it was worth the free music show I attended while tasting one of their pastéis with cod and cheese.
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Bolinhos de bacalhau (or pastéis de bacalhau) are little deep-fried patties of salt-dried cod and potatoes. This is another bacalhau dish, yes, but it’s one that’s definitely worth trying, especially as you can easily find these in cafés and snack bars in Portugal.
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Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau: Pop into this absolutely beautiful space with a giant chandelier and walls of old books. Try a Codfish Cake with a glass of port wine. Kids will enjoy climbing up the stairs and the organ performances.
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Bolinhos de bacalhau (or cod croquets) are made from a mixture of potatoes, codfish, eggs, parsley, and onion. Similar to croquetas in Spain, bolinhos de bacalhau are deep-fried, and typically served hot or cold as an appetizer.
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If eating on the go tasty little fritters made with cheese, potato and cod seems like something you’d enjoy, head to the Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, a stone’s throw from the Clerigos Tower.
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Although a bit on the touristy side, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau is worth a pop in. You’ll most certainly be walking past it if you’re on that side of the river.
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If foodies want to get their hands on some pasteis de bacalhau, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau near Clérigos tower is one of the best restaurants for it.
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