When someone in Porto says “I fancy something other than Portuguese food tonight,” the next question is usually where they’re staying. A sushi craving in Boavista is a different plan from curry near Bolhão or tacos in Bombarda. These are the places I’d put on the map, with a dish or detail that makes each one worth choosing.
Sushi and Japanese food
In Boavista, Sushihana is the convenient pick. If you’re staying central, check Sushi in Sushi instead and choose the branch that actually fits your evening. I’d check the current menu and hours before crossing town; sushi is not the dinner to improvise after the kitchen has closed.
Brazilian, near Picaria and Cedofeita
Salve Simpatia is on Rua da Picaria, in the middle of the central restaurant-and-bar streets. Its menu ranges from picanha and moqueca to carne de sol and bolinha de feijoada. If we’re a group, the small plates give everyone a way into the meal before deciding whether to order a full main. Map
On Rua de Cedofeita, Feito em Casa mixes Brazilian dishes such as feijoada and picanha with Portuguese food. That makes it a useful answer when one person wants Brazilian and another wants a familiar local plate. Ask about the day’s feijoada rather than assuming it’s on every service. Map
Curry, Thai and Vietnamese
Turmeric, Rua Formosa 429, is my pick when the group wants a proper sit-down curry: chicken kadhai with garlic naan, grilled dishes and vegetarian curries are on the menu. It is halal and alcohol-free. Tell the staff how much heat you want; “medium” is not a universal measurement. Map
For Thai, Thailander sits on Rua das Oliveiras, just off the central nightlife streets. Porto Express is farther east, but worth the detour if pho or bún chả is what you’ve been missing; the menu also has a tofu noodle dish. Don’t pair that trip with a tight dinner booking elsewhere. Map
Mexican, pizza and vegan
Frida Cocina Mestiza is at Rua Adolfo Casais Monteiro 135, in the Bombarda gallery district. Make it a dinner plan around Bombarda, not a last-minute stop after you’ve wandered across town; book or check the current hours first. Map
For pizza after Clérigos or Carmo, Nonna Piazza is close to Praça dos Leões. The pizzas are thin and crisp, and pasta is there if that’s what you want. Check its own weekly schedule before making Sunday the plan. Map
If the whole table wants a vegan meal, Kind Kitchen on Rua de Ceuta is fully plant-based. No one has to ask for a special version of the menu. Map
Pick by neighbourhood, then check the kitchen
Salve Simpatia, Turmeric, Thailander, Nonna Piazza and Kind Kitchen all work from the central area; Frida pairs naturally with Bombarda; Porto Express is the one I’d deliberately travel east for. Use the maps to check the exact route, then confirm today’s hours, prices and allergens with the restaurant itself. For a francesinha or grilled fish instead, our local-cuisine shortlist is the better starting point.
