Nestled on the Douro River, it’s an incredibly charming “boutique" city easily navigated by foot. Every morning you’ll be awakened by the resident seagulls and soft, salty breezes reminding you how close to the Atlantic you are. Amongst the charm and historical tiled buildings, a certain grit also gives me odd comfort as a New Yorker. The people of this city are incredibly passionate about “The North” and won’t hesitate to tell you why. It’s one of those things you must experience for yourself to understand. Beyond the charm and genuine people, Porto is also quickly becoming one of the most important places in Western Europe for gastronomy. With still wines of the country gaining quick popularity, the choices for food and drink are endless.

Its very pricey for Portugal at 3 course $55 plus the $25 wine pairing per person, but the service and setting, request an outside table overlooking the river, are extraordinary – so is the food. For heartier fare head west along the Ribeira toward the sea to Trilhos Do Tomilho for an outdoor dinner of sea bass with lobster and watch the Viking cruise boats embark up the Douro River valley. Our next Portugal trip, we may have to board one of these river cruises.

A charming, unpretentious restaurant, serving farm to table food with a flair, ODE Porto Wine House is definitely worth a reservation. When we called, they were almost booked out save a slot at opening time. I was worried the place might be a tad pretentious – you couldn’t simply enter, someone had to open the door for you – but it was far from that.

ODE sits right alongside the Douro river, inside a charming and rustic 19th century house. They serve Portuguese food and of course, wine (15 Euro by the glass), and have an open kitchen for a fun atmosphere. This is one of the few spots I’d recommend in the Ribeira district, which usually leans towards the touristy side with mediocre food.

The Ode Porto Wine House is a true celebration of Portuguese cuisine and local wines. Its specialty, Polvo à Lagareiro, is a masterpiece of flavor and texture, with tender grilled octopus served with golden potatoes in olive oil and garlic. The atmosphere is very stylish, chic and cozy, with a décor that blends modern and traditional.

No trip to Porto is complete without trying the city’s famous Port wine. And there’s no better place to do so than at Ode Porto Wine House. Located in the Ribeira neighborhood, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a menu that is designed to pair perfectly with different types of Port wine.

You could describe ODE Porto Winehouse as one of those “hidden gems”. Tucked down a side street, this wine bar-come-restaurant prides itself on sourcing local organic produce to pair with its wines. Although the food menu isn’t extensive, the dishes are all diligently constructed and beautifully plated.

Tucked away in the historic Ribeira district, Ode Porto Wine House offers an intimate, candle-lit dining experience. The rustic setting is matched by traditional Portuguese dishes with a gourmet twist, all paired with excellent local wines. Perfect for a romantic evening in Porto.

They offer “tapiscos” or a tapas-style dinner with set menu items, wine pairings, and a creative spin on local Portugese dishes. They have a slow-food style, so be prepared to spend a few hours enjoying some amazingly delicious food!. Our dinner lasted three hours!

One of the best-hidden gems in Portugal’s nightlife is the ODE Porto Wine House. Here they have perfected the wine pairing with fantastic food. The restaurant is very small and intimate with only about 5 tables in total with amazing views out to the waterfront.

With just about 15 tables a reservation is required (tel. +351 913 200 010). This was a challenge but the concierge of the Intercontinental Porto was able to get seats just next to the open kitchen. I went with my son and daughter (10 and 13 years).

For dinner, dine at Ode Porto Wine House, known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy ambiance and excellent wine selection provide the perfect setting to reflect on your delightful day in Porto.

We recommend Ode Porto Wine House for a delightful gastronomic experience. This small, cosy restaurant values fresh, organic materials, slow food and the personal touch.