On a visit to Porto three years ago, I came across a culinary gem of a bistro, where the unsurpassed hospitality that I experienced will live long in the memory. Casa Mariazinha opposite Hotel da Bolsa, R. Belomonte 2 - 4, is a jewel that sparkled during my stay. Mein host Antonio welcomed us with warmth and a greeting that was unconventional, but ultimately rewarding. "We do not serve beer or fizzy juice, all drink here is either from the grape or the tap. There is no set menu, all dishes are cooked by my wife, and all ingredients are freshly purchased today at the market." What followed was an extravaganza of Portugese/Brazilian cuisine, lovingly prepared, and accompanied by an array of local wines. Angels danced on my tongue as the selection of Douro wines, orchestrated an explosion of taste sensations with the truly remarkable food. Antonio regailed us with tales of his love of Portugese wine and his in depth knowledge of the local grapes, proffering vintage port and cheeses to die for.

The atmosphere was cosy, homely and unobtrusive with the accent on sociability in an environment of respect for local culture and taste. Not seating many Casa Mariazinha allows Antonio to attend the tables like a man entertaining in his own home. On each occaision our stay lasted into the small hours and I left with a heavy heart and a full stomach to Scotland thinking "This is how it should be done."

If you are ever in Porto do not miss this place, by far the best place I have ever eaten.

 

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Porto Bars and Cafes are one of the best things that the country offers. Imagine going through lots of choices where you can relax and drink some of the most tasteful beers and exquisite wines. Being the second largest and grandiose city in Portugal, it has become one of the centers for business and work. Because of this, lots of cafes are available here for residents and tourists alike. Porto has the best cafes and bars which you can go to with your friends and families.

Prioridade

The Prioridade is strategically located in the region of Ribeira and is known to be one of the most affordable bars you will ever find. It is very popular in this region for it is the most respectable place in Ribeira. In this bar, they sell a beer for a couple of euros and they also offer wines and cocktails at very affordable prices. Many people make it a practice to drink lots of their favorite alcohol in this place before they start clubbing. The reason behind this is because the liquor in clubs cost lots of money and people don’t want to spend all their money buying alcohol in clubs.

The Ribeira Region

Before you hit the bigger offerings and clubs in Porto, make sure that you pass by the Ribeira region. This is the place where you can find lots of middle class bars and cafes wherein some of them don’t even require you to pay entrance fees. The cafes and bars situated in this place are clustered and you can literally do some bar hopping befor they close during the late hours of the night. Surely, you would not imagine a deserted place like this in the morning could become full of life at night.

Cais de Gaia

Sweetly located in the riverfront place, adjacent to Vila Nova de Gaia, the Cais de Gaia is home to contemporary bars and cafes which could cost you a little more than you usually spend. This is because one of their features is the magnificent view of Porto and its river.

Praia do Ourigo

The Praia do Ourigo, which is located in Foz, is one of the most popular bars located at the beach. Without a doubt, this bar offers the best view of the beach through their stilts which are set up nearby. Aside from offering wine and drinks to customers, they also have a restaurant for people who love to eat.