A Hidden Gem In Porto

The Official Petition To Give Taberna Dos Mercadores A Michelin Star

It's official: every time I leave the house, it somehow turns into a gastronomic adventure, and I have my friend Sam to thank blame for this.

In April 2024, Sam and I booked a spontaneous trip to Europe. We embarked on what some might call our first accredited “food tour” and truly ate our way through the country of Portugal. We found the most incredible restaurant the night we arrived in Porto—waiting in line for nearly two hours because the reviews for this place were that good.

And let me tell you something—it was worth the wait.

The Ambiance:

Taberna dos Mercadores sits tucked away in the narrow, winding streets of the Ribeira district in Porto. Beloved by both locals and tourists alike, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of attentive service, charming ambiance, and game-changing regional favorites.

Upon arrival, neighboring business owners can be seen sharing smiles and chatting in their native tongue. A line forms down the alleyway as patrons wait in anticipation, hoping to get in. As we waited our humble two hours, we struck up conversations with fellow travelers, sharing stories about our favorite places visited and swapping advice on further places to go.

Once inside, the restaurant's cozy and intimate setting—characterized by its small 16-seater dining room and warm, welcoming décor—creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The rustic interior, combined with the bustling energy of the staff and the proximity of the chefs’ rich culinary aromas wafting from the kitchen, adds to the restaurant's urban, cottage-like charm, making it feel like a well-kept secret in the heart of Porto.

Culinary Highlights:

Sam ordered so much that the server actually said, and I quote, 'too much food,' suggesting we start with just a few of the dishes we’d eagerly rattled off. To add context to our overly ambitious appetites, we also asked the server—like we always do—if he had any favorites. His response, delivered with a grin, was, 'Everything’s good.'

*Disclaimer: we did in fact order ‘too much food’ that night and for that reason, I will share only the highlights.

I am a sucker for clams in any sort of broth, especially if it’s accompanied by bread, butter, and garlic.

I was stunned by the texture of the octopus in our Arroz de Polvo. It had the consistency of fresh mozzarella.

Our neighbors ordered the flaming salt-baked cod—a showstopper.

I made sure to burn my mouth on a traditional Portuguese sausage called Alheira, due to the lightning speed at which I felt the need to inhale the dish.

And to top it all off, we filled our second stomachs with the necessary Port wine and dessert combo.

That night, we ordered more dishes than I can list, but I think you get the picture. This was a meal to remember for a lifetime.