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Welcome To Taberna Dos Mercadores
Nestled in the heart of Porto, Taberna Dos Mercadores is a charming, family-owned gem known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional seafood. With only 16 seats, this popular eatery attracts diners eager to savor its signature dishes like octopus rice and salted sea bass. The restaurant offers a cozy setting that is as romantic as it is casual, making it perfect for any occasion. Despite the wait, patrons rave about the generous portions and the delightful flavors of each dish. The warmth of the service complements the culinary experience, ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting impression.
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About
Taberna Dos Mercadores
Welcome to Taberna Dos Mercadores: A Hidden Gem in Porto
Nestled in the heart of Porto on R. dos Mercadores 36, Taberna Dos Mercadores is not just another taberna; it's a culinary experience that leaves lasting impressions. This cozy, intimate establishment is known for its inviting atmosphere and a menu that speaks volumes about the richness of Portuguese cuisine, particularly its seafood offerings.
What to Expect
With only 16 seats, the ambiance is both classy and casual. Ideal for romantic dinners or intimate gatherings with friends, this venue strikes a perfect balance between elegance and a relaxed vibe. The restaurant also welcomes dogs and is kid-friendly, making it a versatile dining option for all. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's limited seating and popularity, often leading to lines that snake around the corner.
The Menu Highlights
- Octopus Rice: A standout dish that many regulars urge newcomers to try; it’s compared to paella with generous portions and rich flavors.
- Shrimp Appetizer: Cooked with an intriguing boozy touch that offers a unique twist, though some diners may prefer a less pronounced flavor.
- Seafood Rice: Reviewers rave about its large portion sizes and delightful taste that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Dining Experience
The service at Taberna Dos Mercadores is consistently praised, with staff creating a welcoming environment that enhances the overall experience. As one reviewer noted, the small team efficiently manages the flow, ensuring that each guest feels attended to.
However, patience is a virtue here. Many diners have experienced long waits, sometimes over an hour. Yet, most agree that the delicious food makes the wait worthwhile. Taberna Dos Mercadores is a testament to the adage that good things come to those who wait.
Final Thoughts
If you're visiting Porto, Taberna Dos Mercadores is a must-visit spot ingrained in the local culinary scene. With a reputation for amazing seafood, friendly service, and a charmingly intimate setting, it encapsulates what dining is all about: good food, good company, and lasting memories. So come prepared—arrive early, or secure a reservation, and get ready to indulge in one of the best culinary experiences Porto has to offer.
For reservations or inquiries, call +351 22 201 0510 and be sure to follow the local guide’s tips to enhance your visit to this cherished establishment.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ The wait here was really long. I'm not sure if it was worth the wait for me (it was about an hour wait), but the dishes I had here were tasty. I had the shrimp appetizer and octopus rice. The shrimp were very boozy, I was kind of surprised by that because typically it would be cooked down more. The octopus rice I had was a huge portion of rice, but not all that much octopus. The octopus though was delicious, it was cooked perfectly and the rice has nice crispy bits. After eating the dish for awhile, it was a bit one note and the price for this dish was pretty high compared to other places. I ended up taking half of it back to hotel and had it reheated the next day and it might have been even better than when I ate it in the restaurant. ”
“ Delicious, amazing server and very cozy ambiance. Try their specialty rice and octopus. ”
“ Well... Taberna Dos Mercadores was quite the experience! It is a small (16-seats) family owned restaurant with consistently long lines. When my party of 3 arrived around 6:30 PM on a weekday, there were already many people ahead of us. Most of us did not know if they were opened as their door was locked. We realized that's how they operated and there was a doorbell you could ring to hopefully get one of the staff to come outside and answer your question. I found out that they do take reservations and recommend calling around 11 AM before they get busy with their lunch service. But the wait was worth it for the food. The service was so attentive and cracking jokes with us - it is clear that they loved what they do. This reflected in the food with the flavors and quality. I really loved the octopus rice and seabass - if you love seafood, Taberna Dos Mercadores is definitely a restaurant that you must try out when you are in Porto! ”
“ Honestly our best meal in Porto! There was no reservation system so we tried our luck by lining up right by the time they opened and we got lucky thankfully. The place is small and it gets really packed, like you can hear the conversation next to you even if you don't want to. However don't let that deter you. There were 2 women cooking and a gentleman attending to everyone. Small yet efficient team! We started off with some clams, so good and then some gambas al ajillo which was perfect to soak up the bread with that sauce. For entree, I went for the octopus with rice. I'm still dreaming of this dish. Don't know how they manage for the octopus to be so tender and you mix it with like paella-ish type of rice but a class on its own! My husband really loved the seafood stew for his entree and we loved sharing everything. You absolutely can't go wrong because everything is delicious! Also seems there's a grilled fish that's also very popular here and the place is especially loved by Korean customers who know their food! Line up early because by the time we left around 6:30pm, the line was outrageous and discouraging! Plan your activities around having dinner here, it'll make you want to come back to Porto! I did not even get to take pictures and only have videos because you'll be very distracted in the best way. Also, my favorite white wine is the best pairing for seafood so go and get some vinho verde! You're very welcome and enjoy! :) ”
“ Taberna dos Mercadores in Porto is a must-visit, but here's the key: arrive early! This tiny gem is so popular that the line wraps up the hill and around the corner. I first arrived at 7:30 PM, and despite being close to the front, I just missed getting in. Determined, I returned the next day at 5:45 PM, securing the first spot in line. While many say they don't take reservations, they actually do via phone, but they're booked 2-3 months out. Once inside, the service was impeccable--friendly, professional, and attentive. The menu is a seafood lover's dream, and everything I tried was exceptional. I started with the octopus salad, followed by the Gambas al ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)" and codfish croquettes. But the star was the Bacalhau, a popular dish that exceeded all expectations. Every bite was worth the wait, and watching others enjoy their meals through the window made the anticipation even sweeter. For larger parties, I recommend booking for groups of 4, as seating is limited. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of snagging a spot at this unforgettable Porto restaurant! ”
