Taberna Dos Mercadores

A little Portuguese seafood heaven

Salt crusted seabass

When you think of Portuguese food, besides the legendary roasted pork and custard tart, seafood is another strong offering from the nation. Located in the heart of Porto, Taberna Dos Mercadores is a tiny independent seafood restaurant that has gained a reputation of cooking up some of the finest seafood dishes in the city. with less than 10 tables, and not a chance to get in unless you book well in advance, it was easily in my to-visit list when I took a trip to Porto. The menu is best for sharing, with a small selection fo tapa sized dishes, as well as some bigger dishes, such as the restaurant's signature salted codfish. 

Fish soup

Fresh calms

Pan-fried prawns

Octopus salad

I ordered far more than I should, and that is because all the dishes from Taberna Dos Mercadores turned out to be amazing value for money. Take the shrimps, for example, cooked in a pan with some olive oil, herbs, and garlic, and the result was exceptional. It was cooked to perfection, the shrimps were so fresh and sweet, with the garlic really enhanced the seafood umami taste. The salt-crusted seabass was also excellent, baked in salt with a dramatic effect of fire when it was served. The fish was really moist and the level of seasoning was spot on. The shellfish "porridge" was another winner, it was basically a seafood stew, the porridge element is actually an egg with some well-beaten bread mixed together, the end result is the porridge absorbed all the wonderful taste of the tomato and seafood, with a lovely creamy texture.

Serving the seabass

Shellfish porridge

Almond cake

Port time

The service is a bit slow as is a tiny restaurant with only 2 waiters and a manager on the floor, and they have to keep turning down walk-in customers, so I was so glad I got the chance to sample the food at Taberna Dos Mercadores, it was traditional Portuguese cooking done in such a fine manner. No fancy or unusual cooking techniques or presentation, just fresh ingredients, cooked with heart and done properly. If you love seafood and happened to be visiting Porto, this is a must-visit restaurant for sure.



Food 4/5


Average cost without drinks and services:
£30

R. dos Mercadores 36, Porto, Portugal

https://www.facebook.com/tabernamercadores/