This review is very late, but my wife and I were reminiscing about our trip last year to Portugal. One of my warmest memories was going to O Lusitano. I live in an area in Massachusetts that has a heavy Portuguese population and someone recommended that we go to Matosinhos during our trip to Porto. I’m so happy that we did that. We didn’t have any particular place in mind, but when I looked at O Lusitano, I knew it was the place for us to eat at.
The food was incredibly fresh and the staff and other customers were warm and welcoming. This was not a place that was overrun with tourists….it’s a real Portuguese spot and we had one of our favorite meals of our entire trip there.
We ate a simple meal of skate and sardines but they were incredible. The kind of food that you travel to Portugal for. If you are in the area, please pay them a visit. And please say hello to the owner, Rosa and her husband. They were both incredibly sweet.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
€25–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fish Selection
I had the lunch of my dreams! Cosy, authentic and bustling little place that serves the freshest fish you can imagine straight from the grill. The staff is so friendly! It’s located at a street full of great fish restaurants, some more fancy some more relaxed. This is one of the more relaxed ones. We had the grilled sardines and grilled octopus, grilled pepper salad and a tomato salad and roasted potatoes - everything was so incredibly delicious, and at bargain prices! And don’t miss out on the creme brûlée which of course is also prepared on the grill.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Authentic Portuguese family-owned restaurant. The seafood is sober and fresh and the customer service is very friendly and helpful. We had to make a reservation. 😊 we tried without it and couldn't get a table. The waiting was totally worth it ;)
On a day-trip from Porto to Matosinhos, we were looking for a lunch place. Along this street, there are a number of fish restaurants and also, houses with kids selling beaded jewellery. As a result, we were a bit sceptical about whether to stay in the area...
We accidentally went nextdoor, but decided for various reasons to go to O Lusitano. It's more relaxed and feels genuine and also, importantly there were spaces. We were given a very warm welcome (despite our limited Portuguese!) The menu was explained to us and when we tried to order 2 glasses of vinho verde, we were told the small bottle was better value, which was kind.
We had complementary corn bread and olives. We ate the grilled sardines and calamari with roast pepper salad, rice and potatoes between 2. This was one the best meals of our trip - fish was fresh, calamari were tender and yummy, the salad was amazing! It is a shame that we were so stuffed because we couldn't manage dessert! However, thank you for such a lovely meal and experience!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
€15–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mixed Salad
Personally not a fish fan but in Porto and had to have the experience (and my husband loves it). Stumbled upon O Lusitano by chance as it had the 2 key ingredients- a mix of clientele and an outdoor grill. Luckily enough they had a table and it did not disappoint. Extensive fish menu and we watched many a swordfish, sardine, squid and St Peter’s/skate among others cooked in front of us - the squid was superb as were the sardines (husband approved). Strongly recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
€20–25
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
I love this place, Restaurant Lusitano is the highlight of my Porto trip. They are friendly, and serve absolutely GREAT good. The seafood is as fresh as it gets and the place is genuinely rustic. All food items are priced fairly. Wine selection is great too. You have to come and eat at Lusitano's if you want an authentic experience of North Portuguese cuisine.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
€30–35
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mixed Salad
One of the best meals I've had while traveling, and certainly the best fish dish. On a street filled with similar restaurants we picked this one because it seemed less fancy and more rustic. So happy we did. We shared grilled sardines, grilled sea bass, and potatoes. Everything was simply prepared and absolutely delicious. Our server was kind, helpful, and spoke perfect English. It's a meal we won't forget.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
€25–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fish Selection
Very nice and good home restaurant. A warm welcome. We were shown all the fish and could choose which ones we wanted to be cooked for us. The staff knew the fish and explained them in detail.
Great wine and fish.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
That was the best place in which I had a pleasure to eat. Great service, very nice and helpful staff. That was amazing experience. Highly recommended. Take the dessert you won’t regret 😀
I hope to return soon!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
€15–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Great spot. Still keeps the traditional decoration from the time this street wasn't popular and touristic. A jucy sea bass masterly grilled was served and sardines. Service was great as well. Hope it doesn't get modernised.
