In late February we went to Porto as a last minute decision to clear out our storage unit and gather the big bag of academic tools I have brought with us from the states. Atlas has been blowing through first grade math and I had gathered second grade workbooks, books for him to read and “next step” tools, just in case. Even though we had been provided the incredible opportunity to join a special school cooperative in Holland, we have a ton of homeschool work we do together, as a family. We had originally had an 8 week Iceland adventure planned and mostly booked, then the coop accepted him, so we changed our plans to hang back (well that and a pending meeting in the states). We didn’t know we would immediately be met with “spring break”, when we started coop, we were still in winter coats! None-the-less we had a small handful of days of break, so we decided to be responsible and head to clear out the unit and feel a bit warmer in the Portuguese sun while we could. This was right when Covid had peak China numbers and was getting to Italy. Something felt “off” and scary, but we couldn’t put it into words. We knew flying wasn’t safe at this point, so we drove. The 30 hour car ride there was a pleasant drive, our Airbnb was perfectly located, but the news of the pandemic was getting more clear just a few days after we got there, so we decided to only go out for food/get take away, clear out our belongings from the unit, and head home quickly - there were rumors of borders closing at that point.

Lucky for us, we got to enough vegan places to do a vegan round up guide before it all temporarily closed down. I really hope these places survive, because they are all worth a visit once life get's back to being lively again. As I am sure you are aware, most vegan establishments are tiny local businesses, so any and all support has so much meaning. I know we can’t wait to get back and have a “real” trip. We are so in love with the ease of being in Porto at this point, and the vegan options just keep growing and growing! The people are so nice, English is widely used, and it just feels so dang good in the sunshine. Ok, so let’s just dig right into what y’all have to look forward to!

The truly exceptional & Fun stuff:

Daterra / R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 249, 4050-421 Porto, Portugal

We have probably been to Daterra 50 times, without exaggeration. An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet that’s all vegan is basically the magic unicorn of all vegan dreams. They open pretty early and just keep replenishing deliciousness all morning long. Coffee is included. You can expect sweet and savory bakes goods, delicious tofu scramble, chia seed fruit cups, pancakes (gluten free vegan one’s too!), fresh fruit, jams and nut spreads, muffins, and other surprises - it depends on the day and time! Daterra doesn’t only offer vegan breakfast, they have lunch and dinner buffet as well and “inborn tween meals” small menus. One thing I am very much obsessed with is that that have vegan pastel de nata, and its it absolutely incredible. I am addicted and they are dangerous. The prices are on point for Portugal in general. It always feels like such a good deal for the quality and variety. Most of the staff is nice, but it’s not that “typical” Portuguese “warm hug” feeling you get from most mom and pop places. Whatever the case, we love it to eat in, take out, and treats! Mostly vegan, buffet is clearly labeled, lots of gluten free options every time we have been.

Kind Kitchen / R. do Bonjardim 302, 4000-115 Porto, Portugal

This place is so dang cute. It’s like a tunnel of tastiness and has been on point every single time we have eaten in and taken out. They have very reasonable prices, and their salads are amazing. The staff is super duper sweet and it just feels special being there. I can’t really put it into words. You can just tell this place is build on love and care. They regularly have specials and desserts. Closed Sunday and Monday, otherwise open 12p-10p. 100% Vegan.

O BURITTO! / Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 90, 4050-011 Porto, Portugal

This is one of the first places we had ever been to when we first got to Porto. It’s a tiny and interesting nook with shared tables and good music always playing. The food is delicious and as an American, a burrito is always a welcome comfort food, especially when the vegan options are plenty! Once I was sick and wanted soup, and they let Joey borrow a glass container to bring it to me and kindly asked us to return it. This simple human behavior had such an impact on me as a customer. Check times before showing up.

Nicolau Porto / Largo de Alberto Pimentel 4, 4050-214 Porto, Portugal

Though not exclusively vegan, Nicolau is one of my favorite places to go in Porto. There is often a line, but it’s right next to a bunch of other places we like, so it’s easy to wander around to wait it out or go to another vegan place rather easily. This curry dish is so rich and flavorful, and such a comforting bowl when you just want something warm and hearty that’s delicious. They have lots of American favorites and it’s in a super cute set up. The coffee is excellent. It feels like a mix between a diner and a cafe, but easy and breezy with a nice staff. The menu is also really easy for kids. Brunch is always packed.

A Sandeira do Porto / Rua dos Caldeireiros 85, Porto, Portugal

This amazing little sandwich shop is on one of those magical little steep hills where only one car can drive at a time, but it’s a two way street, with sidewalks. The road bends a bit and adds just the right amount of magic as you approach this almost hidden nook. This place is so well priced and delicious. The vegan sandwich selection isn’t huge, but what they have is great and I was told the soup is always vegan. I always get a soup and sandwich lunch combo and am always happy. Free WiFi, friendly staff, fresh ingredient is the take away.

Cereal World Port / Rua de Fernandes Tomás 916, 4000-056 Porto, Portugal

This is usually not the type of place we go to, but it was a treat I must admit. They have many vegan milk options and a few vegan cereals, so it made for a fun and quick morning treat.

Noshi / R. do Carmo 11 12, 4050-011 Porto, Portugal

Noshi is such a lovely spot with indoor and outdoor seating very close to a park we like to go to for Atlas to play and walk the grounds. It has great coffee and a huge menu with lots and lots of vegan options. My favorite is this grilled avocado plate with vegan pesto. Each time I get it, I am so happy I did! The staff is friendly, the food is fresh and there is a nook inside with hanging plants that’s just the sweetest spot to relax. You can have a full meal or a snack here easily, and it’s good for kids.

More Porto Vegan food to Round Up

Vegana / R. de Santo Ildefonso 412 4300, Porto, Portugal

Part market, part cafe style restaurant. Great for take away and gathering vegan groceries that are otherwise hard to find in Porto.

Zenith - Brunch & Cocktails Bar / Praça de Carlos Alberto 86, 4050-158 Porto, Portugal

Another uber popular spot for brunch, and well deserved. Limited vegan options, but what they have is good. I would say if the wait is too long, move along to another vegan spot and come back another time when it’s not filled with brunchers.

Pop Up Workshops / Rua do Almada 275, 4050-038 Porto, Portugal

Part shop, part cooking class pop ups, part foothill style food booth with yummy options including a few vegan vegan items. Keep an eye on the pop up schedule for vegan classes as well. The owner is extremely nice and the environment is very cool.

Casanova / Rua da Constituição 691, 4200-200 Porto, Portugal

Francesinha has been a dish that people in Portugal seem to like a lot, and it’s everywhere - just like nata. I had tried Francesinha veganized a few times and it was “OK”. I decided that since each restaurant does Francesinha their own signature way, that I just hadn’t quite found the one I liked yet, so we went a little bit out of the center of Porto to Casanova with little expectation. Holy cow you guys, the vegan Francesinha was amazing. I ate the entire thing and I would do it again. I suggest starting here if you want a traditional Portuguese staple veganized.

FÁBRICA COFFEE ROASTERS / Rua de José Falcão 122, 4050-315 Porto, Portugal

These guys don’t have food, but they do have oat milk and it would be a crime if I didn’t share my favorite coffee place in porto. The staff is always nice, the environment it top notch and the coffee is just perfect.

Bao's Taiwanese Burger / R. de Cedofeita 263, 4050-174 Porto, Portugal

A mixed menu, but the vegan options are fantastic. We found it hard to find something for Atlas to eat, so we wind up getting it to go most times we are in town. The prices are great and the staff is super friendly. It’s a casual set up and great for a quick meal.

The Good Burger / R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 360A, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal

I was surprised to see vegan options here! We were running late and needed to eat quickly, so we popped in here. I would say it’s worth a shot if you find yourself in a pinch. It’s super close to a Daterra, but if that’s packed it’s nice to know this quick burger back up is there.

xo,

Lana

PS New here? Start here! Then follow along here and say hi!

This list will be updated as new places are discovered! Last updated 5/15/2020

About Vegan RoundUps

When we changed the blog from Making a House a Home (RIP) to Happily Curated Chaos, I had a goal to not only share our travels, but also our world schooling adventures and vegan finds. Please don’t think if you aren’t vegan, this isn’t for you. The amazing thing about vegan food is that it’s for everyone! Many times carnivores don’t even notice they are eating vegan - I know this because I married one.

A little background was something I figured you all would want before I advise you on “good food”! I have been vegetarian for 35 years, and vegan for nearly 8 of them. I am a 100% non-waivering vegan. I don’t do cheats, I don't turn my head, and I am wildly upset when I find out something isn’t vegan that I was brought to believe was. I am committed to the point this is almost religious for me. I recently got my diploma in vegan nutrition and am working on becoming a vegan chef.

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