Home Portugal Cafes Piolho Cafes

Piolho

4.2 4,449 reviews 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM Praça de Parada Leitão 45, 4050-456 Porto, Portugal

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Located in the heart of Porto at Praça de Parada Leitão, Piolho is not just a cafe; it's a beloved institution steeped in history. Revered as a gathering spot for college students in its heyday, this venue embodies the spirit of democracy and community in the city. Visitors often remark on its unique blend of charm and comfort, with many reviews highlighting the cozy atmosphere where locals frequently dine, a surefire endorsement of quality.

The menu offers a delightful array of traditional Portuguese dishes, with standout options like the Francesinha, known for its hearty flavor and satisfying portions. Reviewers have praised the filetes de peixe as well, noting its freshness and delightful seasoning. Complemented by wallet-friendly prices and friendly service, Piolho manages to strike a perfect balance between quality and accessibility.

Don’t miss their famed Pastel de nata shot, which has garnered rave reviews for its innovative twist on a classic dessert. Although some diners noted language barriers, the staff's dedication to excellent service ensures a pleasurable experience. For those exploring Porto, Piolho is a must-visit destination, promising a taste of local flavor along with a slice of the city’s vibrant history.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Onsite services
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great beer selection
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Piolho before visiting.

Reviews for Piolho

4.2
4,449 reviews
5
100%
4
60%
3
24%
2
7%
1
9%

Review highlights

Based on 4,449 reviews

Piolho is widely recognized for its rich historical significance and authentic Portuguese atmosphere, making it a cherished spot in Porto. Reviewers consistently highlight its welcoming and cozy environment, affordable prices, and generous portions of traditional dishes like Francesinha, Bifana, and Caldo Verde. The café’s location is praised for convenience, attracting both locals and visitors. While the service is generally friendly and accommodating, there are occasional language barriers noted. Overall, Piolho is valued for its blend of cultural heritage, quality food, and reasonable pricing, establishing it as a favored choice for those seeking an authentic dining experience in Porto.

Akash Bhattacharjee
Aug 03, 2025

A cafe having a great history in the city which served the college students during the old times is a symbol of democracy in the city. Although I did not eat here, the history of this place should be known to the people who visit the city.

Michaela Svobodová
Jul 14, 2025

The best restaurant in Porto! Firstly looks like a basic pub, but the service is so nice, prices low and the quality and portions of food are amazing! Even alcohol is not expensive, can't miss their Pastel de nata shot.

Ana Mestre
Jul 08, 2025

Quite big restaurant, in a good location and yet not so expensive. We had the fried fish (filetes) and it was very good.

John Schettino
Jul 07, 2025

Wonderful cozy place. Yummy food. Locals are eating here - always a good sign!

Andrew Brown
Jul 01, 2025

Nice spot. Great Portuguese food. The Francesinha was excellent at a fair price, cheap beers and fantastic Bifana meat, shame there was no roll with the meat. Caldo Verde also good. Staff didn’t speak much English but provided a great service regardless. Would attend again.

Катерина
Jun 14, 2025

I came for the lunch and saw a lot of people inside, also locals watched football. Waitress were weared in white shirts, it created special atmosphere. The dish (fried calamares) was fresh and fast-served, salad and rice were included, the desert - caramel pudding was super sweet but tasty. I recommend this place and plan to come back to try something new.

Terence Richardson
May 23, 2025

Stopped here for brekast after our visit to Livraria Lello book shop. Lovely cafe for Pastel de nata and a coffee we sat outside and had great views of the cathedral, although the hoardings from the metro work were a little in the way

Discovering Destinations
May 19, 2025

It's a really good place to take a break and recharge with a coffee. We loved the views around as we sat on the patio in the front. We had a server come up and bring us our order. We didn't try the food so we can't comment on that, but other reviewers seemed to have really enjoyed their dishes.

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Quick info

Address
Praça de Parada Leitão 45, 4050-456 Porto, Portugal
Price range
€10–15
Category
Cafes

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
  • Sunday Closed

Location

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