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Recommended Reviews - O Afonso
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Hubby wanted to go to O Afonso. As it was made famous by Anthony Bourdain. They only make Francesinha, which is essentially a slice of steak, ham in between white toast topped with a layer of cheese on a bed of their famous sauce. It is a croque monsieur with heavy sauce. We waited about 30 mins on line before getting in. Place was small with 10 tables inside. There was a shrine for Anthony Bourdain with pictures of when he was there with his camera crew. It was nice to see. The main thing with Francesinha is all about the sauce. The sauce here is basically port wine. It definitely had a lot of alcohol. Hubby loved this spot. But know this dish is heavy! Don't expect to eat anything else for hours after.
This little shop's francesinhas were made famous by Anthony Bourdain. Although there was a short line out the door, turnover was quick and we were quickly seated. We were surprised that our meal came with fries (not noted on the menu for certain items) and a complimentary wine of port wine. Our server also recommended that we order the sandwiches with Super Bock, the local beer since it pairs well together. We both tried different types of francesinhas. My friend tried the original (variety of meat), and I had the pork loin. It's got a slight kick of spice, and it kind of smells like pork and beans. The meal was quite heavy and wasn't really too my taste. I also felt the fries weren't crunchy. So, overall it wasn't memorable despite the service being friendly and the restaurant being clean.
O Afonso is a very well know joint to get the popular Francesinha. If you don't know what a Francesinha is, it means little French woman in Portuguese. It's also THE Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto, made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce and typically served with French fries. There is supposed to be another restaurant in Porto that is known for their Francesinha, but I chose this place because the late Anthony Bourdain chose to come here. I did not do much research other than he ate here. I was quite shocked at how small the place was and how PACKED it was. It seemed like the locals were regulars here as well. I had read that you'll need to walk off the Francesinha afterwards, so I made sure to be ready for it. When I saw how big they actually were though, I thought maybe I was in for more than I bargained for. Nevertheless, I told the waiter I wanted the full experience and got a Francesinha, with an egg on top, and an order of fries. He suggested that if I wanted the original, to get it without the egg, but I wanted the full experience, whether the original had an egg or not. After I finish about 3/4 of the Francesinha, another waiter comes around to cheer you on and tell you not to give up. I told him I'm not a quitter and continue to finish it. I only ate about half of the fries, but if you ask me, the fries are meant to be shared with at least one other person. After telling him I'm done eating, he tells me he can't even finish a full Francesinha, so I feel duped! After the meal, they treated with me with a glass of 10 year Port wine on the house!
Recommended by our Airbnb host for the city's best Franceshina, and while this was the only Francesinha we had in Porto, I confirm this place is awesome and delicious (and even Bourdain approved). Would recommend just ordering the famous sandwich with fries for each person at the table. Arrive HUNGRY. If not, splitting one with someone else should be fine. We went on a weekday night and it was packed. You may have to wait or you can try to call and make a reservation.
This is the best francezinha in all Porto. Locals will point you towards Brazao but their cheese is not soft enough and their sauce is pretty much tomato soup. This place makes a tomato broth with beer and some piri piri and it's darn delicious. My only regret is not eating a whole one but I think I would enter a food comma. The service can be slow but we have been there at times that they only had 3 tables to serve so it's a hit or mix. The ambience is typical francezinha place. They have pictures of famous F1 some memorabilia and even a picture of the late Anthony Bourdain who ate at o Afonso and reviewed it for Cnn Parts Unknown
We heard about the famous francesinha sandwiches and Porto and wanted to try the place Anthony Bourdain loved. It's a bit out of the way but worth the walk! During off season (December) there was no line and we walked in at noon and quickly found a table. The francesinha sandwiches did not disappoint and were full of flavor and good textures. The fries were good and the staff brought out a side of sauce without us having to ask. The meal was ended with a nice pour of Port on the house. If you find yourself in Porto stop by!
A local suggested this place as THE place to go for a francesinha - and they did not lead us astray. Very casual atmosphere, super friendly staff and a free Porto or whiskey at the end Of your meal. Limited menu - francesinha always and then whatever the chef cooks. I had the fish special which was delicious and came with rice and a salad. My husband has the francesinha and it was the best we've had in Porto (we've been here a free times and always try different to,aces), A definite must do! We'd go back !
4 months ago
We waited in a line for about 20 minutes for a seat, pretty close to closing time. Our friends who heard this were pretty surprised, as they encountered no line on a different day. Maybe we just got unlucky? The franceshinas were delicious, and really hit the spot for late-night food. The lombo de porco and bifa were both fantastic. It sort of reminded me of a Croque Monsieur, but also very different. I loved the Port wine-based sauce. Very saucy and soggy (in a good way). Service was a bit slow. We were worried about running into closing time, but it turns out they just don't accept new guests after closing. There's no rush to finish your meal if you're already inside. read more
Let me paint you a picture : It was my first night in Porto. Prior to this solo trip I was taking Portuguese lessons on Duolingo. Upon arriving, I realized I was learning Brazilian Portuguese which is slightly different from what was spoken here. I was hungry. It was dark out. I wanted to try a Francesinha. Then I found this place nearby and decided to order pick up because I was too nervous to eat there. Walked about and said Olá! The employee was so NICE. Gave me my order. Said a bunch of things in Portuguese super fast that I did not understand. I smiled. Nodded like an idiot. He smiled. Said enjoyed. I walked back to my Airbnb and opened my bag. The Francesinha looked divine. Took a bite. AMAZING. Took another bite. Fell in love. Took a third bite, this is not helping my high cholesterol for sure but I'm gonna keep eating. 5/5. Go here. read more
Hubby wanted to go to O Afonso. As it was made famous by Anthony Bourdain. They only make Francesinha, which is essentially a slice of steak, ham in between white toast topped with a layer of cheese on a bed of their famous sauce. It is a croque monsieur with heavy sauce. We waited about 30 mins on line before getting in. Place was small with 10 tables inside. There was a shrine for Anthony Bourdain with pictures of when he was there with his camera crew. It was nice to see. The main thing with Francesinha is all about the sauce. The sauce here is basically port wine. It definitely had a lot of alcohol. Hubby loved this spot. But know this dish is heavy! Don't expect to eat anything else for hours after. read more
2 years ago
What a fantastic find via Yelp!! It turns out it's a local hot spot so a 30-45 min wait at anytime. But well worth it!! It doesn't matter what you pick you will love it. Was a favorite and a feat for Anthony Bourdain. read more
3 years ago
This little shop's francesinhas were made famous by Anthony Bourdain. Although there was a short line out the door, turnover was quick and we were quickly seated. We were surprised that our meal came with fries (not noted on the menu for certain items) and a complimentary wine of port wine. Our server also recommended that we order the sandwiches with Super Bock, the local beer since it pairs well together. We both tried different types of francesinhas. My friend tried the original (variety of meat), and I had the pork loin. It's got a slight kick of spice, and it kind of smells like pork and beans. The meal was quite heavy and wasn't really too my taste. I also felt the fries weren't crunchy. So, overall it wasn't memorable despite the service being friendly and the restaurant being clean. read more
O Afonso is a very well know joint to get the popular Francesinha. If you don't know what a Francesinha is, it means little French woman in Portuguese. It's also THE Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto, made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, and covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato and beer sauce and typically served with French fries. There is supposed to be another restaurant in Porto that is known for their Francesinha, but I chose this place because the late Anthony Bourdain chose to come here. I did not do much research other than he ate here. I was quite shocked at how small the place was and how PACKED it was. It seemed like the locals were regulars here as well. I had read that you'll need to walk off the Francesinha afterwards, so I made sure to be ready for it. When I saw how big they actually were though, I thought maybe I was in for more than I bargained for. Nevertheless, I told the waiter I wanted the full experience and got a Francesinha, with an egg on top, and an order of fries. He suggested that if I wanted the original, to get it without the egg, but I wanted the full experience, whether the original had an egg or not. After I finish about 3/4 of the Francesinha, another waiter comes around to cheer you on and tell you not to give up. I told him I'm not a quitter and continue to finish it. I only ate about half of the fries, but if you ask me, the fries are meant to be shared with at least one other person. After telling him I'm done eating, he tells me he can't even finish a full Francesinha, so I feel duped! After the meal, they treated with me with a glass of 10 year Port wine on the house! read more
Recommended by our Airbnb host for the city's best Franceshina, and while this was the only Francesinha we had in Porto, I confirm this place is awesome and delicious (and even Bourdain approved). Would recommend just ordering the famous sandwich with fries for each person at the table. Arrive HUNGRY. If not, splitting one with someone else should be fine. We went on a weekday night and it was packed. You may have to wait or you can try to call and make a reservation. read more
This is the best francezinha in all Porto. Locals will point you towards Brazao but their cheese is not soft enough and their sauce is pretty much tomato soup. This place makes a tomato broth with beer and some piri piri and it's darn delicious. My only regret is not eating a whole one but I think I would enter a food comma. The service can be slow but we have been there at times that they only had 3 tables to serve so it's a hit or mix. The ambience is typical francezinha place. They have pictures of famous F1 some memorabilia and even a picture of the late Anthony Bourdain who ate at o Afonso and reviewed it for Cnn Parts Unknown read more
We heard about the famous francesinha sandwiches and Porto and wanted to try the place Anthony Bourdain loved. It's a bit out of the way but worth the walk! During off season (December) there was no line and we walked in at noon and quickly found a table. The francesinha sandwiches did not disappoint and were full of flavor and good textures. The fries were good and the staff brought out a side of sauce without us having to ask. The meal was ended with a nice pour of Port on the house. If you find yourself in Porto stop by! read more
3 years ago
Authentic spot for one of the best francesinhas in town. Made popular globally by bourdains visit, this place really lives up to its name. No frills type of place where the ordering decision is easy - just get the francesinha and eat up. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
A local suggested this place as THE place to go for a francesinha - and they did not lead us astray. Very casual atmosphere, super friendly staff and a free Porto or whiskey at the end Of your meal. Limited menu - francesinha always and then whatever the chef cooks. I had the fish special which was delicious and came with rice and a salad. My husband has the francesinha and it was the best we've had in Porto (we've been here a free times and always try different to,aces), A definite must do! We'd go back ! read more
8 years ago
Follow Anthony Bourdain to try the best Francesinha in Porto. It's my first trying this transitional food. It's cheesy, meaty and the sauce is slightly sour and spicy. My husbands and share one portion together, they are very sweet to cut the francesinha half and served in two plates. Waiters are also very friendly. Nice dining experience in Porto. read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
More info about O Afonso
R. da Torrinha, 219
4050-612 Porto
Portugal
Directions
222 000 395
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