Who are you, what do you do and what do you love about your city?

I’m Luiza, I’m a barista and co owner of Soma Café e Cozinha. What I love about Porto is that it’s a small city so it’s easy to get everywhere by foot. The food is amazing and there’s plenty of small hiding gems of traditional restaurants. And because of the Douro river you get amazing landscapes.

Tell us about where you work.

At the moment I’m working on my own restaurant that is about to open in 3 weeks called Soma Café e Cozinha, so happy days. We’re a Coffee and kitchen place, which means good coffee and good food the entire day.

Places for Coffee that you can recommend

Von&Vonnie is a cafe and micro roaster located in Porto, Rua do Heroísmo 10, 4300-252 Porto, Portugal. Morgan von Mantripp and Yvonne Spresny are the founders of Von & Vonnie. They roast and source their coffee themselves allowing them the opportunity to build relationships with the farmers and/or producers.

SO is a coffee roaster based in Porto they also have a series of cafes dotted throughout Porto and lisbon. They host weekly shop events from cuppings to espresso classes.

Época is a small café that focuses on cooking simple and tasty meals.The perfect place for your morning coffee and breakfast.

Soma will be opening on Thursday, 8th of August. Be sure to check it out if traveling to porto. And will be serving coffee and food.

A must go to Brunch Spot

Hakko BakeHouse is a haven for bread enthusiasts. Wonderful freshly baked goods. It’s the perfect brunch spot.

Where would you recommend for lunch ?

Adega Regional da Areosa

Urraca

Goela

Mafaldas

If you’re fond of a little stroll and snack ?

Casa Expresso

Gazela

Generosa

Brites

A casual dinner?

Genuíno

A Place for fine dinning ?

Cozinha das Flores is a restaurant using new and old techniques, focusing on northern portuguese ingredients and inspired by its traditions.

Wine?

Gito Wine Bar

Beer ?

Catraio Craft Beer

Where to stay ?

Cedofeita more central/ Bom Fim more local.

Cultural activity ?

Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art.

Fitness Activity ?

Running by the Douro river and sea at Foz.

What are all the other places you wanted to mention above?

Miranda’s Kaffe, Curb, The Door, Nona Pasta Fresca, Barra Este, Churrasqueira da Cidade, Brigadeiria do Porto, Fiasco, Pata Gorda, Gruta.

What's the one thing people need to know about your town/city before they arrive?

Learn the basics os Portuguese, everyone speaks English but it’s better when you know the bare minimum.

What should people definitely not do in your town/city that everyone always does?

Eat at Casa Guedes, lose time queuing at Livraria Lelo, Time Out Market.

Best atmosphere in your city

Sunset at Jardim das Virtudes.

Best time to come ?

São João Festival - 23 June.

Best Viewing Spot ?

A bar called Guindalense Football Club where the view is one of the best in town.