Business-leaning western district around the Rotunda, Casa da Musica and Mercado do Bom Sucesso. Shopping-mall pasteis de nata and weekday lunch rooms.
Francesinha Cafe on Rua da Alegria in Porto is a working-day room with a francesinha-heavy menu, a sharper sauce and a faster turn than the Baixa counters.
Signature: Francesinha
Order: Francesinha and fries to dip.
Tip: Open daily. The lunchtime menu del dia adds soup and dessert for under 12 euros.
Mendi on Avenida da Boavista in Porto has run a tandoor-led Indian kitchen since 1997, with murgh makhani, kadi pakoda and a long vegetarian half of the menu.
Signature: Murgh makhani, Tandoori platter
Order: Murgh makhani with garlic naan and a vegetable kadi pakoda starter.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Lunch and dinner; reserve on weekends and ask for a wall-side table away from the entrance.