Blog Tuesday, 17 June, 2025

Nelson dos Leitões

Nelson dos Leitões

A traditional family restaurant that has been open for over 30 years and only serves one thing “Leitão” spit roasted suckling pig. “Sr. Nelson” drives for one hour from “Bairrada”, a region in Portugal known for this speciality, and blesses us with the presence of his tasty little pigs. It is located in the “Bolhão” market, every Porto Local holds a special place in their heart for this market.

It is a good idea to book a table and your portions before you go, as this place tends to be quite popular. The piglet sauce that comes to the table is divine and you can almost put it on anything, it is made from piglet fat, garlic and freshly ground black pepper. To drink you should go with the sparkling Red Wine, which is traditional to be served with this dish, yes sparkling red wine does exist and it complements the meal perfectly.

I love places that specialize in one thing and get it right; their love for the pig is transposed in the food they serve. Nelson and his son execute and represent this dish perfectly and bring to us locals the tastes, traditions and culture of their region. “Sr. Nelson´s” love for pork is obvious and also noticeable in the pig figurines displayed in the shop windows, take a closer look and you will understand. The suckling pig awaits you.

Address: Mercado do Bolhão, Porto

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 Tue/Wed, 10:00-00:00 Fri/Sat

Tel: 919487364


Summary

A traditional family restaurant that has been open for over 26 years and only serves one thing “Leitão” spit roasted suckling pig

Luis

Academically I am a biologist, in life I am wine producer, writer, food expert, & cultural traditionalist. I have over 5 years experience in wine production and have recently launched...

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