Aguda, Porto

Alba - Trattoria Casuale - Mare has held the #1 spot on the Hot List for 16 consecutive weeks, which says something. They consistently serve good Italian food, so you're unlikely to be disappointed. It's a reliable choice if you want something that delivers without pretense.

For drinks, you're looking at places like Chez Maurice or Ela’s Petiscos Bar. They’re petiscarias, so they do small plates, but they're also good for a relaxed drink with friends. Expect a straightforward beer or a glass of wine, not fancy cocktails.

Aguda has a surprising mix. You'll find plenty of Portuguese food at places like Restaurante Zizi or Restaurante Retiro das Macieiras. Italian is big, with Alba, O Corvo, Ciao Bella, and Pit Aguda. There's also seafood at Casa das Ostras Praia Aguda, grilled meats at Churrasqueira Bons Amigos, and even an Indian option with Restaurante Indiano & Kebab.

For a date night, you could try Alba - Trattoria Casuale - Mare; it's popular for a reason and usually comfortable. Casa das Ostras Praia Aguda also works if you both like seafood and are prepared to pay for it. Pit Aguda is another Italian choice that might fit the bill for something a bit nicer.

Churrasqueira Bons Amigos offers good grilled food at sensible prices, making it a solid choice for value. Restaurante Zizi also provides decent Portuguese meals without breaking the bank. You can usually get a good lunch for around €10-€15 at these types of places.

This month saw some climbers and new peaks. Casa das Ostras Praia Aguda moved up one spot to #3, and Churrasqueira Bons Amigos also gained a place to #5. Ciao Bella hit a new peak at #6, while Pit Aguda - Poço de Fogo moved up to #7. The biggest climb was Chez Maurice, reaching a new peak at #8.