Capa Negra claims to have the best “Francesinha” in town. If you are visiting Porto you must try this croque-monsieur’s wild version that includes a steak, Portuguese sausage (linguiça), ham, cheese and a spicy sauce that is just unforgettable. Most restaurants claim to have the best secret to prepare this dish and it causes a lively debate among the inhabitants of Porto, but Capa Negra really has a point in this discussion.
The name “Capa Negra” came from the academicals black suit and cape worn by the college students in Porto, created to avoid economic distinction based on the appearance.
The decoration from the 80’s adds charm to the vibrant atmosphere in the restaurant. You can find anyone here: couples, solitary old clients that come for the usual beer with a snack, business meals or groups of friends. You can choose between the counter or the tables. The turnover of both sites is incredible, but you can take your time to taste your meal.
I use to indulge myself a great amount of calories anytime I go here. I use to start with a seafood cream, then a meat oil cake (rissol de carne) – they make the best in town! – and after that I share a “woodpecker” (pica-pau), which is a dish made of cubes of steak, bacon, fresh sausage, Portuguese sausage all flooded in the Francesinha sauce… so yummy!
Francesinha with shrimp
At Capa Negra you can also have a more traditional but still delicious meal: steak, codfish or seafood. There are also desserts to die for if you can spare place for them. Yes, Capa Negra has the all package, including a great location: if you go down Rua do Campo Alegre you can turn right at Rua do Bom Sucesso and find the river Douro or you can go straight, pass Galiza square and you will be at “Crystal Palace”.
One thing I just love about Capa Negra is that you can have a late dinner or even a simple snack if you are returning from the theatre at late hours, for instance. Capa Negra closes at 2 am!