Porto: Fado Show & Dinner: A Night of Fado & Fine Dining

If you’re heading to Porto and looking to get a real taste of Portuguese culture, this Fado show and dinner experience at Lemon Plaza, WOW promises a memorable night. While I haven’t personally attended, I’ve gathered insights from travelers who describe it as an evening full of soulful music, regional cuisine, and excellent wines.

What we love about this experience is the chance to sit in a cozy setting and listen to live Fado, Portugal’s iconic musical style, from traditional to modern tunes. Plus, the dinner menu offers authentic regional dishes that pair beautifully with carefully selected Portuguese wines.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a seated event, so arriving a bit early is advisable to settle in comfortably. Also, if you’re sensitive to certain arrangements, note that the tables are joined — some guests found this less intimate, but it doesn’t detract too much from enjoying the show.

This experience is perfect for those who appreciate music, culture, and good food. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, immersive evening in Porto that combines cultural insight with culinary delight.

Key Points

• Authentic Fado Performance: From traditional to contemporary styles, including a tribute to Amália Rodrigues.
• Delicious Regional Cuisine: A 3-course dinner featuring regional dishes with thoughtful wine pairings.
• Cultural Immersion: A lively, heartfelt performance that brings Portuguese music to life.
• Wine & Dessert: Enjoy three Portuguese wines and a luscious dessert with Croft Tawny Port.
• Reserved Seating & Timing: Starts at 8 pm in a cozy setting, with a 5-hour experience.
• Accessible & Refundable: Wheelchair accessible and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Porto: Fado Show & Dinner Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

Your night begins at Lemon Plaza, WOW, a space that sets the tone for an authentic Portuguese evening. The venue is designed to be warm and welcoming, perfect for settling in with a drink and soaking in the ambiance. The fact that seating is reserved and you’re encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early helps create a relaxed pace for the evening.

While some guests have mentioned that tables are joined, which might impact the intimacy for those looking for a private setting, most agree that the lively ambiance more than compensates. The dim lighting, the presence of the performers, and the general vibe all contribute to a feeling of being part of something genuinely Portuguese.

The Music: A Heartfelt Fado Journey

The highlight is undoubtedly the live Fado concert. The show consists of four musical segments, each showcasing different styles of Fado, from the deep-rooted traditional sounds to more contemporary takes. A special tribute to Amália Rodrigues, Portugal’s legendary Fado singer, adds a historical touch that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Based on reviews, the performers, including singer Cristina and the guitarists, are very good, and their passion shines through. One traveler from Portugal said, “The Fado and dinner were excellent,” highlighting how the music genuinely captures the soul of Portuguese tradition.

You may find that the performers bring a very emotional delivery, typical of Fado, which is often described as music of longing and deep feeling. For many, this is a chance to experience Portugal’s musical identity firsthand without traveling to a Fado house in Lisbon.

The Dinner: Tasting Regional Flavors

The food served during this experience is another major plus. You’ll enjoy a 3-course meal that takes you through regional specialties. Appetizers include cod fritters, artisan bread, and rojõezinhos with pickles, paired with a crisp Sílica White 2023 from the Douro Valley.

The main course features slow-cooked veal confit accompanied by Mirandela alheira sausage, potato purée, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that exemplifies traditional Portuguese cooking. Reviewers found the food to be delicious and generous, with one noting the quality of both the food and wine.

For dessert, expect a creamy crème fraîche with caramelized pecans and red berries, perfectly paired with a glass of Croft Reserve Tawny NV Port. The port wine, a staple of Portuguese dessert wines, complements the sweetness of the dessert and leaves a lasting impression.

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Wine Pairings and the Finish

The experience includes three Portuguese wines, each carefully selected to match the courses. This thoughtful pairing elevates the meal and allows you to truly savor the regional varieties. One guest mentioned the excellent wine selection, which added to the overall enjoyment.

As the night winds down, the dessert and port wine provide a sweet finish to an evening full of cultural richness. It’s an ideal setting to relax, reflect, or even chat with fellow travelers about what they’re experiencing.

Overall Value and Practicalities

At $58 per group, the cost covers everything — the show, dinner, wine, and reserved seating. Considering the quality of the performances, the authenticity of the meal, and the intimate setting, most travelers find it to be a good value.

However, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, and additional beverages aren’t part of the package unless you purchase them separately. The experience lasts approximately five hours, starting at 8 pm, so plan your evening accordingly.

What Our Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently rate this tour highly — a 4.8 out of 5 based on six reviews. Comments like “the food and wine were excellent and generous” and “the Fado singers were very good” speak to the quality of both the performance and the meal.

Some noted that more space between tables could enhance intimacy, but overall, the ambiance and authenticity shine through. The experience is praised as a beautiful blend of music, food, and wine, making it a true cultural highlight.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts who want to experience Portugal’s musical soul without leaving Porto. It’s perfect if you enjoy live music, regional cuisine, and good wine.

Travelers seeking a relaxed evening with a focus on authenticity will find this a wonderful choice. It’s also well-suited for couples or small groups wanting a cozy, intimate setting, though not necessarily designed for large parties or families with very young children.

Those who appreciate a mix of entertainment and gastronomy will walk away with a genuine taste of Porto’s cultural heart.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the venue is not included, so plan to arrange your own ways to and from Lemon Plaza.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, so be sure to inform the organizers in advance.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 8 pm, and it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in.

How long is the experience?
The entire event lasts about 5 hours, including the performance and dinner.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Porto: Fado Show & Dinner offers a well-rounded evening that combines music, food, and wine in a relaxed, authentic setting. It’s a chance to experience Portugal’s soul through the emotive Fado music, paired with regional dishes that showcase Porto’s culinary traditions.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a cultural night out that’s both entertaining and delicious. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Portuguese music beyond the typical tourist spots or simply looking for a cozy, high-quality dinner with a bit of local flavor.

While it might not be the most intimate setting due to table arrangements, the quality of performance and food more than make up for it. This is a solid choice for anyone wanting to add a meaningful cultural experience to their Porto trip.

Enjoy your trip and the soulful sounds of Fado — a night that you’ll remember long after the last note fades.

You can check availability for your dates here: