Raele O.
Yelp
I can't say enough good about Noshi. Fortuitously, it was steps away from our Airbnb while in Porto, and we went most mornings. The space is airy, light and bright; it's especially nice in back, seated in the atrium. They have the coveted *vegan croissant, done exactly right. The non-vegan one is whole grain yet still somehow very light in texture..delicious. Both are quite good. Breakfast is a generous affair, every offering fancied up for a ball....multiple fruits, sprinkling of seeds, flourishes of sauce. Food arriving at table feels like wrapped gifts.
There is an available Brunch fixe prix; I think it's always available. 15 euro for a meal intended for one, but two could easily share. It's a feast of multiple items, smaller versions of what you could order singly. Chia pudding, street taco, pancake stack, etc., includes coffee & fresh juice. There is a similar kind of arrangement for lunch. Separately, try the vegan toast with mushrooms. Fantastic!
Everything is healthy and fresh. Not quite the "elegance" of Manna, but where Manna feels like a quiet treat and retreat, Noshi feels like a bustling, kind HOME.
One day I sat here with a close friend and cried for three hours. We were having a pivotal life moment, going deep, pulling away barriers. The talk went on and on, preventing any other patrons from receiving the table, which was also piling Mountain high with tissues.
No one paid any mind, seemingly no annoyance, no suggestion to move on. In fact, the manager swung by, depositing a dessert on the table with a smile. She said breezily, "You look like you need this."
Of course we felt badly to have imposed to greatly. We tipped the heck out of them all once we resolved our soul searching and were able to smile again, and thanked them mightily. But they didn't expect that. In general, it feels like Portugal as a country, and Porto in particular, allows you to experience the full spectrum of your life. To drop the pretenses you acquired elsewhere and show up as only yourself. Noshi was a major part of that for me on this life-changing trip, and I will always cherish this place.
Maybe you will come here and just happen to pass through a sea change in life, also. Maybe the kindness of the people invites you to do so.