Luffa
Luffa Restaurant
"Comfort, technique, and a touch of adventure"
Located on the ground floor of Torel Saboaria , in Porto, Luffa is where comfort cuisine meets refined techniques in an exciting blend of innovation. Inspired by the fibrous luffa vegetable – known for its versatility as both an edible ingredient and natural sponge – Luffa’s name reflects its duality: gentle yet abrasive, much like the dining experience that evolves throughout the day. Lunch offers a softer, more relaxing tone, while dinner delivers a bolder, more intense experience.
With chefs João Ribeiro, known for his work at Goela, and Francisca Passos, who brings her Michelin-starred expertise to the table, Luffa offers a menu that marries traditional Portuguese flavors with international techniques.
Our Menu
“We want a guest to recognise the Portugueseness of the menu and, on the other hand, for a local not to eat more of the same.”
At Luffa, the menu combines traditional Portuguese ingredients with international culinary techniques. Chef João Ribeiro’s passion for comfort food pairs perfectly with Chef Francisca Passos’ refined approach, creating a menu that balances familiarity with creativity. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative presentations, each dish offers a unique opportunity to explore exciting new flavors and textures.
The Inspiration
Luffa, the plant, inspired both the name and concept of the restaurant. Grown like other vegetables, the luffa’s fibrous interior is transformed into a natural sponge, which mirrors the different moments of a meal. João Ribeiro’s vision was to create a dining experience that reflects the duality of the luffa: from the comforting, gentle flavors of lunch to the bold, intense tastes of dinner.
This innovative approach is reflected in the restaurant’s design, with doors opening onto the street and walls made of traditional granite—blending modern creativity with the heritage of the local area. Luffa’s cuisine embraces the essence of Portugal while introducing exciting, fresh twists, ensuring that each meal is a unique exploration of flavors.
Opening hours and contacts
We are open year-round
From 11:30 am to midnight
Food menu: 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
