Taberna Belga in my opinion serves the best francesinha in Portugal, surpassing all others.
Taberna Belga has two locations, Taberna Belga 1 and Taberna Belga 2, which are located a short distance apart. Both restaurants are owned by the same proprietor and offer the same high-quality Francesinha
The quality of the food is exceptional, with both the regular and vegetarian options being incredibly flavorful. I personally find myself choosing the vegetarian option more often, as it has a smooth texture. The sauce is the standout component, as it is thick, spicy, and has a delightful color.
The francesinha is large, and with the accompanying French fries, it can be difficult to finish in one sitting. However, it is worth noting that you can request a takeout box and take the remainder home, and the price difference is not significant. As an alternative you can just request an half instead of the full one.
Taberna Belga also boasts a great selection of beers, with most being from Belgium, but also from other countries.
The staff are friendly and efficient, ensuring that diners are well taken care of.
It's important to note that the restaurant can be quite loud inside, which can be uncomfortable for some. During the summer, they open the outdoor seating area, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Finally, I would recommend visiting Taberna Belga before 7:30 pm, as it gets extremely busy and you may need to wait for a table. During the week, it's usually not as crowded, but weekends are always busy, and the waiting time can range from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the time and size of your group. Despite this, I believe the wait is worth it, as the francesinha from Taberna Belga is a true ambassador of Portuguese cuisine.
The delectable Francesinhas, along with the friendly staff, vast beer selection, make this restaurant a must-visit in Braga. With the perfect balance of taste and quality, the Francesinhas at Taberna Belga are truly one of a kind. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you're sure to have a memorable dining experience at this fantastic restaurant.