Laminar mixed convection heat transfer in a vented square cavity separated by a porous layer filled with different nanofluids (Fe3O4, Cu, Ag and Al2O3) has been investigated numerically. The governing equations of mixed convection flow for a Newtonian nanofluid are assumed to be two-dimensional, steady and laminar. These equations are solved numerically by using the finite volume technique. The effects of significant parameters such as the Reynolds number (10 ≤ Re ≤ 1000), Grashof number (103 ≤ Gr ≤ 106), nanoparticle volume fraction (0.1 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.6), porous layer thickness (0 ≤ γ ≤ 1) and porous layer position (0.1 ≤ δ ≤ 0.9) are studied. Numerical simulation details are visualized in terms of streamline, isotherm contours, and average Nusselt number along the heated source. It has been shown that variations in Reynolds and Darcy numbers have an impact on the flow pattern and heat transfer within a cavity. For higher Reynolds (Re >100), Grashof (Gr > 105) numbers and nanoparticles volume fractions the heat transfer rate is enhanced and it is optimal at lower values of Darcy number (Da = 10-5). In addition, it is noticed that the porous layer thickness and location have a significant effect on the control of the heat transfer rate inside the cavity. Furthermore, it is worth noticing that Ag nanoparticles presented the largest heated transfer rate compared to other nanoparticles.