Belém
This strange Italian-Japanese hybrid manages to bridge East (este) and West (oeste) surprisingly well, with tasty thin-crust pizzas fired up in the…
Must-see restaurants in Portugal
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
What this narrow cafe lacks in space it makes up for in atmosphere, with local artworks on the walls, occasional live music, traditional hats suspended…
Carrapateira
High on the cliff overlooking Praia do Amado, what was a tiny fisher’s cabana has evolved into this large restaurant, where magnificent ocean views unfurl…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
Besides a bounty of wines, cheeses, olive oils and other gourmet goodies, this deli's wonderful waterfront patio has yet to be discovered by tourists …
Miragaia
A wood-floored gastropub with a pinch of boho flair, a dash of vintage charm and a generous helping of globetrotter, As 7 Maravilhas is a one-off. The…
Alto Alentejo
Across from the Lago do Gadanha, this small, cheery cafe serves big, creatively topped salads, tostas (open-faced sandwiches) and soups as well as…
Alto Alentejo
Unlock your purses at this place, housed in the former judicial jail, which dates from the 16th century; the two storeys of the quadrangle separated male…
Carvoeiro
Run by husband-and-wife team Hugo and Marina, this tiny wine bar–style place turns out terrific petiscos such as sea bass ceviche, chorizo and squid, and…
Cascais
This lovely, multi-national newcomer dishes up healthy-leaning, often-organic juices, keto coffee (you know it as Bulletproof), smoothies, salads and…
Faro
With a menu of simply grilled fish and meat, this popular place has plenty of country charm, with a beamed ceiling, rustic cooking implements on display…
Boavista
This restaurant on the 7th floor of the Casa da Música opens onto a black-and-white tiled terrace granting superlative views of the cityscape. Clever…
Silves
As the crowds of locals attest, this farmhouse restaurant surrounded by citrus orchards is bom preço-qualidade (good value for money), serving hearty…
Portugal
Small and intimate, this lovely restaurant is run by a friendly couple who have curated a small but well-thought-out menu of elevated tapas – loads of…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
'The Father of Chickens’ sits in splendid isolation right on the fabulous sands of Praia Velha, 1km north of São Pedro de Moel. Specialities include arroz…
Sagres
Eclectically decorated with retro TVs and radios, toasters, bottles, books and framed photos, this cosy spot on the main drag serves mostly vegetarian…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
Kaffeehaus has a bright interior with classic lines and big windows overlooking a peaceful corner of Chiado, and it’s a favourite eating and drinking spot…
Odeceixe
Traditional dishes from the neighbouring Alentejo region – such as pezinhos de porco (roast pig trotters) and ensopado de borrego (lamb stew) – are served…
Madeira
This cosy pre- or post-levada-hike refuge is good for a full-blown, calorie-replacing meal, or coffee and cakes while you wait for the bus back to Funchal…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
Exposed stone walls, soft lighting, vaulted ceilings and twisting corridors that open onto cosy nooks do indeed conjure a fábula (storybook fable)…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
The slickest of the seafood restaurants, with plastic designer-style chairs, white surrounds and a contemporary feel, this smart place comes recommended…
Cascais
It’s hard to know where to look first at this bright, art-slung cafe, with hipster servers and candlelight at night. It's jazzed up with flower prints,…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
If you just can't deal with any more bacalhau, the Gujarati owners at this classy curry house oversee some of Lisbon's best Indian cuisine and are…
Lagos
Housed in a quaint old building on Praça Infante Dom Henrique, 2 Irmãos has lovely outdoor seating overlooking the Igreja de Santa Maria and the statue of…
Trás-os-Montes
A traditional roadside restaurant a little outside town on the EN2 towards Chaves, convivial Chaxoila serves up great daily specials such as cabrito (kid…
Pinhão
Wood-grilled meats and fish are the speciality at this schist-walled restaurant by the riverfront. On sunny days, the vine-shaded front terrace is the…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
This 17th-century convent cranks up the romance with its serene cloisters and brick vaulting. Chef Nuno Coelho whets appetites with fresh wood-fired bread…
The Alentejo
Trendy Comporta Café sits right on the main beach and is an idyllic little spot for everything from cocktails to an elevated beach lunch. Kitchen…
Ribeira
The name bacalhau (dried salt-cod) should give you an inkling as to the star of the menu here. Snag a table on the walls to gaze at the river while…
Mértola
This welcoming two-room restaurant serves up excellent traditional plates, all made with care. Grilled pork ribs, fried squid with garlic, fava beans with…
Tomar
At this charming backstreet eatery you can partake in the elegant dining room or the breezy, intimate courtyard below. Speciality, well-presented fish…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
After raging success in Alcobaça, the Punjabi owner of this excellent Indian restaurant snagged an even more intimate space in Leiria in the heart of the…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
A modern tasca adorned with photos of VW vans on the walls, this upper village hotspot is a great place to escape tourists and the menus that cater solely…
The Beiras
With its pretty lace curtains, white tablecloths and woody decor, snug São Marcos is the very picture of an old-school Portuguese restaurant. In keeping…
Olhão
Just back from the seafront, this converted merchant's store has just 22 seats, so advance bookings are a good idea. Begin with award-winning olive oil…
Évora
Red-and-white checked tablecloths, rustic decor and a garrulous host named Carlos set the stage for a fun, casual night of Alentejo fare that won't break…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Over the river from the centre in the hotel of the same name, this casual family-run restaurant scores across the board. The food is excellent – try the…
The Douro
This welcome newcomer to Vila do Conde's main square serves delicious steaks and seafood alongside pasta and vegetarian dishes such as couscous with…
Portimão
On the waterfront near the Museu de Portimão, the Naval Club has a fancy upstairs restaurant, Restaurante do Cais, with unsurpassed views over the river…
Portugal
Shake the table and your plate might just fall into the sea at this top seafooder perched above the saltwater pool in Azenhas do Mar. The sea views are…
Carrapateira
On Praia da Bordeira's dunes, with stone walls around its terrace to keep the sand out, and direct boardwalk access to the beach, this great-value…
