Lisbon
Famous for market-fresh seafood, Doca Peixe is practically under Ponte 25 de Abril. Savour lemony oysters, John Dory with clam rice, or a bevy of…
Must-see restaurants in Portugal
Mértola
Run by the same family for over 40 years, this place is well loved by locals and extremely consistent for its homestyle Alentejan dishes. There’s outdoor…
Viseu
Self-caterers will find fruit, vegetables and other goodies at Viseu's produce market. Things are at their liveliest on the ground floor, where the fruit…
Madeira
As the name (Foot in the Water) implies, this restaurant and bar to the west of Vila Baleia sit right on the beach. The seafood, steaks and pasta are some…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Close to Buddha Eden is this appealing restaurant in the nearby village. Mãe d'Água does confident, modern Portuguese fare in a contemporary setting…
Trás-os-Montes
Below the castle, just off the main road leading into the old town, this unassuming light-filled spot is popular with locals for its great-value lunch…
Trás-os-Montes
Carvalho’s top-notch regional dishes have earned recognition as some of Portugal’s best. It is hidden away amid the cluster of parkside cafes opposite the…
Cascais
Whiffs of grilled chicken and piri-piri lure hungry locals to the pavement terrace of this no-frills joint serving rotisserie bird (half chicken from €8…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Housed in a rustic wood and stone building, this bar-restaurant is a popular student hangout, good for a beer and a simple meal, perhaps a hamburger or…
Peso da Régua
This cosy, well-priced family-run restaurant offers small plates of well-prepared Portuguese classics, paired with a solid selection of local wines. It's…
The Douro
Great regional food is prepared with a twist at this friendly, contemporary restaurant with an attached wine bar. See their Facebook page for daily…
Nazaré
Tucked away in a dark backstreet, this place does an excellent fish stew (€9.50) served in its rustic nautical dining room. There's a welcoming host and…
Lisbon
Decked out like an industrial-chic country barn, this cool cafe in LX Factory is a laid-back pick for snacks, mains such as codfish and sirloin steak, and…
The Douro
Boasting a peaceful, shaded terrace overlooking the bridge, this traditional bakery has the best ambience for enjoying Amarante’s famous pastries and…
Évora
Inside the Mercado Municipal, this tiny food stand serves up espressos, desserts, sandwiches as well as wines and cocktails.
Peso da Régua
Small and cosy, this tavern dishes out well-prepared regional mainstays with a focus on meat dishes. The portions are generous and the house wine of good…
The Beiras
This modest, no-frills restaurant, in a traditional schist house, is good for no-nonsense mountain food such as grilled trout and bife de vaca (steak).
Cascais
With simple decor, this sunny neighbourhood restaurant is known for its superb chargrilled fish and other souped-up Portuguese classics at reasonable…
Guimarães
Tasty tapas-style Portuguese dishes with a twist are served at this cosy restaurant on Praça de Santiago, with alfresco tables tended to by friendly staff.
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
Signless Casanova seduces with wood-fired pizza that’s thin, crisp and authentically Italian. Bag a table on the riverside terrace (heated in winter).
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
Palácio Belmonte's peaceful and beautifully located cafe, with old stone walls and an outdoor terrace, is just a few steps from Castelo de São Jorge.
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
There’s always a buzzing crowd filling this Santa Catarina gem, which is famed for its simple classics and roasted-pork dishes with French twists.
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
A basic, no-frills village cafe where the locals stop by for a drink and chat. It's good for a coffee and a quick snack, say a toasted sandwich.
Aliados & Bolhão
This authentic cheapie is rammed with locals tucking into grilled fish and meat at midday. Daily specials run between €5 and €6.50.
Foz do Douro
Overlooking the park, this museum restaurant rustles up a pretty good lunch buffet, with soup, salads, vegetarian options and desserts.
Trás-os-Montes
Popular with locals, this plain-faced, family-run place in the central pedestrian zone serves delicious, belly-filling regional dishes.
The Douro
Well-known traditional restaurant frequented by business folk at lunchtime and dishing out well-prepared Portuguese mainstays.
Foz do Douro
This sleek, bright space is the real Japanese deal when it comes to sushi, sashimi and maki – it's as fresh as it comes.
Viana do Castelo
A simple, friendly, family-run restaurant admired by locals for its good seafood and tasty lunch specials.
Aliados & Bolhão
If you want glamour, this rough 'n' tumble local haunt is not your place. Tables are illuminated by fluorescent lighting, the footy blares on the TV and…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
The first shop in Lisbon of the Santarém artisanal ice-cream brand. Flavours vary from ordinary chocolate and strawberry to regional Ribatejo creations…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
At this shipping container turned casual lunch spot, roast beef is the main ingredient in sandwiches made on the spot (along with home-made fries). The…
Aliados & Bolhão
Asian food is thin on the ground in Porto; nevertheless, the demand for eastern flavours is mounting, so two Portuguese lads got clever by setting up shop…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
The tables have marble tops like typical tascas (taverns) and the menu is all about the Portuguese petiscos (snacks), including staple dishes like octopus…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
The place is hard to find, but its bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, eggs and potatoes; feeds two for €9.50) makes this backstreet restaurant in…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
Located in a busy street in Chiado, this cafe and pastry shop opened as a teahouse in 1868. In the cobblestoned esplanade, bright sun-yellow tablecloths…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
This quaint cafe is located in a small, friendly square in the heart of the Mouraria neighbourhood, offering affordable meals and exceptionally warm and…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
Tourists flock to this cafe for its proximity to Sé de Lisboa, one of the city's busiest attractions, and the welcoming shade from the esplanade. It…
Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré
Organi's well-served dishes are only topped by the attentive service and the outdoor seating option, slightly hidden from the crowds trampling up and down…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
This place serves ice cream, waffles and sandwiches, but it's the convenience of having a freshly baked pastel de nata (custard tart) with an espresso on…
