Funchal
If you're feeling peckish after exploring the botanical gardens, the only place to take a break on site is the snack bar on the northwest side. It's…
Must-see restaurants in Portugal
Trás-os-Montes
Vila Real's most traditional bakery is a great place for a coffee, a covilhete (the meat pastries it is famous for) and a spot of people-watching. There's…
The Douro
Congratulations to the chef line the walls at this adega-style place, where the atmosphere is friendly, the menu short and simple, the food good and the…
Alfama, Castelo & Graça
One of Lisbon's coolest cats, Gato Pardo is a wonderfully chilled cafe, with a mishmash of vintage furniture, splashes of art on the wall and good vibes…
Tavira
One of the better choices on this restaurant-heavy riverside strip, this cluttered, narrow place is hospitable and cosy. Simple salads and grilled local…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
For a change from the traditional Portuguese fare served at most mountain eateries, this tiny place makes great pizza; perfect for a pre- or post-hike…
Parque das Nações
Blond wood and clean lines define this gallery-style restaurant. If you like your sushi and sashimi to come from an all-you-can-eat buffet, you'll be…
Monsaraz
A tourist magnet for its views and reasonable petiscos (snacks) and mains. It gets mixed reviews for food, so we prefer to come in between mealtimes for a…
Funchal
Just off Largo da Fonte, this terrace restaurant serves everything from a quick pastel de nata to full-blown Madeiran meals. Has great views when the…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
This wedding cake of a patisserie drips with exquisite azulejos, gold-topped columns and mirrors. Grab a seat in one of the alcoves to indulge in buttery…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Neither outstanding nor terrible, this simple, friendly place serves tasty grilled meat and other Portuguese standards. Grab half a chicken for €7 and go…
The Minho
This is one of Barca’s grandest options, with fresh fish and all the traditional meat dishes served on pressed tablecloths. If you want something lighter,…
Setúbal Peninsula
This is the best of Costa de Caparica's seaside pavilion restaurants, and open year-round. Sentido do Mar draws locals for fresh, creative sushi and fresh…
Funchal
This Monte cafe is situated on leafy Largo da Fonte and the outdoor is a lovely spot for a coffee and cake stop between the sights. Sadly the characterful…
Braga
Set on a sweet, quiet plaza, with pleasant indoor and outdoor seating, this humble cafe is favoured by loyal locals for its frigideiras: meat pies with…
Guimarães
Since 1953 Guimarães’ best pastry shop has filled its window with fresh-baked tarts and cakes to tempt passers-by. There are a few pavement tables and a…
Tomar
Locals enjoy this brightly lit, modern, mirror-walled pizzeria just behind Igreja de São João Baptista for excellent pasta, pizza and meat dishes. On…
The Minho
Head to this popular spot just northwest of the market for delicious regional delicacies like barrosã grelhado (grilled steak), along with good-value all…
Alto Alentejo
In a lively dining room packed with rustic decor, this popular eatery has a huge menu of Alentejan specialities as well as a few Spanish classics (like…
Mértola
Set on a hill above Mértola, this pleasant spot serves traditional cuisine. Its known for its game dishes, including javali (wild pig) and migas (meat and…
Estremadura & Ribatejo
Along this pedestrianised street are several traditional restaurants, including this friendly, no-nonsense spot with pretty tiled interior and a long menu…
The Douro
This three-floor hotspot has daytime drinks and snacks, such as sandwiches and burgers, plus an alfresco terrace at the top. The crowd is young, the decor…
Monchique
In the village centre, this locals' haunt serves down-to-earth char-grilled fish and dishes at green-clad, unsteady tables. It's popular with workers in…
Peniche
This harbourside spot serves up good seafood. The tasty daily specials reflect what's been caught locally – the five types of espetados (skewers) of mixed…
Setúbal Peninsula
Opened in 1974 just after the demise of the military dictatorship, this nostalgic burger bar was Portugal's first. Nothing gourmet here; just beef or…
Trás-os-Montes
This simple family-run restaurant near the church in the heart of Ermelo village has nice valley views and hearty staples such as spare ribs cooked in…
Belém
A great family choice, this bustling place with outdoor tables perched over the water has a big menu of pizzas, pastas, salads and omelettes; there's also…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Run by local character Senhor Júlio, this modest backstreet eatery is known for its regional cuisine. House specialities include cabrito à serrana …
The Minho
Tucked into an alcove behind one of the town’s old towers, this somewhat divey dining room serves tasty octopus and meat dishes. It brags about its…
Portugal
Overlooking the beach of the same name, this traditional restaurant serves decent, if unsurprising, traditional fare. More memorable are the ocean views…
Portimão
Famous hereabouts for its seafood, Carvi has a tiled dining room with rows of communal tables dressed in white linen, a brimming live tank and a long list…
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
Set behind Hotel Universal, and just above a roaring stream, this historic stone adega (wine tavern) serves tapas and wine. Saturday-night karaoke kicks…
Ericeira
Decked out with orange walls, colourful wooden tables and a glowing blue bar, this place sells really tasty meat, fish and vegie tapas, full meals,…
Braga
This swanky, gourmet tapas bar-restaurant with two cute upstairs stone dining rooms and a streetside deck gets packed with local moneyed types. Come for…
Sagres
More appealing on the inside than out, with bright paper tablecloths and terrazzo floors, this simple spot is a decent bet for budget-priced grilled…
Trás-os-Montes
Despite lacklustre service, this new-town spot serves up glorious Douro views along with a wide-ranging menu featuring pizza, pasta, salads and Portuguese…
Setúbal Peninsula
This cafe on the main drag serves merendeiras (wood-fired oven-baked sandwiches with chorizo, beef or cod), and filling daily soups and desserts. Cash…
The Douro
This unpretentious restaurant south of town specialises in grilled lamb, veal and pork, with a few traditional Portuguese codfish dishes thrown in for…
Alto Alentejo
This pretty spot has the prime location above the Fonte do Montorinho. It is a reasonable choice, serving traditional, if slightly tourist-focused,…
Braga
Next to sweet-smelling Jardim de Santa Bárbara, this sunny, well-preserved art deco tearoom is a local favourite with all, but especially ladies who lunch.
