Madeira
This restaurant on the square in Vila Baleia is a convenient, popular and informal place where the large portions of seafood come particularly recommended.
Must-see restaurants in Portugal
Braga
Packed with vendors of fresh produce, meats and cheeses, Braga's covered market buzzes on weekdays and Saturday mornings, and is ideal for self-caterers.
Trás-os-Montes
Look for the bright blue door of this tiny bakery, which whips up the best pasteis de Chaves (flaky turnovers filled with ground meat) in town.
The Douro
Roasted veal, stewed tripe and roasted kid goat are the house specialities at this traditional Portuguese restaurant with a pretty riverside terrace.
The Douro
For tasty seafood in a modern, unfussy place with tables overlooking the crashing waves, head to the beach, 2km north of Forte São João Baptista.
Parque das Nações
Facing the Torre Vasco da Gama, this neat little Italian job is a kid-friendly pitstop for pizza and pasta. There's a terrace for warm-day dining.
Baixo Alentejo
Packed to the basket-lined rafters with locals, this cavernous, rustic adega (wine tavern) serves typical food, with good daily specials.
Évora
You can pick up cheeses, olives, smoked meats, fruit and vegetables at the municipal market. There's a small cafe near the southern end.
Carvoeiro
Outdoor tables overlook the pool (romantically illuminated by night) at this upmarket resort restaurant with seasonally changing menus.
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
If you’re just in town long enough for a cup of something strong and a nibble of something sweet, then search out this bakery.
Funchal
This street cafe serves up inexpensive lunch fare (sandwiches, pastries and soups) and drinks on pretty Praça do Município.
The Douro
The charming wooden booths and tables are almost always crammed with locals who descend for great coffee and better pastries.
Funchal
Typical owner-run cafe opposite the São Pedro Church serving light lunches (sandwiches, soups and pastries) and drinks.
Setúbal Peninsula
Pasta, pizza and great service draw hungry locals to this modern, glass-enclosed Italian joint at Residencial Mar e Sol.
Mértola
Follow the scent of freshly baked bread down to this simple bakery, where you can get rolls and other essentials.
Braga
For good homemade food near the legendary pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte, try this traditional tavern.
The Minho
Monção’s best pastry shop has tempting freshly baked goods with outdoor tables overlooking the plaza.
The Douro
Sells Lamego’s famous hams and wines – ideal picnic food. Thursdays are especially busy.
Trás-os-Montes
This large bright cafe and bakery serves omelettes and light meals at reasonable prices.
Baixa & Rossio
The pick of the touristy restaurants facing Lisbon's biggest plaza, Can the Can does what it says on the tin – paying homage to the humble canned fish in…
Alto Alentejo
This place serves up lots of pork-based regional specialities, which you can enjoy with a sangria on the terrace. You’ll also find two dozen or so classic…
Alto Alentejo
Step into this cheerfully tiled eatery for satisfying plates of Alentejan cuisine that won't break the bank. Standout dishes include frango assada …
Baixo Alentejo
This lively local eatery is a good bet for filling Alentejan plates of roasted pork or cod dishes. Its plain exterior hides a dapper but relaxed interior…
Évora
Repas may be nothing special cuisine-wise, but its location with outdoor tables facing the Igreja São Francisco is pleasant. In summer, this is the spot…
Faro
With seafood on display out front, street-side seating and a slightly tacky interior lined with TV screens, this neighbourhood restaurant serves…
Alto Alentejo
This rustic tasca (tavern), serves up decent fish, meat and Alentejan specialities amid a cellar-like ambience, crammed with huge wine jars.
Évora
This busy, barn-sized cafe is an Évora institution serving coffee, crepes and cakes. You can sit at an outdoor table on the lovely plaza.
Trás-os-Montes
It’s a longish walk to this rather antiseptic market behind the câmara municipal.
