Viseu
You'll need your own wheels but it's well worth searching out this convivial family-run restaurant in Tonda, a small village some 30km southwest of Viseu…
Must-see restaurants in The Beiras
Restaurante de Casa das Penhas Douradas
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
This smart restaurant, part of the fabulous Casa das Penhas Douradas hotel, is a world away from traditional village life. Its streamlined Scandinavian…
Coimbra
As much as its confident modern cuisine, the Loggia's big draw is its setting, on a panoramic terrace overlooking the old town. There's open-air seating…
The Beiras
A casual cafe-restaurant with light floral decor and uplifting messages chalked on blackboards, this is a charming spot for a relaxed meal. The menu runs…
The Beiras
This cosy wine-bar–restaurant is the hottest ticket in town. Tapas and other dishes are served creatively and with pizzazz, while oenophiles can take…
The Beiras
Winningly done out in dark wood, this cosy wine-bar-restaurant is the best in Luso by far. Its menu covers the usual array of meat and fish dishes;…
Coimbra
Squeezed into a corner behind the Igreja de Santa Cruz, this intimate restaurant is one of the most popular in town. Its casual wine bar vibe, personable…
The Beiras
This cool retro-hip cafe features mismatched vintage furniture, blackboards and a menu that lists everything from gourmet hamburgers to salads and snacks…
Aveiro
It might not be the easiest to get to but there's never a shortage of diners at this no-frills fish restaurant, reckoned by many to be the best in the…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
With the smell of woodsmoke in the chill mountain air, O Albertino completes the scene perfectly: a cosy stone-walled restaurant specialising in delicious…
Aveiro
Maré cheia means ‘high tide’ in Portuguese, but 'cheia' (full) applies equally to this popular seafood eatery. You'll often have to elbow your way through…
Coimbra
Tucked down a nondescript alley, this hole-in-the-wall gem, papered with scholarly doodles and scribbled poems, is much loved for its hearty meat…
The Beiras
There's usually a good buzz at this modern restaurant just off the seafront. The name means 'salty mouth' so there's no prize for guessing the menu:…
Coimbra
All the rage right now, this sophisticated spot boasts a prime location on the steep steps up the historic centre. Refined decor and friendly service set…
Aveiro
Classic Portuguese cuisine gets a fusion makeover at this smart, tiled eatery near the fish market. Bag a table in the spacious, light-filled interior and…
The Beiras
Despite its name (The Hunter), this popular restaurant is the place for seafood in Guarda. Locals flock to its glass-fronted dining room to feast on…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
With a prime position looking up to the Igreja de Misericordia and an attractive slate-floored interior, this central place is a good spot for a taste of…
Viseu
An authentic slice of old Portugal, this homely restaurant is named after the 19th-century fado singer who once lived down the street. It's a cheerful,…
Viseu
A cosy spot nestled behind an arch in the historic centre, this oh-so-typical restaurant does brisk business serving a mixed crowd of locals and out-of…
Coimbra
Top-quality produce is used to create delightful petiscos (tapas) at this bright, casual eatery. It's an animated spot with Paul Klee–inspired wallpaper…
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 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…
The Beiras
In business for more than 40 years, Caçarola draws a mixed bag of loyal locals and hungry visitors. What they come for are the good-value combinados do…
The Beiras
Wedged within gigantic boulders, Petiscos e Granitos’ back terrace provides a fantastic backdrop for a copo de vinho (glass of wine) at sunset, with…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
This warming restaurant, decked out in wood and stone in classic chalet style, is an inviting spot to feast on authentic mountain food. That means Serra…
The Beiras
Hearty portions of homestyle Portuguese cooking and a relaxed TV-on-in-the-corner vibe await at this long-standing restaurant. Sit down to football on the…
The Beiras
One of several popular spots lined up on the central plaza, this is something of a hybrid cafe-slash-fast food place specialising in regional ham …
Pastelaria Restaurante Montiel
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Montiel's cafe is something of a social hub (if a smoky one), drawing locals for a relaxed drink and tasty snack – it has fabulous empadas (pies), sausage…
The Beiras
The only restaurant in the old village, Dom Sancho sits just inside the main Gothic gate. It's touristy but the traditional food is spot on – mainly game…
Viseu
The Paço dos Cunhas de Santar, a historic winery on a 17th-century estate in Santar, sets an attractive stage for fine dining. The dining room is light…
The Beiras
A cut above most of Guarda's midrange restaurants, Belo Horizonte has long been a local favourite. It does a great line in regional specialities such as…
The Beiras
For a truly memorable dinner, it’s hard to beat the elegant spread at the Palace Hotel's dining room, itself a work of art with natural light pouring in…
Viseu
With its stone walls and low wood-beamed ceilings, this cosy eatery specialises in traditional recipes collected from surrounding villages. Generous…
Coimbra
With its low wood-beamed ceiling, tiled walls and rustic decor, this is the very picture of a traditional backstreet tasca (tavern). In keeping with the…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Tucked away in a tight corner near the tourist office, this friendly, country-style restaurants offers large portions of traditional Portuguese fare…
Coimbra
Drawing a mixed crowd of students, locals and visitors, this unpretentious family-run grill is a reliable choice for a good-value fill-up. Don't expect…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
The crisp reds and whites of the dining area blend seductively with the dark wood tables at this main-street eatery. The menu is typical of these parts,…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
A traditional family-run restaurant, complete with exposed stone walls, blue ceramic tiles and framed pictures, O'Flor is a cut above many similar-looking…
Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela
Lunching visitors and locals out for their weekend meal create a cheerful buzz at this laid-back bar-restaurant. It's known for its hearty mountain…
Coimbra
Part of the university's law faculty, this busy cafeteria is one of Coimbra's best-kept secrets. An excellent option for the budget traveller, it's open…
