Viana do Castelo
A simple, friendly, family-run restaurant admired by locals for its good seafood and tasty lunch specials.
Must-see restaurants in The Minho
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
At a picturesque spot next to the bridge in Cabril – 40km west of Montalegre on the way to Vila do Gerês – this place does good river trout and, if you…
The Minho
Founded in 1830, this wonderful confectioner stocks the town’s favourite sweet, rebuçados dos arcos (enormous, jaw-breaking, hard-boiled sweets), and…
Guimarães
The decor of this long and narrow two-floor restaurant is so simple and unassuming that you wouldn't expect such top-notch food to come out of its tiny…
The Minho
This corner gastrobar near the ramparts' edge has sidewalk seating with views towards Monção's main square and Spain. Burgers are the speciality, but it's…
The Minho
Set in the south fortress, with tables inside and on a wide patio with views overlooking the edge of the fort, this place does decent grilled meats and…
The Minho
All dark wood, stone and terracotta tiles inside, this restaurant serves grilled meat and fish dishes – including the house speciality, arroz de bacalhau …
Guimarães
Run by a dynamic duo of elderly Portuguese women, this backstreet tavern serves a small menu of two to three home-style dishes daily. Whatever is fresh at…
Viana do Castelo
This popular pizzeria buzzes day and night, thanks to the endless variety of tasty, cheesy pizzas churned out of the wood-burning oven in the corner…
Viana do Castelo
Part of a Portuguese-based chain, this swank cafe serves up sandwiches, crêpes, quiches and salads in an airy light-flooded space with exposed stone walls…
Braga
A cosy little spot in the shadow of Torre de Menagem, this has a narrow glass-enclosed interior with a counter and a few tables outside. The well-prepared…
The Minho
The speciality at this simple local tavern with a 60-year tradition is arroz de sarrabulho (stewed rice with pork and pork blood). Other dishes are well…
The Minho
Cabral grills fresh fish and also does a tasty arroz de marisco (rice and seafood stew). It’s all served in an attractive stone-walled dining room, almost…
Guimarães
This corner kiosk draws a local crowd for its delicious pregos (steak sandwiches), along with other simple but tasty snacks at low prices. Wash them down…
Viana do Castelo
A decades-old Viana mainstay, this grill house does some of the best barbecue chicken and ribs in northern Portugal. You can also get barbecued seafood –…
Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
This modern place serving terrific Minho meat has outdoor seating on a vine-covered terrace. Management is English-speaking (local by way of Boston) and…
The Minho
A few steps from the river, the inviting Sabores do Lima has exposed stone walls that give a dash of style to its open dining room. The first-rate cooking…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
