The Best Restaurants in the World: Portugal

Embark on a Culinary Journey through Portugal’s Best Restaurants 🍴

If you’re a foodie, Portugal is the place to be. With its rich culinary traditions and diverse cuisine, Portugal is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. From Michelin-starred establishments to humble local eateries, Portugal’s food scene has something for everyone. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Portugal’s best restaurants, highlighting the must-visit spots and signature dishes that make them unique.

Discovering the Best Restaurants in Portugal 🍽️

Portugal is a country that takes its food seriously. The country’s gastronomic culture is shaped by its geography and history, with influences from the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and former colonies. Portuguese cuisine is known for its seafood, grilled meats, stews, and pastries, among other delicacies. When it comes to dining out, Portugal has a wide range of options, from casual beachside cafes to upscale city restaurants. To help you navigate the culinary landscape of Portugal, we have curated a list of the best restaurants in the country.

1. Belcanto, Lisbon 🍷

If you’re looking for a fine-dining experience in Portugal’s capital, Belcanto is the place to be. This two Michelin-starred restaurant offers a contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine, with dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. Chef Jose Avillez’s tasting menu is a journey through Portugal’s flavors, with dishes such as roasted octopus with sweet potato and smoked sausage, and suckling pig with chestnuts and black truffle.

2. The Yeatman, Porto 🍾

The Yeatman is a luxury hotel in Porto that boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in a wine cellar with panoramic views of the Douro River, The Yeatman restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines Portuguese cuisine with local wines. Chef Ricardo Costa’s menu highlights the best of the region’s ingredients, such as sea bass with seaweed and caviar, and lamb with wild mushrooms and chestnuts.

3. Cervejaria Ramiro, Lisbon 🍤

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience in Lisbon, Cervejaria Ramiro is a must-visit. This seafood restaurant has been a local favorite since 1956, serving up fresh seafood dishes that are simple but delicious. The restaurant’s specialty is the giant tiger prawns, which are cooked to perfection and served with garlic butter.

4. O Fado, Coimbra 🎵

O Fado is a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in Coimbra, a university town in central Portugal. The restaurant’s name comes from the fado music that is often played during dinner, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The menu features classic Portuguese dishes such as roasted goat and bread soup, as well as vegetarian options.

5. A Cozinha, Porto 🍴

A Cozinha is a hidden gem in Porto that serves up modern Portuguese cuisine in a cozy setting. Chef Pedro Lemos’s menu focuses on seasonal and regional ingredients, with dishes such as black pork with pumpkin and chestnuts, and cod with onion and black garlic. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list that features Portuguese and international wines.

6. Tasca da Esquina, Lisbon 🍝

Tasca da Esquina is a casual restaurant in Lisbon that offers a contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant’s name means corner tavern, and it reflects the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. The menu features small plates that are perfect for sharing, such as octopus with sweet potato, and cod with chickpeas and coriander.

7. Pap’Açorda, Lisbon 🍲

Pap’Açorda is a traditional restaurant in Lisbon that has been serving up hearty Portuguese cuisine since 1981. The restaurant’s name comes from the bread soup that is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, which is served in a clay pot. Other specialties of the restaurant include grilled fish and meat dishes, as well as a selection of cheeses and desserts.

8. Alma, Lisbon 🍷

Alma is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Lisbon that offers a contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa’s menu features dishes that are inspired by his travels around the world, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Highlights of the menu include the roasted octopus with sweet potato and turnip, and the beef loin with smoked potato and black garlic.

9. Antiqvvm, Porto 🍾

Antiqvvm is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a 19th-century palace in Porto. The restaurant’s name is an acronym that stands for Antique Greenhouse of the Crystal Palace Gardens, and it reflects the unique setting of the place. Chef Vitor Matos’s menu features inventive dishes that showcase the best of Portuguese ingredients, such as the sea bass with seaweed and oyster emulsion, and the black pork with chestnuts and mushrooms.

10. Solar dos Presuntos, Lisbon 🍤

Solar dos Presuntos is a classic restaurant in Lisbon that has been serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1974. The restaurant’s name means house of hams, and it reflects the importance of cured meats in Portuguese cuisine. The menu features a wide range of seafood and meat dishes, as well as a selection of Portuguese wines.

11. Pedro Lemos, Porto 🍴

Pedro Lemos is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Porto that offers a contemporary take on Portuguese cuisine. Chef Pedro Lemos’s menu highlights the best of the region’s ingredients, with dishes such as the roasted octopus with black garlic and potato, and the beef loin with foie gras and truffle. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list that features Portuguese and international wines.

12. Solar do Bacalhau, Lisbon 🍝

Solar do Bacalhau is a restaurant in Lisbon that specializes in cod dishes. Cod is a staple of Portuguese cuisine, and Solar do Bacalhau offers a wide range of preparations of this fish. The restaurant’s specialty is the bacalhau à bras, which is a dish made with shredded cod, eggs, and potatoes.

13. Largo do Paço, Amarante 🍲

Largo do Paço is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a 16th-century palace in Amarante, a town in northern Portugal. The restaurant’s name means square of the palace, and it reflects the historic setting of the place. Chef Tiago Bonito’s menu features dishes that are inspired by the region’s ingredients, such as the duck with chestnuts and pumpkin, and the suckling pig with cabbage and apples.

FAQs about the Best Restaurants in Portugal 🤔

1. What is the best time of year to visit Portugal for food?

The best time of year to visit Portugal for food is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the produce is in season.

2. What is the signature dish of Portuguese cuisine?

The signature dish of Portuguese cuisine is bacalhau, or salt cod, which is prepared in many different ways.

3. What is the dress code at Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal?

The dress code at Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal is usually smart casual, but it’s always best to check with the restaurant beforehand.

4. Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Portuguese restaurants?

Yes, many Portuguese restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, but it’s always best to check with the restaurant beforehand.

5. What is the average price for a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Portugal?

The average price for a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Portugal is around €100 per person, but it can vary depending on the restaurant and the menu.

6. Do I need to make a reservation at the best restaurants in Portugal?

Yes, it’s always best to make a reservation at the best restaurants in Portugal, especially during peak season.

7. What is the tipping etiquette in Portugal?

The tipping etiquette in Portugal is usually around 10% of the total bill, but it’s always optional and up to the customer’s discretion.

8. Can I find international cuisine in Portugal?

Yes, there are many restaurants in Portugal that offer international cuisine, such as Italian, Japanese, and Indian.

9. What is the best way to travel between different regions of Portugal to try different restaurants?

The best way to travel between different regions of Portugal to try different restaurants is by car or train, as the country has a well-developed transportation network.

10. Are there any food festivals in Portugal?

Yes, there are many food festivals in Portugal throughout the year, such as the Lisbon Fish and