Northern Portugal Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Northern Portugal - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Adega Regional Quelha

    $

    The restaurants along or near Rua 31 de Janeiro may have river views, but they don't necessarily serve the best food. This ham-and-garlic-bedecked place—off a square at the end of the main street—has no views, but the regional fare served on its wooden tables make it worth a trip. Regular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (a sausage, bean, and vegetable stew), cabrito assado (roasted kid), and tripas (tripe and beans), most available as a full dose (serving) that's enough for two people or a meia (half) dose. If you're planning on dinner, come early because the small space fills up fast.

    Rua de Olivença, Amarante, Porto, 4600-758, Portugal
    255 425 786

    Known For

    • The roasted rabbit, served on weekends, is a house specialty
    • Try the rabanada, a regional dessert similar to French toast
    • Cozy and rustic atmosphere
  • 2. Aquário Marisqueira de Espinho

    $$$

    Founded in 1954, this oceanfront restaurant is one of the most traditional in Espinho. There's an enormous variety of fresh seafood ready to be grilled, boiled, or roasted in the oven, as well as bacalhau and various fish stews and rice dishes. Many are large enough to be split between two diners. Customers who want meat can choose between dishes such as roast veal or kid—or there's tripe and bean stew, in case you didn't get enough of that in Porto.

    Rua 4, 540, Espinho, Aveiro, 4500-343, Portugal
    227 321 000

    Known For

    • Arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice) is a specialty
    • Friendly and knowledgeable waiters
    • Ocean views
  • 3. Casa d'Armas

    $$$

    In a renovated mansion near the waterfront, this eatery is a prime destination for seafood: start with fish soup or sapateira recheada (stuffed crab) and continue with main dishes such as polvo com azeite e alho (octopus with olive oil and garlic) or the unusual house bacalhau, which is fried and stuffed with bacon. Desserts include a pudim de Abade de Priscos (an especially rich crème caramel pudding) that some say is the best in the country.

    Largo 5 de Outubro 30, Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, 4900-515, Portugal
    258 824 999

    Known For

    • A family-run business for three decades
    • Tornedó steak, flamed at your table
    • Comprehensive list of regional wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 4. Castas e Pratos

    $$$

    In a former railroad warehouse by Régua station, Castas e Pratos is the first and best of a row of eateries to move into the long, timber structure. Snack on the first floor at a high table or climb the wooden stairs to the large mezzanine for a sit-down meal; the sophisticated flavors and presentation are sure to delight you. You could start with a ceviche of tuna, shrimp and sea bass, or a seared scallop with pea purée, then move on to delicately flavored brill with cockle rice, or one of the delicious slow-cooked meat dishes, such as veal cheeks. There are always tasty vegan options, too. For dessert, "O Ovo" (The Egg) hatches a sweet surprise. There are some 650 wines to choose from, the vast majority from the Douro, including local bubbly.

    Rua José Vasques Osório, Peso da Régua, Vila Real, 5050-280, Portugal
    254 323 290

    Known For

    • Creative cuisine at reasonable prices
    • Informed, attentive service
    • Extensive wine list
  • 5. Chaxoila Casa de Pasto

    $

    This family-owned restaurant 3 km (2 miles) from the center of Vila Real, on the main road to Chaves, has been open since 1947 but has kept up with the times in terms of decor, presentation, and service. Tasty starters here include bacalhau and chickpea salad, and tripas (tripe) dishes unrivaled by nearby venues. Meat-centric mains—some of which may be ordered in half servings—range from garlicky alheira sausage served with sautéed grelos (turnip tops) to beef-and-chestnut stew, or roasted kid; there are also hearty fish dishes. This is also a good place to sample regional wines and desserts.

    N2, Vila Real, Vila Real, 5000-062, Portugal
    259 322 654

    Known For

    • Extensive wine selection
    • Large, leafy terrace
    • Reliably excellent regional fare

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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  • 6. DOC

    $$$$

    This riverside restaurant 9 km (6 miles) from Régua, on the south bank of the Douro, draws gourmets from far and wide with Michelin-starred chef Rui Paula's take on the cuisine of his native region. Only the best ingredients are used in dishes in which bacalhau and polvo (octopus) loom large, as well as tender Bísaro pork and Maronesa veal. You'll pay €110 for a tasting menu (plus €80 for wines), but you may also order à la carte.

    Estrada Nacional 222, Viseu, Viseu, 5110–204, Portugal
    910 014 040-cell

    Known For

    • Two set menus of regional cuisine
    • Award-winning wine list and wine pairings
    • Wooden deck that juts out over the river

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner Wed., Reservations essential
  • 7. O Abocanhado

    $$

    Worth a trip for its stunning location and prize-winning design, this restaurant is also renowned for its regional cuisine. Perched in the Serra Amarela, 12 km (7½ miles) from Terras de Bouro, the long building slots into the surrounding slate, its terrace affording panoramic views of the valley of the Rio Homem. Outstanding main dishes include tender barrosã steak. The dessert menu has family recipes as well as standards such as pudim do Abade de Priscos (egg-and-almond pudding) and ricotta with pumpkin jam.

    Lugar de Brufe, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, 4840-020, Portugal
    253 352 944

    Known For

    • Incredibly fresh ingredients from local farms
    • Breathtaking mountain views
    • Prizewinning architecture

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. Oct.–June, Reservations essential
  • 8. Pastelaria Clarinha

    $

    A local institution, Pastelaria Clarinha is the best place to sample regional cakes and pastries. It has a range of delicious sweets, including traditional tortas de Guimarães—pastry rolls with an eggy pumpkin filling—and the local take on toucinho do céu (egg-and-almond cake, here with gila, fig-leaf gourd).

    Largo do Toural 86/88, Guimarães, Braga, 4810-427, Portugal
    253 516 513

    Known For

    • A long glass display case filled with tempting treats
    • Eat at the counter if you want to look like a local
    • Soak up the sun at one of the outside tables
  • 9. Petiscaria Preguica

    $

    Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook rolling hills, the Douro River, and a railroad bridge at this family-owned restaurant. Just 800 meters from the train station, the establishment is run by the granddaughter of the late owner, and her partner, who trained as a chef in France. Offerings hinge on what's freshest and may include grilled cod, roasted lamb, game (like rabbit and boar), fish soup, or pillowy wood-oven-baked bread. Desserts skew French: lemon mousse, chocolate fondant, and crème brûlée. Nearly everything, even down to the wine, is grown on the restaurant's own farm.

    Quinta Chão de Ribeiro, Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Guarda, 5155, Portugal
    279-789432

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs. from Sept. 15–June 20, No credit cards
  • 10. Rio by Paulo André

    $$

    Vila do Conde native Paulo André has worked with top chefs around Portugal; he is now applying his evident talent just steps from the Rio Ave, producing eye-catching, delicious creations from the best local ingredients. Signature mains include sea bass with creamy clam-and-prawn rice, garnished with seaweed and trout roe, and the equally sophisticated bacalhau and octopus creations. In addition, you can order meat dishes such as duck magret with wild mushroom and truffle risotto, offset with tangy Azores cheese, and lamb carré with a pistachio crust and mustard and honey sauce. The desserts don't disappoint, either: try the dense Guinness cake with honeycomb, berries and salted caramel ice cream, or passion-fruit tart with saffron and dill, accompanied by pineapple sorbet. 

    Praça da República 8, Vila do Conde, Porto, 4480-715, Portugal
    252 602 182

    Known For

    • Haute cuisine at affordable prices
    • Vegetarian options, plus children's set menu
    • Helpful servers who can recommend wines from an extensive list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 11. Sameiro O Maia

    $

    A meal in this long-established restaurant is worth a climb (or drive) to the top of the hill that's home to the Santuário Nossa Senhora do Sameiro. Views from the spacious, elegantly decorated dining room are superb, and the menu is unadulterated northern Portuguese cuisine. It's possible to eat here for around €10 per head, but if your budget stretches further, you might start with the alheira—a garlicky regional sausage, served with sautéed grelos, or turnip tops—before moving on to the house bacalhau, feauturing heaps of fried onions, or cabrito assado (roasted kid).

    Av. Nossa Sra. do Sameiro 42, Espinho, Aveiro, 4715-606, Portugal
    253 675 114

    Known For

    • You can't go wrong with one of the bacalhau dishes
    • Renowned for its efficient service
    • Roaring fire in the stone fireplace all winter

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., 2 wks in mid-May, and 1st half of Oct.
  • 12. Solar Bragançano

    $$

    In an old mansion across from the old cathedral, this family-run establishment starts you out with a complimentary aperitif in the wood-paneled reception area lined with antique bookshelves. The place is imbued with old-world elegance, from the ornate silver candlesticks to the fine crystal and lace tablecloths. The menu features house-made starters such as alheira sausage and regional dishes that include pheasant, javalí (wild boar), and cabrito assado (roast kid). For dessert, try the pudim do Abade de Baçal, a chestnut-based take on caramel pudding. Reservations are a good idea on weekends, especially in summer.

    Praça de Sé 34, Bragança, Bragança, 5300-265, Portugal
    273 323 875

    Known For

    • Leafy terrace that's perfect for summer evenings
    • Game dishes cooked in cast-iron pots over open flame
    • Excellent selection of regional wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 13. Terra de Montanha

    $

    With tables nestled inside oversized wine barrels, Terra de Montanha has an interior design that's as memorable as the food. Try excellent house specials such as bacalhau com presunto e broa (cod baked with cured ham and cornbread) or a well-flavored meat dish such as joelho de porco assado (roasted pork knuckle). They serve dinner until late here—almost midnight on weekends.

    Rua 31 de Janeiro 16–18, Vila Real, Vila Real, 5000-603, Portugal
    259 372 075

    Known For

    • Upscale dining room resembles a wine cellar
    • Service couldn't be friendlier
    • Vegetarian and children's menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
  • 14. A Cozinha Velha

    $

    It's best to come hungry to this rustic eatery across the Lima River, famed for its starters, such as rissóis de leitão (suckling pig rissoles) and orelha de porco (pig's ear), as well as main dishes like cabrito assado (kid roasted in a wood oven) and bacalhau with a corn bread crust. The stone-walled dining room is dominated by a massive fireplace that keeps the place warm on chilly evenings; in summer there's a pleasant shaded terrace. Servings are huge, so when dining alone don't be shy to ask for a half (meia dose). Don't miss their pudim de Abade de Priscos, an ultra-rich crème caramel pudding. 

    Rua do Barreiro 40, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, 4990-240, Portugal
    258 749 664

    Known For

    • Attentive owners and staff
    • Long list of local wines
    • Convivial atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Reservations essential
  • 15. Amaranto

    $$

    In a residential area away from the center, this spacious, well-appointed restaurant is known for its hearty regional dishes such as cabrito assado (roasted kid), arroz de marisco (seafood rice), or bacalhau à lagareiro (fish baked with olive oil and garlic and served with tiny baked potatoes). Wash it down with some robust local wine.

    Rua Acácio Lino 351, Amarante, Porto, 4600-045, Portugal
    255 422 006

    Known For

    • Sophisticated renditions of traditional dishes
    • Snack bar offers less expensive fare
    • Friendly staff
  • 16. Bagoeira

    $$

    Vendors from the town's weekly market favor this rustic restaurant with its wooden ceiling, wrought-iron chandeliers, and vases of fresh flowers. Grelhados (grilled meats and fish) are prepared in full view of hungry customers on a huge range that splutters and hisses. Other regional dishes served here include rojões (tender fried pork) and papas de sarrabulho, a stew thickened with pig's blood.

    Av. Dr. Sidonio Pais 495, Barcelos, Braga, 4750–333, Portugal
    253 813 088

    Known For

    • Restaurant seats hundreds of diners
    • Grilled octopus is a specialty
    • Delicious house wine
  • 17. Borda D'agua

    $ | Portuguese

    Barely marked, you could easily miss this little restaurant on the riverfront, which is a quick walk from the train station; look for the Vintage House Hotel and you'll find it next door. The kind owner and her staff serve simple, well-prepared fare—grilled meats and seafood, best paired with local port and wine and rounded out by fresh fruit or ice cream. Terrace seats offer great views of the river and the valley. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, but call during low season to check opening hours.

    Travessa da Marginal, Pinhão, Vila Real, 5085-044, Portugal
    254-738–042
  • 18. Buxa

    $$

    On one of the city's most scenic squares, this handsome eatery across from the Museu de Alberto Sampaio has tables in a wood-paneled dining room and beneath the arches of a cobbled courtyard. Portuguese specialties include bacalhau roasted with a cornbread crust, posta à Trás-os-montes (steak, marinated with garlic and then grilled), and prime cuts of porco preto (from the Iberian black pig).

    Largo da Oliveira 23, Guimarães, Braga, 4800-438, Portugal
    252 058 242

    Known For

    • Weekday lunch menu is an excellent value
    • Excellent renditions of the region's classic dishes
    • Extensive wine selection
  • 19. Café Oriental

    $$

    On the iconic square of Largo do Toural, this venerable eatery serves tasty regional dishes—the bacalhau baked with cheese and potato slices and the breaded octopus are fantastic—at prices that won't break the bank. Wash it down with some very drinkable house wine.

    Largo do Toural 11, Guimarães, Braga, 4810-427, Portugal
    253 414 048

    Known For

    • Housed in a historic stone building
    • Elegantly furnished dining room
    • Excellent €12 lunch buffet

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 20. Café Vianna

    $

    In business since 1858, this local landmark serves a wide variety of light dishes and has lovely views of the fountain in the square outside. The dining room is refined and elegant, but the tables outside are most in demand.

    Praça da República, Braga, Braga, 4710-305, Portugal
    253 262 336

    Known For

    • The weekend brunch is popular with locals
    • A hangout for literary types
    • Lovely spot under the arches

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