9 Best Restaurants in Macau, China

Tucked into a charming cobblestone courtyard in Macau’s historic St. Lazarus district, Albergue 1601 serves up classic Portuguese flavors in a setting steeped in Luso culture. Chaves-born chef Pedro Almeida’s specialties—seafood rice stew, braised Ibérico pork cheek, piri piri chicken, grilled octopus bathed in garlic and olive oil—pair beautifully with a deep Portuguese wine list. When the weather’s right, dine alfresco beneath century-old camphor trees.

Founded by local culinary legend Florita Maria Natália de Jesus Morais Alves, La Famiglia is one of the city’s best places to try Macanese food. Homestyle dishes like minchi (wok-fried pork and potato hash topped with a fried egg), capela (Macanese-style meatloaf), and stuffed shrimp sautéed with butter and garlic represent the fusion of flavors that define the cuisine. Order a lot to share, and when the weather is pleasant, dine with views of Taipa village on the third floor.

Part of the Macao University of Tourism (UTM), this restaurant is a training ground for students pursuing future careers in hospitality. They work in the kitchen, the bakery, and the front of the house on a variety of Macanese, Portuguese, and Western dishes, and they do it all at a high level. At lunch, order à la carte to try Macanese dishes like shrimp toast and chicken sautéed with turmeric and ginger, or come for dinner for the five-course set menu, including Macanese laksa, tamarind pork, and more made to pair with Portuguese wines.

A Macau institution since 1903, Fat Siu Lau keeps locals and visitors coming back for its legendary roasted pigeon, shek ki—a family recipe perfected over generations. Still run by its founding family, the restaurant blends classic Macanese flavors with modern creations, making it a popular stop for those craving a taste of history.

Next to Aurora and with the same stunning views of the peninsula, Kira serves quality Japanese fare. Its wasabi, for example, comes fresh and doesn't burn badly—truly sublime mustard is a sign that something fresh is taking place in the kitchen. Outdoor deck seating is a nice way to enjoy Kira's carefully cut sashimi, subtle seaweed soups, and fine cuts of wagyu beef. This is an excellent choice for entertaining guests and for family dining, but there are also private booths if you're in the mood for something intimate.

Lakeside Trattoria delivers classic Italian flavors in a scenic setting overlooking Nam Van Lake. Roman-style pizzas, handmade pastas, and seafood dishes shine, but don’t miss the chef’s lasagna with hearty meat ragù. End on a sweet note with Nutella pillows or scoop of rich gelato. When the weather is warm and breezy—basically anytime but summer—grab a veranda seat by the lake for the best experience.

A busy little eatery in the heart of Taipa Village, O Santos serves up classic Portuguese fare without frills or fluff—but with a lot of warm and lively hospitality. Decorated with Portuguese soccer paraphernalia, the gregarious owner’s navy keepsakes, and global currencies tacked to the walls, it’s not a place for a romantic night out, but the food is great. Try the suckling pig, baked duck rice, and, to finish, the serradura (a Portuguese dessert containing cookies and cream).

The house-made sangria is terrific.

Despite its Portuguese name, Portas do Sol is one of Macau’s top destinations for exquisite dim sum. Traditional favorites—barbecue pork buns, pan-fried turnip cakes, and delicate soup dumplings—share the menu with Chinese seasonal delicacies and haute cuisine creations. Desserts are just as refined, from fish-shape mango and coconut pudding to peanut-covered sticky rice dumplings filled with black sesame paste. With Hong Kong and mainland visitors packing the tables on weekends, reservations are a must.

Vic’s Restaurante stays true to Portuguese traditions but lifts them up using top-tier ingredients and tools. Succulent 40-month-aged black Ibérico pork is put to use in a few different ways, while whole lobster rice, made for two to share, is cooked in a traditional Algarve copper pot. The food and service are excellent, but the breezy terrace facing the waterfront elevates it to a higher level. It’s one reason the restaurant has become a favorite among Macau’s Portuguese expat crowd.