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Macau's medley of Portuguese and Cantonese cuisine—spicy and creamy Macanese interpretations of traditional Cantonese dishes such as baked prawns, braised abalone, and seafood stews—has made it one of Asia's top fine-dining destinations for decades.
Now, thanks to the spate of new casino-hotels, Macau has also become an exciting world-class culinary frontier. But local dining isn't all highbrow. Near the Largo do Senado and in the villages of Taipa and Coloane, wander the back alleys to find treats like zhu-bao-bao (a slab of fried pork on a toasted bun served with milk tea) or the signature pasteis de nata (custard tart): they’re simple, delicious, and classic Macau.
Long-renowned restaurants such as Restaurante Fernando and Litoral are staying the course. So, too, are Cantonese eateries such as Fat Siu Lau, particularly well known among Hong Kong residents who travel to Macau just for dim sum, weekend brunches, and seafood feasts at more affordable prices and made from higher-quality ingredients.
Quirky and one-of-a-kind, long-standing Dom Galo is as famous for flamboyant decor—rooster paraphernalia, bright yellow chairs, spray-painted disco balls strung from the ceiling—as for its generously portioned Portuguese dishes. The clientele ranges from couples on dates to gambling-compliance lawyers and Cantonese families celebrating birthdays and special occasions.
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.
Look for the cow logo marking Leitaria I Son, the original shop of Yee Shun Milk Company on Avenida Almeida Ribeiro. This nostalgic milk bar is known for its silky steamed milk and ginger pudding desserts, served hot or cold, plain or with toppings like red beans. Other specialties include frothy fruit milk shakes in flavors like papaya and banana, all enjoyed in its signature green-and-white cafeteria-style setting.
Founded by the ex-wife of the late Andrew Stow (of Lord Stow’s fame), Margaret’s Café e Nata has been dishing out piping-hot egg tarts since 1992. Nestled in an alleyway between the Grand Lisboa and Senado Square, the café provides a cool, shaded environment to enjoy its buttery, caramelized tarts and a signature milk tea or iced coffee.
