Coimbra and Central Portugal Restaurants

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

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  • 1. Arcadas

    $$$$

    In the former stables of Quinta das Lagrimas, this well-regarded restaurant has two dining rooms, one of which opens onto immaculate gardens with fruit trees and herb gardens that provide ingredients for the meal to come. Created by star chef Vitor Dias, dishes are immaculately presented and full of powerful and unusual flavors. Fine Portuguese wines accompany each course, as do complimentary amuse-bouches. A children's menu with simpler options, like pizza, keeps younger diners happy while the grown-ups relish the refined dishes of the tasting menu.

    Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3041-901, Portugal
    239 802 380

    Known For

    • Tranquil views of the well-tended gardens
    • Excellent wines from nearby Dão and Bairrada wine regions
    • Interesting tasting menus and surprising food combinations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 2. Café Santa Cruz

    $

    Until its conversion in 1923, Café Santa Cruz was an auxiliary chapel for the monastery. Now its high-vaulted Manueline ceiling and stained-glass windows make it an ideal spot to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or a leisurely lunch with a glass of wine. Despite all the grandeur, prices are extremely reasonable. 

    Praça 8 de Maio, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-300, Portugal
    239 833 617

    Known For

    • Historical and cultural landmark in Coimbra
    • Drinks ranging from coffee to caipirinhas
    • Simple but tasty light meals like toasted sandwiches
  • 3. Coisas da Lena

    $

    Everything from set three-course lunches to delicious cakes and pastries are prepared with love and served with a smile at this welcoming restaurant in the heart of Coimbra's historic center. There are plenty of tables in the cozy interior, but the tables and chairs set out on the flagstones outside are the best bet in the summer months. Prices are extremely reasonable given the prime location. 

    Rua Sargento Mor, 8–12, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-420, Portugal
    912 002 238

    Known For

    • Daily specials like cod in creamy sauce
    • Vegetarian and vegan options
    • Family-friendly atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner.
  • 4. Doce Amor

    $

    This self-proclaimed "brownieria" is owned and run by a friendly Brazilian family that serves a range of squishy, oozing brownies finished with toppings of your own choice and accompanied by filtered coffee. Brazilian brigadeiros (traditional chocolate and condensed milk confections) are another specialty.

    R. Visc. da Luz 75 R. Visc. da Luz 75, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-414, Portugal
    912 259 696

    Known For

    • Dessert here is an event
    • Coffee is top-notch
    • Tasty ice cream

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. Fangas Veg

    $

    This tucked-away eatery serves inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes designed to make the most of fresh seasonal produce. The staff goes out of its way to explain the dishes and provide recommendations; sharing is key here, so plan on three petiscos (small plates) between two people. This is the original location, but if it's full try Fangas Maior a few doors down, which also has fish and meat options. 

    Rua Fernandes Tomás, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-168, Portugal
    934 093 636

    Known For

    • Inventive meat-free petiscos
    • Good wine list
    • Gluten free and vegan options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Loggia

    $

    With tables set on a vast veranda in the upper reaches of the city, Loggia has some of the best panoramic views in town. It's the on-site restaurant at the Machado do Castro art museum, and the setting is a work of art in itself. Leisurely brunches here are extremely popular, as are the excellent value lunch menus. Expect traditional Portuguese fare, elegantly presented. 

    Largo Dr. José Rodrigues, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-236, Portugal
    239 853 076

    Known For

    • Sunset snacks and cocktails
    • Sunday brunch feasts
    • Beautiful terrace in a historic building

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun. and Tues.
  • 7. O Cortiço

    $$

    Viseu's most celebrated restaurant is known for the sometimes comical names of its dishes as well as for its intelligent use of old local recipes. Try the coelho bêbedo (drunk rabbit), which is rabbit stewed in red wine, or the bacalhau podre (rotten), which is actually a savory dish of salt cod braised in a tomato-and-wine sauce. Bring cash, because international cards are not accepted.

    Rua Augusto Hilário 47, Viseu, Viseu, 3810-275, Portugal
    232 416 127

    Known For

    • Huge portions of hearty comfort food
    • Speedy service
    • Food cooked using time-honored techniques

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun., Reservations recommended
  • 8. Pedro dos Leitões

    $$

    Of the several restaurants specializing in suckling pig, this is the most popular. The size of the parking lot is a dead giveaway that this is no intimate bistro, and the spitted pigs pop out of the huge ovens at an amazing rate (especially in summer). In spite of the volume, quality is maintained.

    Rua Alvaro Pedro 1, Mealhada, Aveiro, 3050-382, Portugal
    231 209 950

    Known For

    • Best place to sample leitão à bairrada
    • Massive dining room
    • Speedy service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
  • 9. Salpoente

    $$$$

    Two former salt warehouses have been lovingly restored to create a sophisticated dining room with a lofty ceiling and exposed beams. The specialty at this award-winning space is bacalhau---it's prepared in several inventive ways. Salpoente also hosts regular art exhibitions and features live music, ranging from sultry jazz to fado, on weekends.

    Canal São Roque 82-83, Aveiro, Aveiro, 3800-256, Portugal
    234 382 674

    Known For

    • Tasting menus are the way to go
    • Jazz and fado on weekends
    • Artsy design

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 10. Volta & Meia

    $

    The brilliant red walls and hand-painted murals might catch your eye, but the savory pies will make you want to stay. That includes a delectable range of "hidden pies" whose ingredients are wrapped like a gift parcel in seasoned pastry crust. Try the pie with cod and cabbage, or with local sausage, cheese, and spinach.

    Rua Dr. Francisco António Diniz 64, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, 3080-157, Portugal
    233 418 381

    Known For

    • Ideal for vegetarians and vegans
    • Good pasta dishes and bruschettas
    • Tasty seafood

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sat. and Sun.
  • 11. A Cozinha da Maria

    $

    A bubbly, friendly atmosphere fills this quintessentially Portuguese restaurant specializing in cod and other dishes from the region. The decor is handsome, looking for all the world like a kitchen from a century ago. Bring cash, as international bank cards aren't accepted. 

    Rua das Azeiteiras 65, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-066, Portugal
    911 533 126

    Known For

    • Big windows let in lots of light
    • Large portions of high quality comfort food
    • Live music

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 12. A Moagem

    $

    Established in 1987, this restaurant is famed in these parts for its excellent lunch buffet of hearty regional cuisine. Depending on the season you'll find such Portuguese favorites as bacalhau com natas (codfish with cream), arroz de pata (rice with duck), and suckling pig. Arrive early for lunch, or face a long wait for a seat. 

    Largo Macedo Souto Maior, Montemor-o-Velho, Coimbra, 3140-269, Portugal
    239 680 225

    Known For

    • Generous buffet
    • Regional fare
    • Relaxed vibe

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner.
  • 13. A Plataforma

    $

    This waterfront eatery has seafood with a sea view: expect everything from shrimp and crab to mussels to the fish of the day. It's a touristy spot, but the old-fashioned service from the jovial staff gives the place an authentic flavor.

    Av. Infante Dom Pedro, Buarcos, Coimbra, 3080-167, Portugal
    233 098 302

    Known For

    • Good lunch spot
    • Great beach views
    • Delicious shrimp dishes
  • 14. Belo Horizonte

    $ | Portuguese

    Guarda isn't noted for its restaurant scene, but this modest granite-fronted establishment in the old quarter is one of the few exceptions. It serves hearty regional fare like cabrito grelhada (grilled baby goat).

    Largo de São Vicente 2, Guarda, Guarda, 6300-601, Portugal
    271-211454

    Known For

    • Serves a different type of bacalhau daily
    • Portuguese meat-and-potatoes dishes
    • Relaxed dining room

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. Closed Mon.
  • 15. Caçarola 1

    $$

    Dine on superb seafood like juicy prawns, fish stews, and various rice dishes; everything is wonderfully fresh. This restaurant is very popular with locals, particularly on weekends, so you may have to wait for a table.

    Rua Cándido dos Reis 65, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, 3080-155, Portugal
    233 424 861

    Known For

    • Waterfront location with covered outdoor seating and cozy interior
    • Excellent seafood and petiscos
    • Family friendly
  • 16. Dux Petiscos e Vinhos

    $

    This stylish bar-cum-restaurant specializes in a modern take on Portuguese tapas with dishes designed and presented to excite all the senses. The menu changes according to what is fresh in the market that day, but you can expect interesting combinations like chestnut puree topped with grilled shiitake mushrooms. Small plates like tuna ceviche or sweet-potato crisps with garlic mayonnaise are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of crisp local wine.

    Rua dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra 102, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-181, Portugal
    239 402 818

    Known For

    • Plenty of vegetarian options
    • Good setting for groups
    • Wonderful wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations accepted
  • 17. M Bakery

    $

    This pastel pink bakery looks every bit as sweet as its freshly baked treats, which attract huge lines of cake-loving locals. From pretty cakes topped with edible flowers to sugar-free, gluten-free chocolate brownies, the vitrine is a feast for the eyes, and everything tastes as good as it looks.

    Travessa do Governo Civil 5, Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-133, Portugal
    234 048 911

    Known For

    • Unicorn donuts
    • Gluten-free options daily
    • Light lunches like risottos and salad bowls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 18. Mercado do Peixe

    $$

    This upscale restaurant is easy to find—it occupies the upper floor of the city's fish market. Widely considered to be the best place in town for fresh seafood, its specialties include caldeirada de enguias (eel stew) and arroz de bacalhau e gambas (rice with cod and prawns). The surroundings are a charming combination of industrial design and traditional tiles, with plenty of gleaming metal and large picture windows overlooking the canal.

    Largo da Praça do Peixe 1, Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-086, Portugal
    968 073 652

    Known For

    • Fresh grilled fish
    • Suckling pig
    • Lovely views of the boats on the canal

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun., Reservations essential
  • 19. Muralha da Sé

    $$

    Within confessional distance of the Igreja da Misericórdia and just a few steps from the cathedral, this elegant eatery is housed in a traditional honey-colored building. The menu has a regional focus, with popular dishes including a sharing plate of different sausages made in the area. The dining room has sultry lighting for an intimate meal, while the pretty terrace provides great people-watching opportunities.

    Adro da Se 24, Viseu, Viseu, 3510-195, Portugal
    232 437 777

    Known For

    • Terrace and dining room overlooking the historic center
    • Lamb and other local meats
    • Good selection of regional wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner Sun.
  • 20. O Burrito

    $

    As you're heading past Sé Nova, take the first alley on the left to discover this tiny bohemian restaurant tucked behind a church. The Mexican fusion restaurant has a small but delicious range of hot and cold vegan empanadas, quesadillas, and massive burritos. The quirky setting, with mismatched tables and chairs and board games scattered about, is completely disarming. No international cards are accepted, so be sure to bring cash. 

    Largo de São Salvador, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-372, Portugal
    239 198 260

    Known For

    • Vibrant neighborhood setting
    • Cash only
    • Delicious dairy-free desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner Tues. and Wed.

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