34 Best Restaurants in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

A roof terrace with sweeping views over Coimbra and the Cañas Valley draws crowds to this friendly restaurant on the outskirts of town. A downstairs dining room is packed with locals at lunchtime, but out-of-towners head straight up to the roof to enjoy drinks and snacks with those glorious vistas. The name means "Terrace of the King," and there's even a throne where children tend to enjoy posing for photographs.

The secluded, under-the-radar restaurant at upscale Sapientia Boutique Hotel has a cozy stone-walled interior and a sunny, flower filled terrace garden. Both spaces are beautifully decorated, and the same attention to detail extends to the extensive menu of traditional dishes and tapas-style sharing plates like ceviche and regional cheese boards, perfectly paired with local wines.

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).

The rustic atmosphere here is accentuated by a decor that includes traditional farming tools, ancient barrels, and dark-wood beams. Fittingly, the food is hearty farmers' fare–- expect generous portions of dishes like roasted goat and beef stew with mushrooms. Seafood choices include paella, as well as grilled salmon and squid.