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. 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.
  • 5. 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
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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
  • 7. 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
  • 8. 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.
  • 9. 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.
  • 10. 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.
  • 11. 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.
  • 12. 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
  • 13. 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.
  • 14. O Hilário

    $

    Expect a warm welcome and no-frills traditional cuisine at this family-run storefront restaurant with a wood-paneled dining room decorated with photos of the famous 19th-century fado star who once lived on this street. The menu changes according to what is fresh in the market that day, but is, unfailingly, unpretentious home-style cooking with huge portions.

    Rua Augusto Hilário 35, Viseu, Viseu, 3500-089, Portugal
    232 436 587

    Known For

    • Desserts are a treat not to be missed
    • You won't get a warmer welcome than here
    • Portuguese comfort food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 15. O Peleiro

    $$

    In the peaceful, rather than picturesque, village of Paião, 10 km (6 miles) south of Figueira da Foz, this restaurant decorated with animal skins was once a tannery, and that's what the name means. An institution for more than 20 years, the menu is heavy on regional specialties, including a famously good sopa da pedra (vegetable and meat soup). Grilled pork and veal on a spit are also excellent. Cozy up in the handsome dining room in winter, or take a seat on the patio when the sun shines. 

    Largo do Alvideiro 5–7, Paião, Coimbra, 3090-495, Portugal
    233 940 159

    Known For

    • Great pitstop when exploring nearby
    • Good wine selection
    • Handsome dining room

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 16. O Trovador

    $

    Seasoned travelers often avoid restaurants near major sights, but O Trovador—just a step away from the old cathedral—proves doubters wrong. Grab a table with a view of the centuries-old architecture and enjoy generous portions of reliably good regional dishes like pork cheeks with sweet potatoes or cod with cornbread.

    Largo da Sé Velha 15–17, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-383, Portugal
    239 825 475

    Known For

    • Hard-to-beat location
    • Elegant dining room
    • Excellent service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun. and Tues., Reservations accepted
  • 17. Restaurante Borges

    $ | Portuguese

    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.

    Travessa do Funchal 7, Seia, Guarda, 627-0517, Portugal
    238-313010

    Known For

    • Exceptional service
    • Great for families
    • Lots of charm

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Thurs.
  • 18. Restaurante do Museu

    $

    Overlooking the gardens and Roman ruins at Conímbriga's museum, the on-site restaurant is a sleek and modern space, with a spacious terrace and large windows. There are daily set meals and a-la-carte options, while an adjoining terrace café is a more informal spot for coffee, ice cream, and light snacks.

    Rua das Ruinas 7, Condeixa-a-Velha, Coimbra, 3150-220, Portugal
    239 948 218

    Known For

    • Simple but tasty traditional dishes
    • Very handy for the ruins and museum
    • Terrace has lovely views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 19. Restaurante Dom Sancho

    $$

    Just inside the gates, this pleasant little restaurant in a restored stone house provides diners with a rustic yet elegant dining experience. It specializes in game dishes like roast wild boar and venison.

    Largo do Corro, Sortelha, Guarda, 6320-536, Portugal
    271 388 267

    Known For

    • Good wine and Portuguese classics
    • Magical atmosphere
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
  • 20. Restaurante O Cesteiro

    $

    At the western edge of town, this popular local restaurant serves simple fare that includes several types of salt cod, roast kid, and fresh fish.

    Rua Monsenhor Raul Mira 78, Luso, Aveiro, 3050-282, Portugal
    231 939 360

    Known For

    • Portuguese comfort food
    • Reasonable prices
    • Dated decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.

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