Known as 'The Real Portugal', the Silver Coast boasts a large variety of restaurants where the flavours of yesteryear are joined by new culinary interpretations, and the freshness and quality of the ingredients always stand out!
Famous for being a gastronomic region rich in flavours and century-old culinary traditions, here you will find the best of both the sea and the land.
On one hand, the vast coastline brings the freshest fish and seafood to the region's tables. In places such as Nazaré, the catch of the day is usually caught by local fishermen along the coast and unloaded from the boats to the local municipal market or directly to local restaurants' kitchens!
On the other hand, the fertile soils of the lush countryside allow local farmers to grow top-quality fruits and vegetables, often cultivated in old-fashioned ways and with little or no pesticides. When the locals and restaurants shop at places such as the daily farmers' market in Caldas da Rainha, they know where their food comes from!
The meats produced in the Silver Coast are also of superior quality, with local restaurants offering veal, pork, poultry and lamb dishes that are local favourites. No need to add sauces or artificial seasonings, just excellent quality meat and a bit of salt... the hot grill and experienced hands of local cooks and chefs will take care of the rest!
Join us on this culinary journey and discover some of the best restaurants on Portugal's Silver Coast!
From North to South, we travel through the villages between Sao Pedro de Moel and Caldas da Rainha to share some of the Silver Coast's most famous places to eat, as well as our favourite dishes... and views!
1. Restaurante O Tonico - Paredes da Vitoria
Located on Paredes da Vitoria beach, for the past four decades O Tonico has dedicated itself to serving the best of Portuguese flavours, namely those inspired by the sea.
Among the house specialities, generous sized portions of the highest quality barnacles, shrimp and fresh fish bring the nearby ocean directly to your plate.
Other favourites include the "açorda" (a creamy stew made with Portuguese bread and shrimp) and the "arroz de marisco", seafood rice richly served with the best sea delicacies. The restaurant's homemade ice cream is equally famous, so make sure to leave room for an epic ending!
Outside, a closed terrace welcomes customers all year round.
How to get there:
Avenida Nossa Senhora da Vitória, 16
Paredes da Vitória
2. Taverna do 8 ó 80 - Nazaré
This tapas restaurant has a superb location, right next to the waterfront of Nazaré beach. An excellent choice to enjoy lunch or dine while watching the sunset over Portugal's most famous fishing village!
The menu includes several meat dishes, served grilled, but it is the fish that holds sway over the regular clientele, namely the halibut fillet with special sauce.
Other specialities include the house-style codfish, "carne na pedra" (steak cooked on a natural stone) and the many tapas available. This popular restaurant in Nazaré also stands out for its good wine list.
How to get there:
Av. Manuel Remígio, 8
2450-106 Nazaré
3. Pangeia Restaurante - Nazaré
At Pangeia you will find sophisticated gastronomy and one of the best views of Nazaré!
Located on the hill next to the Pederneira miradouro, this restaurant has an elegant decoration framed by an outdoor garden and terrace.
Pangeia's delicious menu includes an extensive list of fish and meat options. Favourites include veal fillet tataki served with ponzu sauce and a tray of sweets made from homemade recipes. However, the house speciality is undoubtedly its famous octopus dishes, namely octopus ceviche, carpaccio and vol-au-vent.
Pangeia has a second restaurant near the waterfront of Nazaré Beach: Pangeia By The Sea. In this relaxed and elegant space, you can enjoy Pangeia's delicious dishes and feel even closer to the sea.
How to get there:
Rua Abel da Silva, 50
2450-060 Nazaré
4. Restaurante António Padeiro - Alcobaça
This family-owned business, located in a side street in front of the Alcobaça Monastery, was originally a bakery, founded in 1938 by the grandfather of the restaurant's current owner. The original "António padeiro", who was a soccer player during the day and a "padeiro" (baker) at night, hence the name of the restaurant. It later evolved into a restaurant by the hand of "avó Júlia" who has been heading the kitchen for decades.
The interior walls of this famous restaurant in Alcobaça are also full of history, but it is at the table that the magic happens. From the convent-inspired sugary desserts, to the "bacalhau" and meat dishes:
Codfish with cabbage and "broa" (traditional Portuguese cornbread)
Oven-baked octopus with sweet potato
Shrimp "açorda"
Black pork cheeks
Roasted kid Padeiro style (only on Sundays)
Hazelnut pie with salted caramel
Alcobaca's apple pie
... the hard part is choosing!
How to get there:
Rua Dom Maur Cocheril, 27
2460-032 Alcobaça
5. Nova Caravela - São Martinho do Porto
Located in one of the most iconic spots of São Martinho do Porto, at Nova Caravela you can find the best fish and seafood right on the pier and with a fabulous view over the bay!
This Silver Coast fish and seafood restaurant offers the option of dining indoors, with a sea-inspired decor well suited to the menu and the name of the place, or on the outdoor terrace right next to the water. There is also a take-away option.
As for menu options, expect simple, yet delicious food, made from the freshest seafood and fish. Some of our favourite dishes include garlic shrimp and tuna steak.
Each delicacy is prepared, cooked and served with simple perfection, and accompanied by a great selection of wines that makes for the perfect dining experience.
How to get there:
Rua Cândido dos Reis, 25D
2460-637 São Martinho do Porto
6. Tibino Casa de Petiscos - Foz do Arelho
Located in the village of Foz do Arelho, this "casa de petiscos" (traditional tapas house) celebrates the Portuguese tradition of "petiscar", which means to eat several appetisers together, resulting in a variety of flavours, textures and gustatory experiences!
Tibino is a perfect spot to enjoy a long lunch after a morning at Foz do Arelho beach or dine after visiting Obidos Lagoon. Here, you will find a diversified menu, ranging from salads, to meat, fish and pasta dishes.
Our suggestion? Start with a "sapateira" (stuffed crab) or fried shrimp, accompanied by a fresh glass of Portuguese white wine or beer. Other options include a generously served tapas menu, different menu of the day lunch suggestions every day of the week, as well as the possibility to order take-away or enjoy your meal in the outdoor terrace.
The cosy dining area has an original vintage decor, where home furniture fits in perfectly.
How to get there:
Rua Francisco Almeida Grandela, 14
2500 Foz do Arelho
7. Eels, Beef & Co. - Foz do Arelho
Located in Nadadouro, next to the bandstand of this quaint village, Eels, Beef & Co. is a typical Silver Coast restaurant. Under the management of Chef Suzi Machado, you can count on the traditional flavours of Portuguese delicacies combined with the best local specialities and regional ingredients.
The menu makes the most of the proximity to Óbidos Lagoon, including several suggestions of appetisers cooked with local ingredients, such as clams "à Bulhão Pato" or the traditional Fried Eels. "Caldeirada" (fish stew) is another house favourite!
The restaurant is known for its chef's friendliness and great prices, offering a daily lunch menu with the dish of the day that also includes bread, olives and coffee.
With a privileged view of the green landscape surrounding the beautiful village of Nadadouro, especially on the outdoor patio, Eels, Beef & Co. is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal!
How to get there:
Rua N. Sra. do Bom Sucesso
2500-573 Nadadouro
8. Taberna do Manelvina - Caldas da Rainha
One of the best places to sample traditional Silver Coast cuisine in a family atmosphere is at Taberna do Manelvina, located in Salir de Matos and only a 12-minute drive from Caldas da Rainha.
This restaurant was founded as a trading house, grocery store, café and tavern in the 50's by Manuel "Manelvina" Isabel. It was remodelled in 1997 to serve "petiscos" such as cheese and homemade smoked ham, as well as delicious wine from the best Portuguese wine regions.
Manelvina rapidly became famous for its "petiscadas" and especially after the barbecue of black pork was introduced to the menu. At the time, this meat was unheard of on the Silver Coast, which gained the restaurant enormous popularity.
Today, Manelvina is one of the most famous Silver Coast restaurants, especially known for its barbecues, namely farm-raised black pork, wild bull and the famous "entremeadas" (grilled pork belly).
The restaurant also has seasonal options, such as the "cozido de carnes bravas" (wild meat stew), available from October to May, or grilled sardines, a Portuguese summer favourite available between June and September, when sardines are the best quality. There is also a wide range of Portuguese wines to choose from!
If you're a meat-lover and want to try these specialities, be sure to book a reservation as Taberna do Manelvina is often very busy!
How to get there:
Rua Principal, 21
2500-632 Salir de Matos
9. Adega do Albertino - Caldas da Rainha
Adega do Albertino has served traditional Portuguese cuisine since 1989, with great attention to detail and quality. Located in Imaginário, a small village 5-minutes north of Caldas da Rainha, Albertino Catarino founded the restaurant with his wife. Although originally the intention was to create a café, it rapidly gained fame as a restaurant due to his wife's famous cooking.
Today, 30 years later, Adega do Albertino is one of the most well-known traditional Portuguese restaurants in the Silver Coast!
Here, you can expect a friendly atmosphere with a rustic decoration made of hundreds of traditional artefacts and collectable items on display. But the house speciality is its wide variety of traditional Portuguese flavours, where the quality and fresh ingredients always stand out!
Main courses include:
Squid skewer with shrimp
Entrecote steak with red wine sauce, honey & almonds
Roasted goatling with chestnuts
Octopus on clay roof tile with shrimp
Duck rice
and lamb chops
... to name a few!
As for desserts, our favourites include drunk pear in "suspiro" bed, Abade de Priscos pudding and chocolate mousse!
How to get there:
Rua Julio Sousa, 7
Imaginário
2500-312 Caldas da Rainha
10. Solar dos Amigos - Caldas da Rainha
Located on the outskirts of Caldas da Rainha, in the village of Guisado, at Solar dos Amigos you can taste genuine Portuguese cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels at home!
This Silver Coast restaurant was founded in 1976 by Manuel Henriques, father of the current head of the restaurant, Maria Luisa Henriques.
Initially, it started as a small wine cellar where "petiscos" were served accompanied by the sound of Portuguese fado. Over the years, the restaurant has grown and currently has five dining rooms, each with a rustic and cosy decor displaying equestrian objects linked to bullfighting traditions.
The menu is a tribute to the Silver Coast's traditional cuisine. Among the most famous dishes are two bacalhau (salted codfish) options: "bacalhau à campino" and "tiborna de bacalhau". As for meat options, favourites include "cascos à Ribatejo", steak "à forcado" and "bandeirilhas de borrego".
Also make sure to leave room for dessert, as you will also find a wide variety of traditional Portuguese desserts to try!
How to get there:
Rua Principal, 49
2500-633 Salir de Matos
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